At its core, MING is a selfish brand. We explore the ideas and create the watches most interesting to us, hoping our global community of makers, collectors, and enthusiasts will come on the journey with us. We bring a sense of excitement and discovery to everything we do, always looking to push ourselves further and to find something special in the process. 

MING was founded in 2017 by Ming Thein (MT), an established designer, photographer, and engineer as a way to satisfy his own horological curiosity. He developed a unique approach to watchmaking that prioritizes thoughtful design, rigorous engineering, and a sense of playfulness that gives our watches their unique character. These principles continue to guide the brand, though they have evolved and expanded over our 8-year history. 

In particular (and building on MT’s work as a photographer), our watches play with the optical qualities of light through our use of transparent materials like sapphire and borosilicate glass, including our signature “inversion,” and the layering of elements on top of one another. We also experiment with materials like pure titanium, tantalum, and magnesium alloys to create unique tactile experiences. Embracing cutting-edge technology while respecting traditional craftsmanship allows us to make watches that would not be possible at any other time in watchmaking’s extensive history. We make mechanical watches for the modern age and strive for each watch to deliver lasting value, independent of price. 

Fortunately, these ideas resonate outside of our team too. We were honored with the Horological Revelation Prize and Sports Watch Prize at the 2019 and 2024 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for the Copper 17.06 and 37.09 Bluefin, respectively. We are also founding members of the Alternative Horological Alliance, with the goal of growing and promoting independent watchmaking outside conventional norms.

While our watches have myriad technical flourishes and innovations to satisfy fellow horological nerds, we believe they also offer a striking aesthetic and a more intuitive kind of beauty that anyone can relate to and appreciate. So whether you’re a die-hard collector or someone looking to experience independent watchmaking for the first time, there’s plenty to enjoy. 

If you would like to learn more about MING, receive our monthly Dispatches, and be kept in the loop for future releases, please subscribe to our mailing list. You can also follow along on Instagram or reach out at [email protected] if there’s anything we can help with directly. 

Join us as we explore the limits of design and engineering – and discover the future of watchmaking at MING.