Collector´s view: MING 17.09 BLUE – representing the 70s and yet the 21st century

Hands-on with MING ´17.09 BLUE` - a novelty for 2021 but (also) sold out already. Lots of livfe pictures (on strap and bracelet) and some thoughts about a masterpiece of design that might not be to everyone’s taste

(David Bowie ´Ziggy Stardust` on the left and MING 17.09 on the right)

First, it´s a watch with basic functions (hours and minutes only; independently adjustable hour hand) that is powered by Cal. 330.M1 a movement based on the Sellita SW330-2 and modified by Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne (exclusive to MING). 42-hour power reserve, 28,800 bhp (4Hz) and a hacking function – no rocket science, but all you may need on such a piece. “Independently adjustable hour hand” is a nice feature that adds convenience and we don´t see it that often – aside from a few GMT watches.

Just to be safe, the movement is regulated with a 250-hour test program.





Further details: the diameter of the case is 38mm, with a thickness of 10mm. It´s made from stainless steel 316L with solid caseback – mixed brushed and polished finish. 100m water resistance with triple crown gaskets.





Top sapphire crystal with double sided antireflective coating, laser etched indices with Super-LumiNova X1 fill.





The latter gets my attention because details like this make a difference. Have you seen it anywhere before? In any case I am pretty sure it was not possible like this 10 or even 5 years ago and it opens a box to new designs – only possible in the 21^st century. For now, I can only guess that it was quite a challenge for the supplier – laser etched indices with Super-LumiNova X1 fill (below) on (top) sapphire crystal with antireflective coating at the same time.

Bravo team MING for pushing the limits (once more) and especially on such a piece offered below CHF 2k inclusive of shipping (excluding local TAX).





To me this detail is more than just a feature for the sake of being possible, as it adds spice and depth (!) to the watch.





Especially together with composite two-part dial in metallic blue, it changes the appearances of the watch at hand and on the wrist.





If we compare it with the (first!) MING 17.01 (BLUE or GREY dial) it gets even more obvious and not only because the case is 0.7mm thicker.



(MING; 17.01 BLUE)

17.09 brings more depth, volume, presence, and refinement to the table. Not to speak about a more interesting movement and an additional year of warranty. Even when we take the premium from 17.01 to 17.09 into account, which is about +100%, both can be considered “bargains” in the world (of watches) today.





Looking at the hands of both watches (solid vs skeletonized) there is evolution to see, and it shows you get what you pay for. Still, I like both for what they are!





Blue dials got kind of popular in the 70s – for many brands – and the metallic blue version of the 17.09 could be seen as a kind of homage to that era.

(David Bowie ´Ziggy Stardust` on the left and MING 17.09 on the right)


While taking pictures of the watch I listened to music from David Bowie and had lots of fun with all `super stars´ present …









I  asked the MING team if it was possible to add to the MING 17.09 their Universal Bracelet as well, even when or especially because I was already familiar with it. I got both and so I must share some wrist shots if you don´t mind:





For shooting the watch (only) it´s more beautiful on the strap, but on MY wrist, I prefer it on the bracelet. It just suits and fits perfectly – a must add in my book:

Conclusion:

Once more an addictive offer, in general. Still, I think 38mm are fine and 40mm could be even better (more addictive?) on my wrist. I had the same thoughts when I did my ´Collector´s view about the MING 27.02`; please see here in case you are interested: Collector´s view: MING 27.02 – two different versions, at least! – the eclecticum .

As someone collecting watches or with a (relatively) tight budget, I can highly recommend keeping an eye on those kind of watches from MING and some other independent brands. Some watches have a lot to offer, especially when you look closely and when you are familiar with context – be eclectic!

small-luxury-world

PS: just because it was a real pleasure to shoot the watch, I have more pictures to share ?