Ming is one of the independent mid-range brands that has enjoyed growing success in recent years, thanks to harmonious and well-finished shapes, the use of excellent materials, and a design that manages to stand out clearly from more conventional production.
Founded and led by Ming Thein, a renowned designer and photographer, the brand is celebrating its eighth anniversary in August this year. To celebrate this important milestone, it unveiled a brand-new creation: the Ming 57.04 Iris, a timepiece that is striking at first glance for the vivid colors of its dial and its single-pusher chronograph, featuring a distinctive winding crown positioned at 9 o’clock.
Let’s find out more about it.
Technical characteristics of the Ming 57.04 Iris
The new Iris 57.04 picks up on Ming’s typical stylistic traits, but introduces a substantial novelty: the winding crown, which also serves as a chronograph push-button, positioned at 9 o’clock. This is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a functional one, demonstrating the brand’s willingness to continuously experiment with new solutions. Moreover, this configuration meets an increasingly popular trend in recent years: that of including in the collection at least one model designed for left-handers as well.
The case, made of steel, is 40 mm in diameter, slightly larger than the brand’s usual standards. Nevertheless, the restrained lug-to-lug ensures an excellent fit and balanced proportions, making it suitable for virtually any wrist. A noteworthy aesthetic detail is the three-step lugs, which lend character and originality to the watch’s side profile.
At the heart of the Ming 57.04 Iris is the caliber SW562.M1, developed in collaboration with Sellita. It is a hand-wound movement with a chronograph function managed entirely by a single pusher integrated into the crown. The sub-counter at 6 o’clock allows for measuring intervals of up to 30 minutes.
On the caseback, a sapphire crystal allows visitors to admire the movement, which is embellished with a finely finished gold bridge that creates a refined contrast with the other anthracite-colored components.
The dial of Ming 57.04 Iris
The element that makes this timepiece unique more than any other is undoubtedly its iridescent dial.
In perfect Ming style, the hour markers appear to be suspended above the surface, generating a fascinating three-dimensional effect. This visual play is further enhanced by the contrast between the light-colored hour hand and the darker-hued minute hand.
The real star, however, is the changing color of the dial, which is difficult to define precisely: depending on the light and angle, it reveals shades ranging from purple to pink, blue to green, and even more neutral tones such as gray. This extraordinary color variety is precisely what inspired the name “Iris,” in reference to the flower of a thousand colors and, more generally, to the iris of the human eye, which is capable of reflecting light in ever-changing ways.
Price and availability
The Ming 57.04 Iris will be made in a limited edition of only 100 pieces, with a list price set at 6,250 CHF.
Along with the leather strap, the watch will also have the five-link bracelet typical of Ming creations.
Conclusion
The Ming 57.04 Iris represents an exciting proposal for the brand, capable of surprising loyal collectors and intriguing new enthusiasts. With this model, Ming confirms its ability to combine design originality, construction quality and color experimentation, further strengthening the success it has achieved in recent years.
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