The hype is real. And, yeah — so is the quality.
If you’ve been in the watch world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard of Ming. The drops. The waitlists. The resale prices. The Reddit threads.
It’s enough to make you think it’s all smoke and mirrors. But here’s the thing: Ming isn’t just hype. It’s one of the few modern indie brands that actually lives up to the noise.
Founded in 2017 by Ming Thein — a Malaysian photographer, designer, and serious watch collector — the brand took off faster than anyone expected. From the first release
(the 17.01), Ming positioned itself as something different: minimalist, modern, and weirdly affordable for what you got.
They partnered with legit Swiss movement makers, used materials usually reserved for higher price points, and obsessed over dial details like a brand with something
to prove. Spoiler: they proved it.
Each release since has been tighter, bolder, and more refined — all while keeping the production runs small and the collector community tight.
Ming’s catalog isn’t huge, but every piece feels considered — and many are now collector staples.
Most models use either ETA, Sellita, or Schwarz-Etienne movements — but they’re always modified, decorated, or presented in a way that makes them feel premium.
Because Ming offers something rare: fresh design language with real watchmaking substance. These aren’t re-skinned Submariner clones. They’re original. Thoughtful. And wearable.
Collectors also love the scarcity model — each release is limited, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. That makes every Ming feel like an insider’s win. Like you knew what was
up before the rest of the room caught on.
And the quality? Legit. Especially when you compare it to what the big brands are offering at similar price points. Sapphire dials, custom hands, beautiful case
profiles. Ming sweats the details.
Ming continues to release small-batch collections — often with pre-order windows that close within minutes. They’re not trying to scale into a mass brand. That’s the whole point.
Recent models like the 27.01 Ultra Thin and the 37.05 Moonphase have taken the design language even further, proving that the brand isn’t just resting on
early success. It’s evolving.
And collectors? They’re along for the ride — flipping, trading, and chasing each new drop like it’s a sneaker release for grown-ups.
I respect the hell out of Ming.
They managed to do what so many microbrands try — but almost none pull off: they built a loyal community by making great watches that look like nothing else.
I’ve handled a bunch. The finishing is sharp, the packaging is clean, and the wrist presence? Sneaky good. If you’re tired of seeing the same five watches in every
collection photo, this is your chance to break the pattern.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for Ming watches — especially early references (17.x, 18.x, 19.x), limited editions, and Schwarz-Etienne-powered models.
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