FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Built under the stewardship of Ming Thein, independent brand Horologer Ming SA is known for its distinct design and an approach that is constantly trying to 'find the new' in watchmaking. With 2024 proving to be a milestone year, we spoke to its CEO Praneeth Rajsingh on what it takes to build a brand like Horologer Ming.

- Preetika Mathew

Independent watchmaking is a world where horological tenets are routinely challenged, broken down, and rebuilt from scratch. Horologer Ming SA is no stranger to this. Established in 2017 by six watch collectors/enthusiasts, Horologer Ming's designs, ideas, attention to detail, and execution quickly gained a following in the collecting community. It started with the brand's first watch, the limited-edition grade 5 titanium 17.01, released in two dial variations of blue and anthracite grey (150 pieces each). The three-part dial was a mix of sapphire and metal, with a centre that was sunray brushed with a 'digital guilloché' pattern printed in transparent lacquer-it appeared as a solid colour or at angles, revealed the pattern-while the peripheral ring was circular brushed. The dial overall was minimalist, with two concentric circles, Arabic numerals, and a discreet mention of the brand name. The watch set the tone for what many would come to call the instantly recognisable "Ming aesthetic" Powered by Sellita and priced at US $900, the 17.01 sold out quickly.

This was followed fairly fast by the grade 5 titanium 19.01, which had a full sapphire dial, finished with a deep blue lacquer that was opaque in the centre but translucent at the edges, allowing one to see a hint of the movement beneath, this time the MSE100 by Schwarz-Etienne. A ring of lume went around the edge of the dial, which featured chapter rings, skeletonised hands, and once again, a barely-there logo. Priced at CHF 6,800 on pre-order, the watch went on to be nominated for the 2018 Petit Aiguille category of the Grand Prix D'Horlogerie De Genève (GPHG).