MING 37.05 Lunatic

In a relatively short span of time, Ming has carved out a distinct and respected space within independent watchmaking. The brand operates with a clear set of design principles, guided by a focus on aesthetic purity, material innovation, and the dynamic interplay of light. This approach has allowed them to create a portfolio of watches that are immediately recognizable, rewarding their owners with details that reveal themselves over time. The company is not one to rest on its laurels, frequently revisiting concepts to push them in new directions. This is precisely the case with their exploration of the moonphase complication, a journey that now reaches its conclusion with the MING 37.05 Lunatic.

Founded by Ming Thein, a figure known for his work as a designer and photographer, the brand brings a unique perspective to horology. This background informs a core tenet of their philosophy: an obsession with how light interacts with form and color. MING watches are designed to be dynamic objects, their appearance shifting and changing with the ambient environment. This dedication to a refined visual language, paired with a commitment to innovative engineering and mechanics, has resonated deeply with watch enthusiasts looking for something beyond the conventional. The brand's efforts have been recognized with significant accolades, including the Horological Revelation Prize and a Sports Watch Prize at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.



A key component of MING’s identity is the Special Projects Cave, a division focused on research and development that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking technology. This in-house experimental lab has been responsible for several industry firsts, demonstrating a capacity for genuine innovation. Developments like the sapphire Mosaic, a three-dimensional structure created inside a sapphire crystal using a femtosecond laser, showcase their mastery over materials. Other advancements, such as Hyceram—a ceramic-fused luminous material—and the creation of the world’s lightest production mechanical watch, the LW.01, at a mere 8.8 grams, underscore their commitment to advancing the craft.

The MING 37.05 Lunatic is built upon the brand's popular 37-series case, a platform cherished for its ergonomic design and comfort. Measuring 38mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.9mm, the case strikes a balance that makes it suitable for a wide range of wrists. The 316L stainless steel construction features alternating brushed and polished finishes, a signature MING technique that creates visual depth and accentuates the case's clean lines and distinctive flared lugs. This thoughtful approach to case design ensures that the watch is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a practical and comfortable daily companion.

This model represents the third and final installment in MING's 37-series moonphase collection. Each edition has offered a different interpretation of the classic complication. The initial release in 2021 presented a more traditional, dress-oriented take. This was followed in 2023 by a version that introduced a whimsical "wandering stars" feature, adding a touch of romance to the display. The 37.05 Lunatic diverges completely from its predecessors, adopting an entirely different and decidedly futuristic theme inspired by the aesthetics and ambitions of modern space travel.



The dial of the Lunatic is a masterclass in layered simplicity. It is crafted from sapphire crystal that has undergone a special metallisation process, rendering it partially transparent. In certain lighting conditions, the dial appears as an inky, solid black surface. As the light changes, it transforms into a mirror-like silver, a captivating effect the brand refers to as "inversion." This semi-transparency also offers subtle glimpses of the mechanical components beneath, including the otherwise hidden portions of the date and moon discs, adding a layer of mechanical intrigue to the clean display.

A defining feature of this final edition is its comprehensive use of luminous material. Drawing inspiration from the instrument panels of a spacecraft, the Lunatic ensures visibility in all conditions. The moonphase display, the date indication, the hands, and the hour indices are all filled with a generous application of MING Polar White luminous compound. This material charges quickly and emits a powerful, lasting glow, transforming the watch's appearance in low light. The bright luminescence against the dark dial creates a striking and highly legible display that reinforces the futuristic theme.

The layout of the dial has been reconfigured for this model. The moonphase complication is now positioned in the upper half of the dial, presented in a clean, arched window. The hour markers are shared with the brand's Minimalist series, consisting of clean, precise indices that do not clutter the visual field. This arrangement is both functional and aesthetically balanced, allowing the unique properties of the sapphire dial and the luminous elements to take center stage. The result is a display that feels both modern and intuitive.



Protecting the intricate dial are domed sapphire crystals on both the front and the rear of the watch, each treated with a double-sided anti-reflective coating. This premium feature significantly reduces glare and enhances the clarity of the dial, making it appear almost non-existent from certain angles. This commitment to clarity is essential for a watch that relies so heavily on the subtle interplay of light and shadow across its layered surfaces. The case construction also provides a practical water resistance of 100 meters, ensuring it is robust enough for everyday wear.

Powering the 37.05 Lunatic is the Sellita for MING SW288.M1 movement. While the base caliber is a proven workhorse, MING has extensively modified it to align with their design and engineering standards. The most notable alteration is visible through the exhibition case back: the bridges have been thoroughly skeletonized and finished with a matte blast, then coated in anthracite. This dark, textured finish provides a stark contrast to the rhodium circular brushing applied to certain components, creating a visually complex and engaging mechanical landscape.

This manual-winding movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and offers the primary functions of hours and minutes. The complications, a centrally-indicated moon phase and a date function, are both equipped with a quick-set mechanism for ease of adjustment. The skeletonization is not merely decorative; it is an extension of the brand's design language, transforming a standard movement into something uniquely MING. The view through the case back is as deliberately designed as the dial itself.



The 37.05 Lunatic is paired with a strap that perfectly complements its space-travel-inspired theme. The brand opted for a white FKM rubber strap, a material known for its exceptional comfort, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. The stark white of the strap provides a bold contrast to the stainless steel case and the dark dial, creating a clean, modern, and slightly sporty look. The strap is fitted with a stainless steel tuck buckle, ensuring a secure and streamlined fit on the wrist.

The compatibility of the 37-series case is a significant advantage for owners. With a standard 20mm lug width, the watch is fully compatible with MING's entire range of straps and accessories. This allows for a high degree of personalization, enabling the owner to easily swap the standard white rubber strap for a leather or metal option to suit different occasions or personal styles. This versatility adds another layer of appeal to the overall ownership experience.

The complete package of the Lunatic is one of fun and thoughtful design. The combination of the ergonomic 38mm steel case, the dynamic sapphire dial with its inversion effect, the brilliant all-lume display, and the comfortable white rubber strap results in a compelling horological object. It is a watch that invites interaction and observation, promising to bring a sense of discovery and enjoyment each time it is worn.



As the farewell edition for the moonphase complication within the 37-series, the Lunatic carries an inherent degree of exclusivity. Its production is strictly limited to a small batch of only 100 pieces worldwide. This scarcity, combined with its unique design and its position as the final chapter in this particular story, makes it a notable release for followers of the brand and collectors of independent watchmaking.

The MING 37.05 Lunatic is priced at CHF 5,250. Given the limited production run of just 100 units and the fact that it marks the end of the 37-series moonphase, availability is expected to be extremely limited. For enthusiasts who have appreciated MING's journey in reinterpreting this classical complication, the Lunatic represents the final and most adventurous expression of the concept, a fittingly modern adieu to a cherished model line.

Case: 38mm diameter, 11.9mm thickness, 316L stainless steel with alternating finishes. Domed sapphire crystals front and rear with double-sided antireflective coating. 100m water resistance, 20mm lug width.

Movement: Sellita for MING 288.M1, manual winding, ~40 hours power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes, date, and a quick set central moon phase. Features anthracite skeletonized bridges with contrast rhodium circular brushing.

Dial: Partially transparent metallised sapphire. Features MING Polar White luminous fill on hands and indices. Moon and date indications are also luminous.

Strap: 20mm MING FKM white rubber strap fitted with a stainless steel tuck buckle.

Price: CHF 5,250

Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces. This is the third and final edition of the 37-series moonphase. The sapphire dial is partially transparent and shifts from black to mirror silver depending on the light.