Ming 27.02 Special Projects Cave, 2021

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

Launched in 2017, Malaysia-based watchmaker MING has taken the independent horology scene by storm, with their watches selling out immediately upon release. Amongst some of their most popular models is the 27 series, of which I have the latest and final variant, the 27.02. Not only that, but this particular example is an extremely rare variant of the 27.02. Made for friends and family and part of the ‘SPC’ (Special Projects Cave) division, this 27.02 was made in 2021 and limited to 10 pieces only. Building upon the GPHG-finalist design of its predecessor, the 27.02 takes the 27.01's iconic case and maximizes the space within its internal cavity as a means to introduce a new dial to the 27 series. Replacing the 27.01's brass dial is the thicker and immediately more visually distinctive sapphire dial of the 27.02. Not content with just a sapphire dial, MING has given the 27.02's dial a smoked effect so as to reveal a Clous-de-Paris guilloche ring around the periphery of its chapter ring. Combining this blend of textures and color variation to its dial has made the 27.02 a striking watch indeed. With MING's trademark luminescent pattern, they have put their familiar stamp on this wonderfully unique dial, marking it as their own in a rather fitting and wholly practical manner. What makes the 27.02 SPC different from the standard production variant lies in the DLC stainless steel case it is housed in. On top of this, the standard blue Guilloche ring has been replaced with a black one, creating a stealthy monochromatic look. Measuring a rather comfortable 38mm x 6.9mm, the 27.02 SPC is a nice size on the wrist for most collectors and will undoubtedly bring an air of familiarity to any seasoned MING enthusiast. Sleek in profile and sporting MING's signature flared "flying blade" lugs (as MING calls them), the 27.02 SPC is immediately recognizable as a MING. Beyond its physical construction and aesthetic, the 27.02 SPC also sports the automatic MING cal. 7001.M1 movement. A heavily reworked version of the ETA Peseux 7001, the MING cal. 7001.M1 was modified by Schwarz-Etienne according to MING's strict specifications, with a solid base plate containing openings on its upper bridges so as to reveal the gear train and escapement. As per MING's philosophy, there is no point putting an exhibition caseback on movement with nothing on display, and as so, the MING 27.02 SPC uses a sapphire crystal on both sides of its case to ensure maximum viewing pleasure no matter which way you decide to gaze upon the watch.