Introducing: The Ming 37.05 Series 2
The Ming 37.05 Series 2 is the brand’s latest release. It follows the original 37.05 from 2021 and brings a star-filled, three-dimensional dial along with a new color and style. This is the first semi-affordable new watch from Ming in roughly a year, so let’s see what the popular independent brand has in store for us.
The original 37.05 first broke cover in 2021, which feels like a long time ago! Since then, it seems that Ming has been focusing on filling orders for several of its watches. Now, finally, the brand is ready to go with something new, and the Ming 37.05 Series 2 is the first offering. We need to remember that the 2021 piece was Ming’s first model with a date and moonphase complication. I liked it, but I preferred the more “simple” offerings in the collection. How will the Series 2 fare?
The Ming 37.05 Series 2
The 37.05 Series 2 is instantly recognizable as a Ming design. For those who love the clean styling, that’s a great thing. However, as we’ll see, this watch brings in a bit of well-placed whimsy. Upon first glance, those who know the original 37.05 will see that this watch follows the same general recipe. The differences and the fun come in with the placement of stars on the dial. How they’re placed is typical of the creativity we expect from the brand.
When the stars are the stars of the show
The first 37.05 had a blue gradient dial with a scalloped-like finish, but the Series 2 has an anthracite dial with a sunray finish. Note that the center of these rays is the moonphase aperture instead of the typical center of the dial. But let’s get to the stars because, well, they’re the stars of the show, and they’re displayed on three different levels. First, the anthracite dial has star-shaped “holes” that glow when the luminous moonphase wheel below lines up with them. It allows this part of the starry background to be dynamic. You’ll also note that this portion, along with the date wheel, is executed in a warmer, yellowish tone.
The photo above of the 37.05 Series 2 reveals another level of detail concerning the stars. Ming kept a clear sapphire dial above the anthracite dial, and this has the laser-etched HyCeram-filled minute track. There are etched and filled stars on the top side and underside of this dial. The result is that stars are above and below the sapphire and then on another tier below this in yellow. Admittedly, I have not seen it in person, but the visuals look fantastic.
Other details
Once again, the Ming 37.05 Series 2 uses the hand-wound Sellita SW288-1, which is viewable through the domed sapphire crystal on the case back. This caliber has anthracite skeletonized bridges and a contrasting rhodium-plated upper bridge with circular brushing. It also contains a quick-set mechanism for both the moonphase and date indicators. The 100m-water-resistant stainless steel case measures 38mm wide, 44.7mm long, and 11.9mm thick. Rounding out the package is a 20mm Jean Rousseau goat-leather strap using Ming’s keeper-less buckle.
Thoughts on the 37.05 Series 2
You may recall that I was slightly lukewarm about the original 37.05. For whatever reason, it lacked that final touch of fluidity that I have come to enjoy so much from Ming watches. With the new Series 2, however, I am back on board. Yes, I’d still love to see this watch without a date window, but I guess it goes hand in hand with the moonphase complication. With this watch, the dial color and finish are far more to my liking. And the stars? Well, to use a hackneyed saying, they’re the chef’s kiss. I truly like the look of this watch, and the darkened pictures show the magic of it.
Pricing and availability
Ming seems to be ratcheting things back with the newest 37.05 in terms of availability versus some recent releases. Perhaps the lessons from these models with complicated dials on production throughput are having an effect. Consequently, this watch will be available in a run of 500 pieces that will go on sale at 1:00 PM GMT on July 11th. The price is CHF 4,950, and a 50% deposit will be due at the time of ordering. Deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Do note that this was the same production total and price as the prior 37.05 and that sold quickly. In my mind, this one should sell just as fast if not faster.
For more information on the Ming 37.05 Series 2, visit the brand’s official website.
