patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
33540
MING has been very transparent to state that almost everything is done externally...
MING has pretty much openly admitted that they're doing very little themselves and nearly everything is done externally. The value add that MING provides is a superlative design that's really a great paradox - it's classic and easily accepted by just about anyone - and yet it's gone modern flourishes too and cool modern touches. It's like that new BMW 7 series with a lot of modern technology features, but it's still appealing to those who want that familiar old world luxury. Another value add that MING does here, is that it's not limited to one manufacturer - they can go anywhere for the best solutions to achieve their design purity. They'll buy movements from Schwarz Etienne, movements from Valjoux, or others - whichever one they think is the best solution for that specific project. Then they'll customize those movements - which balloons the cost tremendously with special finishing, black-out treatments, etc. to make it more in the spirit of MING. Just like how BMW will go to different manufacturers to source gearboxes. For US Market cars, BMW has bought transmissions from ZF, Aisin (a Toyota supplier, probably also a Toyota subsidiary), and probably other suppliers I can't recall - finding the best pairing and the best solution for their product.
MING 29.01 Worldtimer Launch
The original World Time design was created by Louis Cottier over a hundred years ago. And that design lives on today with the MING 29.01 Worldtimer! I know all of us know how a World Time movement works, so I won't bore you with my usual long-winded detai...
They probably have that in an even smaller limited edition. Send them an email and see if they have anything in their off-menu selection.
I really don't know anything so I hope I'm not giving away any secrets! Never hurts to ask!
It’s a great looking watch. As most Ming are.
I still struggle with paying a relatively new company like Ming in this case that amount of money. Which I am sure is something many of us think too. To me this is a far more interesting, cooler, more aesthetically pleasing watch than pretty much anything...
It IS A LOT OF MONEY!
Indeed, it is a lot of money! But honestly, if you look at it, their costs of production are high since they don't have scale. True, they're starting off with a Schwarz Etienne base movement so they can save on development costs, but the movement is so he...
The downside is you have to leap at the product without time to touch or feel
And without any time for consideration. You get an email “this is coming” but no details, then at 5 am or something two days later you have to fight to get a bid in, perhaps without seeing exactly what you are committing to. This is not for me, no matter ...
They have a generous return policy...
If you really don't like it, they'll take the watch back! But I agree, without a store, how does one get a feel for the watch and how it sits on your wrist? This new concept of buying things online and not at a store is definitely very strange for me.
Yes, they do accept returns; they accepted one from me
But when you buy from another country you also have customs duties, and in CA and other places you might pay Use Tax or Sales Tax. Returning things to an overseas supplier thus incurs the complication of rewinding those fees or else just writing them off ...
Yes, all relevant points and a fair outline of why the price might be reasonable.
My point was less that the price was not fair, more that even with rationalizing the cost of inputs and what one is getting for the money there is still a hesitation at these price point. What will take to get over that? Time, longer track record. It’s a ...
Each to their own
while I think whether price is fair or not is personal opinion, justify the price because of their cost of production is not reasonable to me. Optimization of the cost of production is the problem for Ming, not for customer. Customers should only care abo...
Definitely not MB&F quality...
MING is definitely not the same level as MB&F quality, and if they were, then their watches would be far too inexpensive! I don't think anyone implied MING has MB&F movement quality. And yes, your concept of what things cost is called value in the...
maybe I misunderstood
isn't that in the post said "this movement has an MB&F quality to it"? yes I totally agree, if there is still people buying it, then Ming is doing fine. Personally, I used to, but not now, just my opinion.
Ahh! I see what you mean!
Yes, you are right, and that part of the post is definitely incorrect. It does imply that the quality of the movement is at the MB&F level. But there's a second and less obvious meaning, that the MING movement has a look similar to an MB&F movement. But i...
Yes indeed. Thank you Jay!
We've got an international audience, and double entendres are not always well communicated - especially considering the context. Hope you're doing well my dapper friend! And I hope your car has come out of cold storage and is stretching its legs a bit!
MING has been very transparent to state that almost everything is done externally...
MING has pretty much openly admitted that they're doing very little themselves and nearly everything is done externally. The value add that MING provides is a superlative design that's really a great paradox - it's classic and easily accepted by just abou...
I'm not a MING fan by any means...
...but the price doesn't seem terrible to me. You either love it and want to wear it, or are making a bet on a higher value down the line.
Not terrible.
Still expensive. It's definitely premium. A JLC with a similar complication wouldn't cost this much, but would also not feature some cool little touches. The Montblanc World Time watch was only around $7000 USD! And that's an established brand with pedigr...
To be honest, I'm not a fan of either brand...
...but if people like it, that's all that matters...
That's very fair.
You certainly have very expensive tastes! I'd say you're easily satisfied! Give you the best, and you're generally satisfied. Anything less than that... And you might not be fully satisfied. Pretty "easily" satisfied - just start with the best!
+1 here. Very cool piece. Seems to be "worth" it relative to others on offer.
More interesting than many of the big name offerings at a similar price point. Still have reluctance for the reasons noted in the response above.
I'd say it's a little on the expensive side.
You're definitely paying a premium for the cool design factor. The Montblanc World Time is only around $7000 USD. The JLC Geophysic Universal Time is around $15,000 USD in steel although they've stopped production and there probably isn't much inventory i...
I wonder what the JLC would cost now, with price increases.
I've had the JLC Geo UT for about 5 years and it's a great watch and a terrific value when purchased. I love the look and functionality of the JLC (although it's a slight bit large at 41.7mm). The lacquer dial in particular is really great. That said, the...
Let's say roughly 20% more?
So it'd probably be $18K if it was $15K back then? The JLC GEO UT is a very nice watch. The 41.7mm is a bit big, and if I recall, it was also thicker than I expected at 12mm. But a very cool watch nonetheless. I was a little surprised that it cost double ...
I sure agree on that last point...
On the wrist, the JLC's thickness is well-suited for its diameter, but I too am sensitive to thick watches, so the JLC at 11mm or 10.5mm (if possible) would have been better. Visually, the proportions look really good though.
Ahh! I did not know that!
Either I never knew that detail or I totally forgot it. Thank you for the reminder!
Your kids will approve!
The MING appeals to both the kid in us with its cool design and lume light show and the serious adult Patek Philippe watch collector in us as well.
Very nice piece.
Polished titanium. Cool sapphire overlay. Great looking and well decorated movement. Great size -- sweet spot for me. I love the overall look. This watch on a metal bracelet (although a titanium bracelet may be cost-prohibitive) would compete well with ot...
Ahh, I never thought of the titanium bracelet part!
That's a good idea! Yes, it'd be costly. But it'd be special!
I like the watch and was anxious to see it
What was up with their teaser video with the cardboard cutouts ? Reminded me of a Vianney Deep Space or something and thought it was going to look like that. Anyway, I would have been all in at about 40% less. I like the brand and look forward to what’re ...
I didn't see the video.
Vianney Halter's Deep Space does have a little bit of a cross with this MING!