MING has never been particularly interested in playing by the traditional rules of watchmaking. Since its arrival, the independent Malaysian watchmaker has carved out a rather distinctive identity, combining unconventional materials, clever use of sapphire crystal and contemporary design with some genuinely interesting mechanical watchmaking. Its latest release, the MING 51.01 Halo, is another example of the brand doing things its own way.
At its heart, the Halo is a contemporary interpretation of a dress watch. Compact, elegant and deliberately restrained, it combines a glossy black dial with warm rose gold tones. However, look beyond the familiar colour combination and you'll find a rather unusual case material that gives this latest release much of its character.
A Case With A Crystalline Twist
Measuring 37mm in diameter, just 8mm thick and with a 43mm lug to lug measurement, the Halo has beautifully considered proportions. It's a relatively compact watch by modern standards, something that feels particularly appropriate given its dressier intentions.
But the real talking point is the case. Rather than opting for conventional stainless steel or precious metal, MING has used crystallised Grade 5 titanium, finished with a 5N rose gold coating.
The process behind the material is particularly fascinating. The titanium undergoes a carefully controlled chemical heat treatment, during which it is heated in a vacuum chamber to temperatures of up to 1,200°C before being slowly cooled. This encourages the naturally occurring crystalline grains within the metal to grow. An acid etching process then reveals the resulting grain structure at the surface, before the final rose gold coating is applied.
It's a rather involved process, but the result is a case with a distinctive crystalline texture and the warmth of rose gold, while retaining the lightweight characteristics of titanium. It's also a completely new case design for MING, making the Halo an interesting addition to the brand's evolving design language.
Black And Gold, With A MING Twist
The dial is perhaps more restrained, but certainly no less considered. A black lacquered surface combines a polished centre with a circular brushed outer section, creating what MING describes as an opaline effect.
The hands are equally distinctive, featuring an ultra slim design with 5N colouring to match the case. A combination of brushed, sandblasted and polished finishing adds a little visual interest without making the dial feel unnecessarily busy.
Of course, this wouldn't be a MING watch without one of the brand's signature sapphire crystal tricks. The hour indices are engraved into the underside of the box shaped sapphire crystal and filled with 5N coloured lacquer. This creates the impression of markers floating above the dial, adding another layer of depth to an otherwise minimalist display.
Interestingly, MING has resisted the temptation to make these indices luminous, instead keeping things firmly in dress watch territory. Both the front and rear sapphire crystals feature multilayer, double sided anti reflective coatings.
A Slim Mechanical Heart
Turn the Halo over and there's another reason to spend a little time with this watch. Power comes from the La Joux Perret for MING Calibre 7380.M1, a manual winding movement measuring just 2.7mm thick.
Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, or 3Hz, the movement delivers approximately 90 hours of power reserve. That's a rather generous reserve for a watch of this nature, particularly one with such slender proportions.
The movement has also received a substantial amount of attention from MING. Custom skeletonised bridges feature a matte anthracite coating with hand finished anglage, sitting above a matte black coated mainplate. The ratchet and barrel wheels also feature the brand's recognisable spoke pattern.
It's a nicely executed movement that feels entirely in keeping with the rest of the watch. There's enough visual interest to reward a closer look, without sacrificing the clean aesthetic that defines the Halo.
The Finishing Touches
The watch is paired with a black goat leather strap from Jean Rousseau Paris, fitted with curved 20mm quick release spring bars. Completing the package is a matching 5N coated crystallised titanium flying blade tuck buckle, which also incorporates micro adjustment.
Water resistance is rated at 50 metres, making the Halo a little more practical than some might expect from such a refined dress watch.
Production is limited to just 150 pieces, underlining the exclusivity of the release. MING has also confirmed that deliveries are complete and the watch will not be produced again.
Specifications
Reference: 51.01 Halo
Case: Crystallised Grade 5 titanium with 5N rose gold coating
Case Diameter: 37mm
Case Thickness: 8mm
Lug To Lug: 43mm
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Crystal: Box shaped sapphire front and flat sapphire caseback, both with double sided anti reflective coating
Dial: Black lacquer with polished centre and circular brushed periphery
Hands: 5N coloured, brushed and sandblasted with polished angles
Movement: La Joux Perret for MING Calibre 7380.M1
Winding: Manual
Movement Thickness: 2.7mm
Jewels: 21
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz)
Power Reserve: 90 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes
Strap: Black goat leather by Jean Rousseau Paris
Buckle: 5N coated crystallised titanium flying blade tuck buckle with micro adjustment
Limited Edition: 150 pieces
Price: CHF 10,900 (excluding taxes)
Winding Things Up
The MING 51.01 Halo is a great example of why the independent watchmaking scene continues to be so interesting. Rather than simply producing another black dial dress watch with a rose gold case, MING has introduced an unusual material treatment, incorporated its signature sapphire crystal detailing and paired everything with a thoughtfully reworked manual winding movement.
The 37mm proportions are particularly appealing, while the 90 hour power reserve and lightweight titanium construction add some welcome everyday practicality.
With just 150 examples produced, the Halo is a relatively exclusive addition to the MING catalogue. It's not necessarily a watch that shouts for attention, but spend a little time looking at the details and there's plenty to appreciate. And frankly, that's often where the best independent watchmaking happens.
