Manufacture History

Ming was founded in 2017 by a collective of watch enthusiasts led by Ming Thein, a photographer and designer. The brand quickly gained a reputation for ultra-light, minimalist watches with exceptional dial design. The 22.01 is part of the '22' series, named after the year of release, and represents the brand's most limited and design-forward model.

Movement

The movement is a standard Sellita SW300 with custom rotor and decoration. It’s reliable and easy to service, though not chronometer-certified. The finishing is clean but not haute horlogerie — Ming focuses on the dial and case. Power reserve is 42 hours, frequency 28,800 vph, 25 jewels. No date, no seconds hand — pure time-only.

Specifications

Wrist Feel

The Ming 22.01 is almost impossibly light. At under 50 grams on the leather strap, it feels like a quartz watch from the 1980s — but with the substance of a finely machined object. The 38mm diameter and 44mm lug-to-lug make it wearable on wrists as small as 6 inches, yet the design doesn’t look dainty. The titanium case has a matte finish that resists scratches and gives a stealthy, industrial vibe. The leather strap is supple out of the box and breaks in quickly. The only slight downside is the pin buckle — a deployant would have elevated the experience, but it keeps the weight down.

Accuracy

In real-world use, the Sellita SW300 inside the 22.01 typically runs within -5 to +10 seconds per day. It’s not COSC, but it’s consistent. Expect to gain or lose a few seconds daily depending on activity. The movement is magnetically shielded to some degree, but it’s not antimagnetic. For a watch that’s more about design than precision, this is acceptable.

Occasions

This watch is best suited for dress and daily wear. Its minimalist design works with a suit or a t-shirt. It’s not a sports watch, but the 100m water resistance means you don’t have to baby it.

Wrist Presence

4/5 — The dial is the star. From a distance, it looks like a simple black dial with a ring. Up close, the concentric circles and floating indices create a three-dimensional effect that draws the eye. It’s subtle but unmistakably unique. The titanium case keeps it low-key, so it doesn’t scream luxury — it whispers.

Reference Variants

Only one variant exists: the 22.01 with a gradient blue dial and brown leather strap. Limited to 22 pieces.

Family References

Predecessor: Ming 22.00 (similar design but different dial pattern). Successor: Ming 22.02 (if released).

Other Notable Models by Ming

Ming 17.01, 19.01, 20.01, 27.01 — all share the brand’s minimalist ethos and titanium cases.

Similar Watches

Homages

No direct homages exist due to the unique dial. Steinhart Ocean One is a budget titanium alternative but lacks design finesse.

Investment Value

MSRP was $3,500. Pre-owned prices now range from $4,000 to $5,500. Trend: appreciating. With only 22 pieces, it’s a collector’s item. Buy to wear and enjoy, but expect value to rise as Ming’s reputation grows. No major auction history yet.

Service Interval

Every 5 years, approximate cost $500. Any competent watchmaker can service the Sellita SW300. Ming offers direct service for a fee.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Ultra-light titanium, stunning dial, extremely limited, comfortable, 100m water resistance. Cons: No date or seconds, standard movement, pin buckle, hard to find.

Final Verdict

The Ming 22.01 is a masterclass in restraint. It’s not a watch for everyone, but for those who appreciate design as art, it’s a grail. The titanium case, the hypnotic dial, and the sheer scarcity make it a standout in any collection. If you can find one, buy it — and wear it. It’s a piece that will only become more legendary as Ming continues to rise.