{"product_id":"ming-17-09-blue-as12887","title":"Ming 17.09 Blue","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome independent watchmakers make their names with increasingly complicated movements. Others manage to establish an entirely new design language. MING belongs firmly in the latter camp. Founded in 2017 by Malaysian photographer and designer Ming Thein and a small collective of enthusiasts, the brand quickly developed a following for watches that look unlike almost anything else on the market. The 17.09, introduced in April 2021, marked the final chapter of MING’s original 17-series, bringing together several years of experimentation in a particularly accomplished design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoused in a 38mm stainless steel case measuring just 10mm thick, the 17.09 Blue is a fascinating study in texture, light, and visual depth. Its two-part metallic blue dial combines a finely patterned Clous de Paris center with a circular-brushed outer ring, creating a surface that seems to change character depending on the angle of the light. The luminous hour markers are actually laser-etched onto the underside of the sapphire crystal, giving them the appearance of floating above the dial. Add MING’s distinctive openworked hands, dramatically shaped lugs, and almost complete absence of conventional dial furniture, and the result is immediately recognizable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe mechanical side is equally interesting. Inside is the automatic Calibre 330.M1, based on the Sellita SW330-2 and extensively modified by Schwarz-Etienne for MING. Rather than simply displaying a second time zone, the movement allows the hour hand to be adjusted independently through the crown without stopping the watch, a particularly useful feature when traveling. Power reserve is approximately 42 hours, while the compact case offers an impressive 100 meters of water resistance. The watch is fitted with a textured black Alcantara (a suede-like fabric) strap, handmade by Jean Rousseau Paris, with a contrasting blue rubber lining. This example is accompanied by its original inner and outer boxes, papers, and pamphlets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 17.09 is an excellent reminder that originality in watchmaking doesn’t necessarily require an entirely new complication or an extravagant price tag. MING took a relatively straightforward automatic watch, reconsidered nearly every visible detail, and arrived at something with its own personality. As the farewell to the brand’s first collection, the 17.09 Blue feels particularly significant. A fitting conclusion to the series that helped put MING on the map, and a compelling example of what independent watch design can accomplish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MING","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44432160948311,"sku":"40993574","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/files\/AS12887_40993574_MING_BLUE_17.09-5.jpg?v=1793044766","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/ming-17-09-blue-as12887","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}