Introducing the Ming 51.01 Halo in Golden Titanium

MING Gets Formal with Titanium

By Blake Buettner

Titanium has become a mainstream material in the watch world, appearing on sport and tool watches across a broad price spectrum, showing up from the case to the bracelet (sometimes in unexpected forms). There is still one genre that we typically don’t find much titanium being used within, and that is the world of formal watches. Here, precious metals are generally preferred for their rarity, their heft, and their prestige. But what would an earnest take on the genre look like when approached with titanium in mind? With the 51.01, MING looks to answer that question, and the results probably aren’t what you’d expect.

The 51.01 is dubbed ‘Halo’ and it features an entirely new case design from MING. But the actual design of the case may come secondary to what it’s made of. There are two interesting factors here, and they are the color of the case, and the texture that’s been achieved. The case itself is machined from crystallized grade 5 titanium that gets its unique paint-brush-like texture from a carefully controlled chemical heat treatment that enlarges the metal’s natural crystalline grains. Acid etching is used to reveal the resulting grain structure, and the overall effect is a bit like an impasto painting technique.

You’ve likely noticed that the 51.01 Halo does not look like other titanium watches, which are typically a warm grey in nature. Instead, this case gets a warm rose gold 5N coating. The color accents the texture in an interesting manner, and differentiates itself at a glance before you even know that it’s titanium. It’s unexpected, and when you hold the watch in your hand or affix it to your wrist, the result is an experience much lighter than you’d find with an actual gold case. The case itself measures 37mm in diameter, and a mere 8mm in thickness, so this is a true featherweight on the wrist. The design is new, but retains MING’s signature flared lug.

The gold-colored titanium case is a contradiction, and it remains the focal point of the watch thanks to the black “opaline” lacquered dial with a subtle finish shift that goes from polished to brushed at the periphery. The hands are also new, and they receive a 5N gold coating, and the hour track etched into the underside of the box sapphire crystal is finished to match, perfectly accenting the tone of the case. A long cavity in the minute hand sets it apart from the hour hand, which is also quite long. Each of these elements comes together in a graceful manner befitting a dress watch.

MING is using a manually wound La Joux-Perret caliber that’s been modified with darkened bridges and hand-finished anglage to fit the theme of the design. The movement itself is just 2.7mm thick, and offers an impressive view through an exhibition back. It’s thin, but doesn’t compromise on power reserve, with 90 hours on tap.

The MING 51.01 Halo will be limited to 150 units, and may signal a new development direction that pushes materials outside of their comfort zone.