Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Skyward-Bound Ming 37.08 Starlight
A slice of blue aventurine stone on the dial recreates a starry night sky.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Ming is an independent watch brand with a cult following. Frustrated by not finding a watch he liked at a price he could afford, multi-talented founder Ming Thein decided to create his own brand. Design is king at Ming. Contemporary styling, luminescence, layering and colour are key aesthetic directives of the brand. The mechanical aspect of Ming’s watches is delegated to its production and assembly operations in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The new Ming 37.08 Starlight, a sequel to last year’s 37.08 Sand with its rippling seabed dial, features a sparkling blue aventurine stone dial and the contemporary minimalism associated with all of Ming’s designs.
Glittering aventurine glass, or goldstone, is used extensively in the watch industry for dials; it is a man-made product discovered in Venice in the 17th century when glassmakers accidentally introduced copper particles into molten glass. On the other hand, aventurine stone is a variety of translucent quartz with flake-like inclusions. When light enters the stone, the inclusions sparkle, producing the phenomenon known as aventurescence.
The 37.08 Starlight features a glistening aventurine stone dial with a deep blueish-black base. Since the stone is forged by Mother Nature, there are noticeable differences between each dial, making every watch unique.
With its complex curves, the stainless steel 37-series case hits the unisex sweet spot with its 38mm diameter. It has a thickness of 10.9mm and features alternating brushed and polished finishings. The stylised pagoda-style lugs add a touch of Oriental charm. Although it does not have the 600m water-resistance of the recent 37.09 Bluefin, the 37.08 Starlight is robust enough to be used as a sports watch with its 100m waterproofness.
Thanks to the thin bezel, the expansive glittering aventurine stone dial plays a starring role. Using Ming’s signature luminescent touches, the anthracite-coated hands are treated with Super-LumiNova X1; the minutes hand has a luminescent border, while the hour hand has a thicker insert. A distinctive design feature is the HyCeram indices forming a peripheral track of luminous dashes applied directly to the underside of the domed sapphire crystal.
To keep the price in check, the movement is the slim, manual-winding SellitaSW210.M1 with a 40-hour power reserve. Visible via the domed sapphire caseback, the movement features skeletonised, brushed bridges and a matte anthracite base. The watch comes on a steel bracelet with sculpted leaf links fitted with a hidden butterfly clasp and quick-release system.
Availability & Price
The Ming 37.08 Starlight is a limited edition of 300 watches and retails for CHF 4,500. It is available exclusively at ming.watch. Orders open at 1 p.m. GMT on 28 June 2024 and require a 50% deposit. Deliveries anticipated July/August 2024.
