The Ming 37.06 Royal Selangor, with Hammered Pewter Dial

Founded in 2017 by photographer Ming Thein and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Ming is a design-driven independent watch brand distinguished by a contemporary aesthetic in which minimalism, luminescence and layered construction all play defining roles. For the latest release, Ming strays from its usual course, turning to traditional craftsmanship for the dial of the new 37.06. Drawing on his Malaysian roots, Ming Thein has asked Royal Selangor, the world’s foremost pewter manufacturer and retailer, founded in Kuala Lumpur, to craft the hand-hammered pewter dial of this attractive 88-piece limited edition.

Rarely used in watchmaking, pewter is a tin-based alloy fortified with small amounts of copper and antimony. Unlike many metals, pewter does not tarnish or corrode easily and develops a soft patina over time. Founded in 1885 in the tin-rich state of Selangor, Royal Selangor operates an impressive factory in Setapak, where over 200 craftspeople and a 40-strong design team create a wide range of objects made from top-grade cast pewter with 97% tin. Still relying heavily on manual processes, the metals are melted, poured into casting moulds and left to cool. The alloy is then filed, polished, finished and decorated – in this case using a hand-hammered finish.

The irregular indentations or dimples on the dial bring a more organic spirit to the watch and subtly catch the light at different angles. The soft grey metallic sheen of the pewter seems a perfect partner for the muted matte tone of the titanium case, producing a subtle contrast but maintaining an overall monochromatic effect. Like other Ming 37 models, the sapphire crystal over the dial has laser-cut channels for the chapter ring, filled with blue-emitting Super-LumiNova X1, matching that applied to the hour and minute hands.

The 38mm grade 2 titanium case selected to house the dial belongs to the Ming 37 series and features the brand’s signature flared, pagoda-style lugs. Unlike grade 5 titanium, grade 2 titanium is a purer form of titanium (99.8%) with excellent corrosion resistance, but it is far more difficult to machine and cannot be polished. Entirely brushed, the dull, matte grey surface of the titanium case produces a raw, more industrial effect. Practical and comfortable, the watch has a relatively slim profile of 11.05mm, a compact lug-to-lug span of 44.73mm, a lug width of 20mm, weighs just 35.9 grams (head) and is water-resistant to 100 metres. Protected by double-domed sapphire crystals placed on both sides, the large, notched crown has a double gasket.

Powered by a customised version of the Sellita SW300-1 (an alternative to the ETA 2892-2), this automatic movement delivers a 50-hour power reserve, runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and features skeletonised bridges, plates, and rotor. While the dial bears no trace of branding, the names Ming and Royal Selangor are engraved on the caseback. Marking another first for Ming, the 88 pieces of the 37.06 Royal Selangor will be assembled locally in Kuala Lumpur.

The watch is paired with a blue-grey goat leather strap by Jean Rosseau with curved quick-release spring bars and a flying blade tuck buckle. The pewter presentation box is also made by Royal Selangor and decorated with a hand-hammered finish. The watch retails for CHF 5,000 (excl. tax). It will be available directly from Royal Selangor boutiques from 30 July, with a small number of watches available at ming.watch from 6 August 2026.