Ming 17.01 - Should you buy one today? - The First Ming - Beans & Bezels

[@switzknight]

Best look I’ve had of this gorgeous piece. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, G!

[@theJade]

In my opinion, Ming is definitely about the design language. Either you like it or you don't, and I happen to love it. What I love about Ming is how the design carries over from watch to watch. They've released a handful of watches over the past couple of years, and not only have they provided different dial variants, they also have several different lines of cases. A variety of price points ranging from ~1k - 40k. The amazing thing about the design is that its language carries over to the point where you can isolate to just a component, whether it be just the dial, just the case, just the crown, or just the hands, you can instantly identify it as a Ming even without any logos or branding because so many of the design elements are shared in each of his watches. There are very few brands with which you can claim do so, maybe Porsche being one of them. One criticism I would say, is that the machining work itself is only so-so. The detail is great from the many different textures on the dials, and the gear-like design of the crown, but quality of the machining work itself still has some rough edges and has room for improvement.

[@BeansAndBezels]

I agree with you completely. Design cohesion is what separates the successful brands from the others, and Ming seems to get this right. I didn't find the machining of the case to be disappointing on both the 17.01 and 18.01. I actually thought it was pretty good at both price points! I love their crown designs, and I find them very easy to operate.

[@cedarcanoe]

This watch is in a class on its own

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, as always!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I love the design of Ming watches. Great review mate.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks man!

[@Bob_In_Thailand]

I have a question I really like Ming watches but I also like the Hajime Kurano watches. I believe Ming use eta movements while the more affordable Kurano designed watches are using premium Miyota movements. Both watch have attractive cases and dials. Kurano if you can be fast enough to order one are selling for little over 1700 usd while the Ming is low 2k. Which of the two designers would you select of their more affordable designs?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and that's a great question. Personally, I would go with Ming. I find them to have more "value for money". I've owned 2 Kuronos and 2 Mings so far, and the Mings have had better overall finishing and attention to detail. The Kurono is gorgeous to look at, but some of the finishing details under a loupe/macro lens leave room for improvement. I also don't like the wobble & loud noise of the Miyota movement on Kurono's 3 hander watches. All that said, I will be trying to get the Toki next week haha.

[@grahamlawton6250]

Love this watch. Thx for the review!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@kasperreisner]

Love what Ming have been doing and it is especially cool to see how the watches have evolved. Regarding the movement, I am pretty sure it is the standard sellita sw210-1, not top grade. But I am not 100% sure. I would be curious to know, if you ever take it to be serviced or popped open the back yourself. Thanks for another great review!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! You may very well be right about the movement. I couldn't find much information on the original listing or in any of the reviews that followed this launch.

[@prehistoricpig]

Can't find a 17.01 under 3k these days. WHAT

[@TennesseeMike]

Good Review. Nice Pick Up

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@padmashreegg2659]

Good review

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you.

[@JizzyNinja]

I appreciate that they’re doing something different and finding success but the design just isn’t for me. I like avant-garde watches typically, but this one just doesn’t for me. That said I’m happy others enjoy it! On a separate but related note, I wish there was a more balanced way of micro independent brands to produce watches and not be sold out in seconds so more could enjoy it. It’s just us enthusiasts here :)

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! And regarding your note, I absolutely agree. There's too many hoops to jump through to get most of the exciting watches, but I don't see these brands changing that strategy since the artificial shortage is perhaps what keeps them exciting, haha.

[@JizzyNinja]

@@BeansAndBezels totally agree that it won’t, it also fits their business mode as they work with partners to supply different components and need to manage demand. The only company I’ve seen do something better is Moser, who make watches for a certain time and then stop, allowing as many who want it to get orders, but keeping everything rare by not keeping the same models/colors at all time. They have their own manufacturing company though soooooo definitely bigger then, but an interesting pro-customer model to look at.