Ming 18.01 H41 (Price, Pictures and Specifications)
Ming diver has had a very long gestation, dating back to nearly the same time as their original 17.01 and they are proud of the dedication of their team and partners in getting the watch right. This is reflected in its name: generation H, variant 41 of the design studies.
Ming have not just improved the mechanical engineering aspect but also updated it with Design Language 2 which they debuted earlier this year with the 27.01 Ultra-Thin. The 18.01 H41 is a maximal, robust piece that demonstrates the versatility of their new design language.
40mm diameter, 12.9mm thick, 1km WR, 65g
This is the largest MING to date and has noticeably more wrist presence than the 17 series; yet for a dive watch with this depth rating, it is amongst the (if not the) thinnest. It is slightly thinner than the Abyss Concept, thanks to new materials and bezel construction.
The case design benefits from both balanced pressures loading and the tensile and compressive strength of grade 5 titanium. An added benefit is a head weight of just 65g, which is vanishingly balanced on the universal bracelet, also in grade 5 titanium.
Functionality and reliability first for diving
It retains the same functional and security features of the Abyss Concept: a unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks that can be turned easily, but not accidentally; multiple sets of gaskets and seals; and an indicator to warn of an unscrewed crown. Even the caseback has a high-friction surface to better grip arm or wetsuit and prevent the watch moving around.
Time is instantly and easily legible, with a timer bezel that has scales that are differentiated into 15-minute segments of reducing prominence. Ming elected to use a DLC coated solid steel bezel to eliminate the risk of losing an insert due to pressure changes or impact, and to maximize contrast for the timing scale.
There is a significant amount of luminous material applied to ensure visibility under all light conditions: essentially, everything white on the watch is loaded with Super-LumiNova X1; applied as a liquid epoxy to the bezel, a solid block in the hands, and as HyCeram – a sapphire-fused luminous ceramic - on the dial ring. Ming do not recommend wearing it at night if you are a light sleeper.
Finally, Ming choice of movement once again prioritizes robustness and serviceability: the same tried and tested ETA 2824-2 top grade, modified to remove the calendar and intermediate hand setting positions.
Ming 18.01 H41
Technical specifications:
Case, dial and hands:
· Grade 5 titanium with solid caseback or DLC-coated grade 5 titanium with solid caseback
· DLC-coated stainless steel bezel filled with Super-LumiNova X1
· 40mm diameter, 12.9mm thick, 46mm lug to lug
· 3.5mm thick sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides
· Rigid case without spacer rings
· Water resistance of 1km/ 3,280ft
· Screw down crown with triple gaskets and red safety indicator
· Two-part composite dial with ceramic HyCeram Super-LumiNova X1 fused to sapphire
· Silver hands filled with Super-LumiNova X1
· Unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks
· Head weight of 65g
Movement:
· Top grade ETA2824-2 automatic modified by Schwarz-Etienne for MING
· 40-hour power reserve
· 28,800 bph (4Hz)
· 25 jewels
· Sweep central seconds with hacking function
· Movement adjusted to five positions with a 250-hour test program
Functions: Hours, minutes, continuous seconds
Bracelet/Strap:
· 5-link bracelet in grade 5 titanium with proprietary deployant clasp and interlock; universal quick release curved-end fitting
· 20x18mm curved quick release rubber strap by Jean Rousseau Paris with signed pin buckle
2-year warranty against defects
Made in Switzerland
The price for the Ming 18.01 H41 is CHF 2,950 for the version with on strap and CHF 3,250 for the DLC version and the version with bracelet.
