First Look at the Ming 17.06 Monolith and Copper

This year, just ahead of the GPHG, Ming has returned with a new addition to their growing series of design-forward, enthusiast-focused watches. For a brand that is still relatively new to the independent watch space, Ming developed a bit of a cult following with many of their strictly limited releases selling out almost as soon as they go on sale. Their newest creation, the 17.06, is a new limited production model that takes Ming’s daring and contemporary aesthetic and breathes some additional life into it through the use of new materials. Let’s take a closer look.

Ming 17.06 (Monolith & Copper)

• Case Material: Stainless steel 
• Dial: Matte black; copper
• Dimensions: 38mm
• Crystal: Sapphire 
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Crown: Screw down  
• Movement: ETA 2824-2
• Strap/bracelet: Smooth calf by Jean Rousseau 
• Price: CHF 1,500 (Monolith), CHF 1,250 (Copper)
• Expected Release: Pre-order open now/delivery in October

The 17 series case will look familiar to fans of the brand — the distinctive flared lugs and smooth, rounded bezel are still very much present. But Ming tells us they have drastically re-engineered the case to improve overall construction and comfort on the wrist. The bezel, for example, is now secured with screws from within the case, making the watch both more structurally sound and easier to service. The rehaut has also been made just slightly shallower by reducing the distance between the top of the canon pinion and the underside of the crystal by 0.3mm, giving the watch an ever so slightly sleeker appearance. Ming watches are full of tiny little details, every micron of space being given an abundance of thought and consideration.

Whereas previous watches in Ming’s 17 series have been made of titanium, the 17.06 uses 316L stainless steel, a first for the brand in a serially produced watch. The 17.06 is available in two distinctive variations that are dramatically different in tone and effect.

Both variants of the 17.06 use the same handset and dial configuration, a look that has become something of a Ming trademark. There’s a definite minimalist appeal to the inclusion of only the even-numbered Arabic numerals, with a zero at 12:00 emphasizing the symmetrical design.

The 17.06 is a permanent addition to the Ming collection, but production will be limited to 300 pieces per calendar year for the Copper version, and just 125 for the Monolith. With competitive retail pricing and Ming’s growing profile, these are sure to be tough to track down. Pre-orders open today for delivery in October. Ming