The new MING 18.01 H41 is a large and robust timepiece specially designed for dive watch enthusiasts.
In 2019, MING released a well-received run of prototype dive watches called the Abyss Concept. These were true prototypes intended for R&D, and the watch was never released as a production run. The new 18.01 H41 is a production model based on this prototype watch.
The newly launched 18.01 H41 watch demonstrates the versatility of MING’s new design language. This diving watch is available in two variants with a new universal fit, curved-end, quick release 20mm bracelet that is also backwards compatible with all MING watches to date.
With a 40mm diameter and 12.9mm thick case made from of grade 5 titanium, the 18.01 H41 is the largest MING to date and has noticeably more wrist presence than the 17 series. It is slightly thinner than the Abyss Concept, thanks to new materials and bezel construction.
The case design benefits from both balanced pressure loading and the tensile and compressive strength of grade 5 titanium. An added benefit is a head weight of just 65g, which is extremely comfortable on a strap and balanced on the universal bracelet, also in grade 5 titanium.
The MING team has several certified divers – who made MT’s design task difficult and ensured that the H41 is truly functional as a dive watch. The 18.01 H41 is water resistant up to 1000 meters, making it suitable for professional diving.
It retains the same functional and security features of the Abyss Concept: a unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks that can be turned easily, but not accidentally; multiple sets of gaskets and seals; and an indicator to warn of an unscrewed crown. Even the caseback has a high-friction surface to better grip arm or wet-suit and prevent the watch moving around.
Both of H41’s colour schemes were chosen for legibility and contrast: time is instantly and easily legible, with a timer bezel that has scales that are differentiated into 15-minute segments of reducing prominence. The DLC coated solid steel bezel eliminates the risk of losing an insert due to pressure changes or impact, and to maximize contrast for the timing scale. This is only the second MING with a second hand, to fit the diver specification and validate the watch is running at a glance.
There is a significant amount of luminous material applied to ensure visibility under all light conditions: essentially, everything white on the watch is loaded with Super-LumiNova X1; applied as a liquid epoxy to the bezel, a solid block in the hands, and as HyCeram – a sapphire-fused luminous ceramic – on the dial ring.
The MING 18.01 H41 watch houses an ETA 2824-2 top grade movement, modified to remove the calendar and intermediate hand setting positions.
The watch was created in partnership with La Division du Temps, a subsidiary of Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne for production, assembly and testing. The other partners include DM Surfaces for the HyCeram in the dial; Jean Rousseau for waterproof rubber straps and Studio Koji Sato for the new leather travel pouches.
The MING 18.01 H41 is assembled in Switzerland and is available in three configurations:
– Two tone on rubber strap, at CHF 2,950
– Two tone on titanium bracelet, at CHF 3,250
– All-DLC on rubber strap, at CHF 3,250
Technical details
Model: MING 18.01 H41
Case, dial and hands
Grade 5 titanium with solid caseback (second variant with DLC coating)
DLC-coated stainless steel bezel filled with Super-LumiNova X1
40mm diameter, 12.9mm thick, 46mm lug to lug
3.5mm thick sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides
Rigid case without spacer rings
Water resistance of 1km/ 3,280ft
Screw down crown with triple gaskets and red safety indicator
Two-part composite dial with ceramic HyCeram Super-LumiNova X1 fused to sapphire
Silver hands filled with Super-LumiNova X1
Unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 clicks
Movement
Top grade ETA 2824-2 automatic modified by Schwarz-Etienne for MING
40-hour power reserve
28,800 bph (4Hz)
25 jewels
Sweep central seconds with hacking function
Movement adjusted to five positions with a 250-hour test program
Functions
Hours, minutes, continuous seconds
Strap and bracelet
5-link bracelet in grade 5 titanium with proprietary deployant clasp and interlock; universal quick release curved-end fitting
20x18mm curved quick release rubber strap by Jean Rousseau Paris with signed pin buckles
Warranty
2-year warranty against defects
Origin
Made in Switzerland