Independent watchmaking thrives on bold moves, and few brands embody that spirit as vividly as MING. Since its launch in 2017, the collective led by designer and photographer Ming Thein has built a reputation for experimental yet wearable timepieces, blending Swiss mechanics with modern design. The latest release, the MING 57.04 Iris, marks the brand’s fifth-generation design language and its first-ever left-handed monopusher chronograph.
At 40mm wide and just under 12mm thick, the steel case combines brushed and polished surfaces with sculptural lugs that feel unmistakably MING. A domed sapphire bezel frames the dial, while laser-cut luminous indices in the top crystal keep visibility sharp in all conditions. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, and the monopusher chronograph crown sits at 9 o’clock, designed for left-handed comfort and standout wrist presence.
The dial lives up to the Iris name with a multiphasic coating that shifts from turquoise to purple, green, or orange depending on light and angle. Bold numerals, geometric indices, and luminous-filled hands emphasize clarity, while the sandwich-style 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock adds both utility and visual intrigue.
Inside beats the Sellita for MING SW562.M1, a hand-wound calibre based on Valjoux architecture, reconfigured for the destro layout. It offers a 60-hour power reserve and a striking anthracite-and-gold finish visible through the sapphire caseback. Priced at $7,783 and limited to just 100 pieces, the MING 57.04 Iris balances technical refinement with artistic daring—a collector’s chronograph that challenges convention while remaining distinctly wearable.
For more news on the horology front, check out the Micromilspec Dualtimer.
