The new MING 37.02 Monolith is stealthy yet summery
Zach BlassBefore we delve into the new MING 37.02 Monolith, I want to do a little bit of a “previously on”. Horologer MING has amassed a strong cult-following since its inception in 2017, with its boundary-pushing, design-driven designs capturing the attention of watch nerds from the outset. Years before Kickstarter successes such as Furlan Marri and Studio Underd0g or recent hype monsters like Toledano & Chan, MING was the it indie brand – initially entry-luxury positioned – that had everyone competing for scarce inventory. Competition for MING drops was so strong that the brand needed to find methods to combat bots from swiping allocations away from genuine fans and buyers of the brand. Though it certainly takes a village, it is fair to say the secret sauce to the brand is the distinct vision of its founder and chief creative, Ming Thein.
A well-established and celebrated designer and photographer, Thien – who was a watch enthusiast before he became a watchmaker – has a distinct advantage and perspective when it comes to watch design and aesthetics. As a designer, he had the tools to think outside of the box and break the mould, and as a photographer, he certainly knew what designs would translate well in photographs, a key driver towards watch sales in a market landscape where interest is largely driven by watches being shared on platforms like Instagram.
Ming, both the brand and the man himself, could have been content with its early laurels and continued on autopilot. However, the brand has since grown its portfolio to include dive watches and elaborate chronographs, among other, more complicated designs. However, this new MING 37.02 brings things back a little closer to the beginning and the more entry-luxury roots of the brand. The brand has made it clear that this is a direct sequel to the value-driven 37.02 Minimalist, which was MING’s first-ever model to enter its permanent roster.
“Launched in 2024, our 37.02 Minimalist marked the first watch in our permanent, core collection and, more importantly, a shift back to having watches in stock and ready to ship,” MING explains. “The Minimalist was significant as a watch that encapsulates what MING is all about: distinctive yet reductivist design; refined quality; innovative technology, and great value.” Okay, on to the review…
The case
The signature MING case form remains, a case that boasts pretty much no bezel and leaves most of the front-facing real estate to the dial. Such a move can make a watch wear larger, but the proportions of the case really ensure a Goldilocks presence on the wrist, measuring 38mm in diameter, just 11mm thick, and a very compact 44.5mm lug-to-lug. Living up to the Monolith name, the brushed matte-blasted finish of the 100-metre water-resistant stainless steel case has a stealthy, stone-like texture to it courtesy of an anthracite DLC coating.
The dial
The dial is a bit of a paradox because it appears so black it is practically a black hole on the wrist – but black holes swallow up all light, and in the dark, trust me, this thing glows bright. MING has long been known to use sapphire for its dials to create dimension and depth, and despite only indicating the hours and minutes, it is a very elaborate dial to craft. The sapphire disc has laser-cut channels in which luminous material is liquid-filled. Though not a symmetrical presentation, the various ring sectors are positioned in a manner that still has balance and vaguely indicates the hours and minutes.
The luminous material used for the dial sector rings is the brand’s proprietary MING Polar White luminous material, developed by Ming Thein personally. It glows a bright true white in stark contrast against the black backdrop. The hours and minutes hands, however, utilise blue Super-LumiNova for further contrast: for further legibility, the hours hand is fully coated while the minutes hand has a strictly coated border.
The strap
Listening to the feedback from its cult following, and the clear love for the mango FKM rubber strap presented in the wake of its UNI diver, MING presents the 37.02 Monolith on a mango FKM rubber strap out of the gate. It is secured to the wrist via a case-matching tuck buckle system that has ample loopholes for sizing. Were someone interested in taming down the look, the lug width is a highly strap-friendly 20mm in width, and the strap has quick-release tabs for easy removal (or attachment). Personally, I love the pop this mango coloured strap has against the stealthy look of the case and dial, especially heading into summer.
The movement
Nothing can be plain Jane with MING, and therefore, though the brand has opted to use a Sellita calibre to keep pricing down, it has been highly modified to a point where you would think this “Sellita for MING SW300.M1” calibre was a bespoke extension of the outer case and dial aesthetic. It has been skeletonised to give it a more future-forward appearance, and anthracite-coated on its bridges to match the tone of the case. It by no means has record-breaking endurance, with a fairly standard 45-hour power reserve. But it is automatic, and Sellita is respected for its robust performing movements that deliver quality timekeeping at a lower cost.
The verdict
Watch snobs will always have a hard time paying over US$3,000 for a Sellita-driven watch. But whether you think such a position is founded or unfounded, I personally find it incredible that MING, with such a highly customised design, and an elaborate one to boot when you factor in the complexities of its makeup, such as its sapphire dial and proprietary luminous material, can deliver this watch comfortably at CHF 3,500. Also, keep in mind that MING is balancing “accessibility and exclusivity” here, making it a member of the permanent roster but delivering only 100 pieces in 2025. So if you have the superficial (but admittedly sensible) concern of value retention, MING watches traditionally hold their value very well, even selling above their retail.
MING 37.02 Monolith pricing and availability
The MING 37.02 Monolith is available exclusively via ming.watch or its authorised retail partners. Price: CHF 3,500
| Brand | MING |
| Model | 37.02 Monolith |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 11mm (T) x 44.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, anthracite DLC-coated |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Sapphire dial |
| Strap | MING FKM mango rubber strap, anthracite DLC-coated tuck buckle system |
| Movement | Sellita for MING SW300.M1, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 45 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes |
| Availability | 100 watches for 2025 |
| Price | CHF 3,500 |