Hands-on with the MING 37.02 Minimalist
MING's Most Accessible Watch Delivers Fully on the Brand's Promise
MING has built a reputation for distinctive design, inventive use of materials, and thoughtful watchmaking . The 37.02 Minimalist, released in late 2024, encapsulates these values while aiming to be the brand’s most accessible model to date—both in terms of price and availability. For a company known for limited production runs, the Minimalist marks a shift by being regularly available, making it something of a flagship offering.
The MING 37.02 Minimalist is a time-only watch housed in a 316L stainless steel case. Its dimensions—38mm in diameter, 11mm in height, 44.5mm lug-to-lug, and 20mm lug width—ensure a balanced wrist presence. The case design remains true to MING’s signature aesthetic, with flowing lines and a refined profile.
The watch is delivered on a black quick-change rubber strap, but MING offers additional rubber strap options in various colors. It is also fully compatible with the brand’s Universal bracelet, which features the same quick-change mechanism for seamless interchangeability.
Movement and Performance
At the heart of the Minimalist is the Sellita SW300.M1, a movement developed specifically for MING. This automatic caliber operates at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and provides a 50-hour power reserve. The movement features skeletonized anthracite-finished bridges and a rotor, adding an element of visual intrigue through the sapphire caseback.
The Dial: A Study in Legibility and Material Innovation
One of the defining features of the 37.02 Minimalist is its sapphire dial, which incorporates a unique hour scale using line art to mark the hours. Rather than following a rigid pattern, the design prioritizes legibility, with each marking carefully tested for optimal readability. The hour markers are laser-cut into the sapphire dial and filled with MING’s proprietary white-emission lume.
True white-emission lume is uncommon due to the technical challenges involved in its formulation. Many so-called white lumes emit a faint greenish glow, but MING insisted on achieving pure white illumination—a process that took years to perfect. For contrast, the handset is filled with Super-LumiNova X1 in a blue-emission variant, ensuring clear differentiation between dial elements in low-light conditions.
Adding to the watch’s legibility, the sapphire crystal features five layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. This significantly reduces glare and enhances clarity, reinforcing the minimalist ethos of the design.
While a black sapphire dial might seem straightforward, the execution introduces an additional layer of complexity. The back of the dial is metalized, creating a dynamic effect that shifts between deep black and reflective depending on the viewing angle. This subtle interplay of light and texture enhances the visual experience and keeps the watch engaging over time.
The Philosophy Behind the Minimalist
Despite its position as MING’s most accessible watch, the 37.02 Minimalist does not compromise on the brand’s core principles. Every element, from the case design to the dial execution, reflects a meticulous approach to watchmaking. In an era where many brands—both independent and mainstream—are moving further upmarket, MING has chosen to offer an entry-level piece that remains deeply considered and uncompromising.
The 37.02 Minimalist is available at collectivehorology.com – an authorized retailer of MING watches. As always, thanks for reading and supporting independent watchmaking.