Hands-on with MING's Dive Watches: The 37.09 Bluefin and Uni

Hands-on with MING's Dive Watches: The 37.09 Bluefin and Uni

Dive Watches with a Singular Aesthetic and Technical Prowess

MING’s 37.09 Bluefin and Uni dive watches combine practical design with strong technical features. These watches are designed for functionality and performance, earning the Bluefin the GPHG Sports Watch prize in 2024.

Design and Functionality

Since 2017, MING has developed a clear and consistent design approach. Their watches are recognizable and prioritize functionality. The 37.09 dive watches follow this approach with features that focus on usability.

The crystal’s underside is engraved and filled with luminous material for clear time-telling in low light. The sapphire dial, also filled with luminova, rotates unidirectionally to track elapsed time. This design keeps the watch functional while maintaining a clean and simple look. The rotating sapphire dial is controlled by a crown at the 4 o’clock position, which is easy to access and operate.

Movement

The 37.09 dive watches use the Sellita SW300.M1 movement, customized for MING. This movement has skeletonized anthracite-finished bridges and a rotor, which add visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. It operates at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and has a 50-hour power reserve. This ensures reliable timekeeping and sufficient autonomy for daily wear or short trips without winding.

Case and Durability

The cases of the Bluefin and Uni are made from 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. The Uni features a matte brushed finish with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, providing additional scratch resistance and a subdued appearance. Both models have the following dimensions:

  • Diameter: 38mm
  • Thickness: 12.8mm (including the curved sapphire crystal)
  • Lug-to-lug: 44.5mm

These dimensions make the watches suitable for most wrist sizes, offering a comfortable fit and balanced proportions. Despite their compact size, they achieve a depth rating of 600 meters. This is double the water resistance of the Rolex Submariner and 100 meters more than the Tudor Pelagos.

To achieve this level of water resistance, MING optimized the curvature and thickness of the front and back sapphire crystals. The watches were tested to withstand depths of 900 meters after 24 hours of saturation. The official rating of 600 meters ensures a margin of safety for professional and recreational divers.

Flexible Strap Options

Both models come with a quick-change, adjustable rubber strap that is easy to use and comfortable for extended wear. The 20mm lug width allows for straightforward strap changes, giving wearers the flexibility to customize their watches with different materials or colors. The straps are designed to perform well in water and resist wear from exposure to salt and chlorine.

The 37.09 Bluefin and Uni are practical dive watches that balance design and performance. Their thoughtful engineering, compact dimensions, and robust capabilities make them a strong choice for both everyday wear and underwater use.

Both watches are produced in limited quantities each year, and are available to order at collectivehorology.com – an authorized retailer of MING watches. As always, thanks for reading and supporting independent watchmaking.

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