The newly announced MING 37.02 Monolith takes the brand’s core design language into darker territory—both visually and philosophically. With its blacked-out case, vivid yellow accents, and refined technical upgrades, this is not just a variant of the 37.02—it’s a distinct proposition for those who value precision, restraint, and individuality.
MING: Redefining modern horology with design-first thinking
Founded in 2017 by photographer and designer Ming Thein, MING has carved out a space in the independent watch scene by blending Swiss watchmaking expertise with a minimalist yet expressive aesthetic. Each release feels considered, often unconventional, but always cohesive. The 37.02 series, launched in 2022, introduced a more compact and wearable take on the brand’s characteristic style—complete with a gradient sapphire dial, flared lugs, and sharply contoured casework.
The Monolith continues this lineage, but with a twist: it’s the boldest and most tactical iteration of the series so far, made for those who appreciate subtle aggression and high functionality.
Case, movement, and materials: minimalism meets resilience
At its core, the MING 37.02 Monolith retains the 38mm case size of its predecessors, but the execution is significantly altered. Crafted from 316L stainless steel and coated in a dark grey DLC finish, the case is both featherlight and exceptionally durable. The signature flared lugs and slim profile (11mm including the crystal) give it a wearable yet assertive presence on the wrist.
The real talking point, however, lies within. Powering the Monolith is the MING SW300.M1, a heavily reworked Sellita SW300 modified by Schwarz-Etienne. This movement features custom bridges and finishing, making it both mechanically reliable and visually distinct, which you can see for yourself thanks to a sapphire crystal on the caseback. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, underlining the Monolith’s utilitarian slant.
Notably, the crystal features anti-reflective coating on both sides and a new dial design where the luminous ring appears suspended in space—subtle yet effective. The crown, now larger and redesigned for grip, ensures better ergonomics without altering the case silhouette.
A watch with purpose: who is the 37.02 Monolith for?
Unlike MING’s more dressy or contemplative pieces, the Monolith feels toolish, but not in a traditional dive watch sense. It’s a refined tactical companion—one that feels at home with minimalist streetwear, modern architecture, or in the cockpit of a camera bag.
The black-on-black aesthetic, pierced by white Super-LumiNova X1 (blue at night) and the minimal dial engraving filled with Polar White liquid, makes this watch especially appealing to those who seek visual clarity without unnecessary noise. There’s an almost philosophical restraint at play here—a watch designed for those who want to stand out by flying under the radar.
The rubber strap, in bright yellow and equipped with curved quick-release bars, keeps the look cohesive while enhancing comfort and durability. Let’s not forget to mention the tang buckle with built-in micro-adjustment, which is quite uncommon ! It’s a bit of a flashy watch—but it can turn into a full-black timepiece if you dare to add a second strap which the brand offers on its website.
Final thoughts, pricing, and availability
The MING 37.02 Monolith is priced at CHF 3,950 (approximately $4,475 USD) and is already on the brand’s website. As with previous models, quantities are limited, here at 100 pieces which we expect to sell out pretty quickly considering the hype around the brand.
In a world overflowing with heritage reissues and overdesigned tool watches, the Monolith feels like a clean break. It’s a watch that trusts its design, speaks softly, and carries a big attitude. And if you’re into independent watchmakers, check out these 5 micro-brands which are changing the way we collect watches !
