MING Unveils 51.01 Halo Watch With Crystallized Titanium Case
The independent watchmaker combines rose gold aesthetics with advanced titanium heat treatment techniques.
1Innovative Material Engineering
The MING 51.01 Halo features a 37mm grade-5 titanium case treated in a vacuum chamber at 1,200°C. This process enlarges the metal's crystalline grains, which are then revealed through acid etching. A 5N PVD coating provides the rose gold appearance, successfully mimicking precious metal warmth on a durable, lightweight titanium base.
2Dial and Crystal Design
The watch utilizes a black opaline dial featuring a polished center and circular-brushed outer ring. MING maintains its signature design language by engraving hour indices directly into the box-shaped sapphire crystal. These indices are filled with 5N-colored lacquer, intentionally omitting luminous material to prioritize a clean, minimalist aesthetic over functional night visibility.
3Movement Collaboration Details
Powering the timepiece is the manual-wind La Joux-Perret Calibre 7380.M1, measuring only 2.7mm in thickness. This movement represents the second collaboration between MING and the manufacturer. It operates at 3 Hz and delivers a substantial 90-hour power reserve, housed within a skeletonized architecture that showcases matte anthracite bridges and hand-finished anglage.
4Compact Wearable Dimensions
Designed for comfort, the watch measures 8mm in thickness with a 43mm lug-to-lug distance. The compact 37mm diameter ensures a balanced presence on the wrist. It is paired with a black goat leather strap from Jean Rousseau Paris, featuring quick-release spring bars and a custom flying-blade tuck buckle matching the case material.
5Production and Availability
MING has limited production of the 51.01 Halo to exactly 150 pieces globally. Interested collectors can place orders starting November 10, 2026, through the brand's official website or authorized retailers. The watch will also be showcased at the IAMWATCH event in Singapore, running from November 12 to November 15, 2026.
6Pricing and Warranty
The retail price for the 51.01 Halo is set at 10,900 CHF, roughly equivalent to 10,900 USD. Each timepiece includes a two-year limited mechanical warranty covering potential manufacturing defects. The watch offers 50 meters of water resistance, ensuring it remains suitable for daily wear despite its delicate, high-end finishing and intricate movement.
7Strategic Design Choices
The brand explicitly chose to resist the urge to include lume on the indices, focusing instead on the interplay between the black dial and rose gold tones. This design philosophy highlights MING's commitment to independent aesthetics, favoring a cohesive visual theme over standard industry expectations for luxury sports or dress watches.
8Market Positioning Context
By utilizing a specialized titanium crystallization process, MING differentiates its offering in the competitive independent watchmaking sector. The combination of a high-reserve movement and unique case finishing positions the 51.01 Halo as a collector-focused piece. It reflects a broader trend of brands experimenting with material science to achieve traditional luxury aesthetics.
Original article: Hypebeast — MING Unveils 51.01 Halo Watch With Crystallized Titanium Case