First Look at the MING 29.01 Midnight Worldtimer

First Look at the MING 29.01 Midnight Worldtimer

A Stealthier Take on the 29-Series Worldtimer

MING has introduced the 29.01 Midnight, a new limited-edition worldtimer that builds on the brand’s 29-series with a darker, more discreet visual language. This is not a redesign of the original 29.01 Worldtimer, but rather a deliberate evolution, and only 25 pieces will be produced.



A More Subtle Worldtimer

Where the original 29.01 was bolder and brighter, the Midnight variant leans into restraint. Inspired by the colorway first seen on the MING 37.09 Uni, the palette here is cooler, more nocturnal. MING suggests the watch suits everything from “covert night missions” to “plain ol’ insomnia,” but behind the tongue-in-cheek humor is a serious watch with thoughtful details.


Wrist Size: 6.5in / 16.5cm

The world time display functions via a rotating metallic 24-hour disc, set beneath a dual-layer sapphire dial. Static city names appear across two levels of the sapphire, while time is read against contrasting luminous numerals and indices. The result is a dynamic dial architecture with a subtle interplay of surfaces and transparency.

Legibility, Reimagined

Every visible marker and hand is filled with HyCeram ceramic Super-LumiNova X1, offering high performance under low light. Even the orange numerals glow in orange—maintaining the visual integrity of the palette after dark. It’s a clear indication that function hasn’t been compromised in favor of form.

Time is displayed via sapphire hands filled with the same luminous material, again keeping the visual language consistent and modern.

Case Construction: Seamless and Sculptural

The 40mm case is crafted from DLC-coated grade 5 titanium and features a distinctive seven-part construction. Most notably, the deep box sapphire crystal doubles as both crystal and bezel, seamlessly bonded to the case body. The visual effect is one of fluidity—free of hard lines or obvious boundaries.

The “flying blade” lugs, a signature of the 29-series, are polished on top and bottom, while the case sides are matte. Lugs and case are visually integrated through sculpted transitions and an interlocking groove that aligns with the caseback, which itself appears seamless when viewed from below. Despite its size on paper (40mm diameter, 11.8mm thick, 50mm lug-to-lug), the design wears comfortably across a range of wrist sizes.

A Movement Worth Looking At

Inside is a Schwarz-Etienne automatic microrotor movement, significantly reworked for MING.

  • The barrel is fully skeletonized, making it easier to visually assess the power reserve
  • Bridges are coated in 5N rose gold and finished with diamond-cut anglage
  • The tungsten microrotor features a new organic “donut-inspired” shape and improved mounting with ceramic ball bearings for increased winding efficiency
  • The rotor is protected by a multi-level “staircase” guard—a small but deliberate design flourish
  • The movement offers an 86-hour power reserve and is adjusted in five positions for precision

Final Touches & Availability

The 29.01 Midnight comes fitted with a black FKM rubber strap and DLC-coated buckle, designed with a micro-adjustment system.

Only 25 pieces of the 29.01 Midnight will be produced, and are available at collectivehorology.com. As with many of MING’s limited releases, the production volume ensures that owners are unlikely to encounter another in the wild.


Specs at a Glance

  • Case: 40mm grade 5 titanium with DLC coating; 11.8mm thick; 50m water resistance
  • Crystal: Box sapphire front and domed rear, both with AR coating
  • Dial: Dual-layer sapphire with metallic 24h rotating disc and static cities 
  • Lume: Super-LumiNova X1 (white and orange) with HyCeram ceramic fill
  • Movement: Schwarz-Etienne ASE 222 for MING; 86h power reserve; microrotor; 5N rose gold coated bridges
  • Strap: Black FKM rubber with DLC buckle; includes a second strap
  • Availability: Limited to 25 pieces; deliveries begin June 2025
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