The sport watch, or even broader tool watch genre is defined by a set of features and design codes that generally set them apart at a glance. Big, brushed cases, notchy bezels, index rings, matte dials… all hallmarks of a watch ready for extreme environments and activities. At least, that’s what the marketing will generally lead you to believe. In reality, many watches that don’t adhere to the above formula are perfectly suitable for whatever the vast majority of us are ready to throw at them. But every now and then, a great sleeper watch comes along that boasts a very unsuspecting set of specs. The new Ming 37.02 is just such a watch.
At a glance, the 37.02 falls relatively inline with other 37.XX series watches from a form factor, at 38mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness, complete with Ming’s signature flared lug. The difference here is the clean, slate grey dial with a radial brush pattern that steers clear of any indexes or other markings. Pretty standard fare from Ming, and not exactly a tool watch at a glance. Though even when it comes to their overtly designated divers and sporty watches, Ming generally eschews conventional wisdom.
The 37.02 Ghost is crafted from grade 2 titanium, and features a fully brushed finish. The head of the watch weighs a mere 35 grams, which is exceptionally light. For reference, the titanium head of the (albeit larger, but it’s what I have sitting next to me) FXD weighs just over 72 grams. The dial itself is also titanium, and only the hours are indexed within the sapphire crystal itself. This ring is infilled with lume, along with the hour hand and the frame of the minute hand, so low light visibility is excellent.
Ming references a depth rating target of 100 meters, though in testing the watch went far beyond, so it actually gets a 260 meter rating. There’s no bezel or even minute index in sight, so it might not be especially useful at depth, but it’ll hold up just fine. Plus, let’s face it, even using the bezel of a mechanical dive watch on a dive is a bit of a novelty more than a necessity. That said, this isn’t being pitched as a dive watch. It just so happens to be a pretty great all-rounder in that regard.
Inside, Ming is using the caliber SW300.M1 made for the brand by Sellita, which features anthracite skeletonized bridges visible through the open caseback, along with a customized oscillating weight. There is no date or even seconds hand so the overall experience of the watch is quite serene, which is only exacerbated by the tone on tone grey palette at work.
I love the idea of this kind of watch from Ming, which is really just a stripped back, raw 37 series base that’s been optimized for easy daily wear or even kick around sporting activities. It’s a highly focused experience with no pretension built in. This is a general release (though limited to 250 units) from the brand that’s available to order now, with shipping expected to begin within the coming weeks. Pricing is set at CHF 3,500. Ming
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