In the hushed ateliers of independent watchmaking, where innovation and tradition intertwine,
Ming has carved a niche for itself. With their distinct design language and commitment to technical excellence, MING has captured the attention of horological enthusiasts worldwide. Now, they plunge into new depths with the 37.09 Bluefin, a dive watch that reimagines the genre, offering a refreshing take on both form and function.
MING's journey began with a group of passionate watch collectors who sought to create timepieces that resonated with their discerning tastes. Their inaugural model, the 17.01, made a splash with its minimalist aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail. Subsequent releases further solidified MING's reputation for crafting watches that seamlessly blend classic design elements with modern sensibilities.
Courtesy of MING
The 37.09 Bluefin represents a significant milestone for MING, marking their first foray into the world of dive watches. Drawing inspiration from the sleek architecture of their 37-series, the Bluefin emerges as a diver that prioritizes elegance and wearability without compromising on technical prowess.
The genesis of the Bluefin can be traced back to MING's ambition to surpass the technical capabilities of their previous diver, the H41. While the H41 boasted impressive features, its bulkier design presented certain aesthetic and ergonomic challenges. MING sought to create a slimmer, more refined diver that would appeal to a broader range of wrists.
The development process was not without its hurdles. Countless iterations were explored, but the pursuit of technical excellence sometimes led to compromises in aesthetics and comfort. Ultimately, MING decided to take a step back and re-evaluate their approach. They found that by making subtle adjustments to the curvature of the front and rear crystals, they could achieve a remarkable crush depth of 900 meters. This exceeded their initial target by a factor of three, allowing them to conservatively rate the Bluefin at 600 meters of water resistance.
Courtesy of MING
The 37.09 Bluefin embodies MING's signature design language, characterized by clean lines, balanced proportions, and a focus on legibility. The watch measures a comfortable 38mm in diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. Its 12.8mm thickness, including a 2.8mm domed sapphire crystal, ensures a substantial presence on the wrist while maintaining a sleek profile.
One of the most striking features of the Bluefin is the absence of a traditional rotating bezel. Instead, MING has ingeniously integrated the timing scale onto the dial itself. This innovative approach not only enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its exceptional water resistance.
MING has always been known for their generous use of luminous material, and the Bluefin is no exception. Every marking and hand on the dial is treated with Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring optimal legibility in even the darkest depths. The indices are cleverly placed on the underside of the top crystal, creating a mesmerizing floating effect as the sapphire dial rotates.
The dial itself is a work of art, featuring a
Deep Blue metallization process that complements the timing scales and handset. MING's signature inversion technique is employed, ensuring that the luminous elements remain visible under all lighting conditions. This not only enhances the watch's practicality but also adds a dynamic visual character that sets it apart from the crowd.
Courtesy of MING
The heart of the Bluefin is the customized Sellita for MING SW300.M1 movement. This automatic caliber has been meticulously skeletonized, showcasing its intricate inner workings through the sapphire caseback. The anthracite finish on the bridges and rotor adds a touch of sophistication, while the contrast circular brushing creates a captivating visual dynamic.
With a power reserve of 50 hours, the SW300.M1 ensures that the Bluefin remains a reliable companion, even on extended dives. The movement's bidirectional automatic winding system efficiently harnesses the energy from the wearer's wrist movements, keeping the watch ticking without the need for manual intervention.
MING's dedication to innovation extends beyond the watch itself. The Bluefin comes equipped with a brand-new molded FKM rubber strap that has been meticulously crafted to provide unparalleled comfort and support. The strap's curved bars seamlessly integrate with the watch's lugs, while its supple yet durable construction ensures a secure fit on the wrist.
One of the most remarkable features of the strap is its relaxed curvature, which forms a 70x50mm oval that perfectly conforms to the natural shape of the wrist. This ergonomic design eliminates any pressure points, allowing the wearer to focus on the adventure at hand. The strap also features a tapered thickness, ensuring that it remains comfortable even when the watch is worn for extended periods.
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The 37.09 Bluefin is not just a pretty face. It's a dive watch built to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. Its robust construction and innovative features ensure that it can handle anything you throw at it.
The watch's 316L stainless steel case is not only durable but also resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in saltwater environments. The double-sided antireflective coating on the domed sapphire crystals ensures optimal legibility in any lighting condition. And with a water resistance rating of 600 meters, the Bluefin is more than capable of accompanying you on your deepest dives.
The MING 37.09 Bluefin is a limited-edition timepiece, with only 500 pieces being produced. This exclusivity, combined with its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative features, makes it a highly sought-after collector's item.
The retail price for the Bluefin is CHF 4,950, a figure that reflects the watch's premium materials, intricate construction, and the countless hours of research and development that went into its creation.
The MING 37.09 Bluefin is more than just a dive watch. It's a testament to MING's unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of horological excellence. With its distinctive design, groundbreaking features, and robust construction, the Bluefin is poised to become a new icon in the world of dive watches.
Courtesy of MING
Whether you're a seasoned diver or simply appreciate a well-crafted timepiece, the Bluefin is sure to leave a lasting impression. It's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
In conclusion, the MING 37.09 Bluefin is a watch that defies convention, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of dive watches. Its unique blend of form and function, coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative features, make it a timepiece that is sure to stand the test of time.