The Model 37.02 Minimalist was launched in 2024 as the first watch in MING's permanent core collection. It represented more than just a new design – it was a return to the philosophy of watches in stock, ready for immediate dispatch. The Minimalist embodied everything that defines MING: a distinctive yet reductionist design, refined craftsmanship, technological inventiveness, and a fair price-to-value ratio.
But sometimes, perfection alone isn't enough. Collectors want more – a secret handshake, a watch that reveals itself only to those who know what to look for. A model that goes unnoticed until you look closely. That's why MING regularly adds a more discreet, rarer variant to its most popular models. The Minimalist was no exception.
Monolith: The Shadow Version of the Minimalist
The Monolith is a stealth edition of the Minimalist with a DLC coating and a combination of matte and brushed finishes, produced in a limited annual quantity – a compromise between availability and exclusivity.
The case features a narrow bezel for visual clarity and alternating brushed and matte sandblasted surfaces that add depth to the finish. The 38 × 11 mm dimensions in stainless steel with a durable anthracite DLC coating make it appear optically larger and thinner on the wrist than its actual measurements suggest, and it sits comfortably on a wide range of wrist sizes. Double gaskets and 100m water resistance ensure durability for everyday wear.
Sapphire Dial and MING Polar White Luminous Material
The proprietary MING Polar White luminous material is personally prepared by Ming Thein in Kuala Lumpur according to an internally developed recipe. In the Monolith dial, this material glows across all wavelengths of the spectrum. This makes it one of the few (perhaps the only) luminous materials that truly emits white light.
The sapphire dial changes its expression depending on the viewing angle: it inverts colors, lights up, reflects seemingly floating indices, or conversely, absorbs light like a black hole. It is legible, balanced, and possesses visual tension without being symmetrical. All markings are laser-cut directly into the sapphire mass and then filled with liquid MING Polar White. The hands remained in traditional Super-LumiNova X1 Blue, a contrasting choice to the rest of the dial.
Movement: Sellita for MING SW300.M1
At the heart of the watch is the Sellita for MING SW300.M1 movement with uniquely skeletonized bridges, plates, and rotor in an anthracite finish. Like most new MING models, the 37.02 Monolith is assembled in the brand's own Swiss facility, yet paradoxically, it cannot bear the "Swiss Made" label. This is because all key development and engineering work takes place in Ming Thein's office in Kuala Lumpur, while "Swiss Made" regulations require this engineering to occur directly in Switzerland.
Strap
In response to feedback after the launch of the Uni model and in preparation for the Monolith for the summer season, the model was paired with an FKM Mango rubber strap and a matching DLC-coated tuck buckle. According to MING, FKM rubber straps are among the most comfortable on the market.
