Ming x Massena Lab 17.09 - Honey - LTD 50 pieces
MING X MASSENA LAB 17.09 - HONEY
Steel | Gold honeycomp dial
Origin
Combining made-to-measure contemporary watchmaking with a love for horological invention beyond means, the MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey equals a timepiece greater than the sum of its parts, celebrating independent watchmaking and true friendship.
MING is a horological collective formed and funded by six watch enthusiasts from around the world, under the leadership of the Malaysian photographer, designer and watch connoisseur Ming Thein – having worked as a photographer for clients such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Van Cleef & Arpels, Richemont and the Swatch Group.
Without ‘being burdened by history’ and reaching ‘beyond brands’ the MING team, with over 80 years of collective collecting experience in the sphere of fine timepieces, from vintage to avantgarde watches, produces highly sought-after contemporary wristwatches. Manufactured, assembled, regulated and tested in Switzerland – built on the strength of partners like Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne and Jean Rousseau Paris – while being controlled by hand in Malaysia.
MING timepieces are known to be novel and fresh, honest and refined and have been internationally awarded accordingly. Simply put, the team of collectors produces watches they wish to have in their own stock, sold exclusively in-house. The MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey is the first ever collaboration of the watch collective, marking a partnership between friends and colleagues Ming Thein and William Massena.
The piece at hand is limited to 50 pieces (in ‘honey’; another 150 pieces in black are created), stemming from the unique design-effort of MING in collaboration with Massena LAB, established by watch collector and industry veteran Massena, who has a notably track record at Antiquorum (Geneva) and Timezone, besides his triumph as a jury member of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
With the aim of keeping the watch evolution at heart of the current momentum, embroidering on the past to ensure the horological future, this collaboration pays homage to artisanal watchmaking – setting the new vintage standard of the time ahead.
Ming watches come in very limited editions and usually sell out as quick as the earth turns around the sun. So was the case for the MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey: it has been sold out and is ‘permanently retired’ according to its creators.
The Watch
The MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey is a private series crafted in 2021 in Switzerland. Limited to 50 pieces, it manifests both skilled craftsmanship and contemporary design. With an outspoken yet both intricate and minimal watch face, the 38mm stainless steel case hints to vintage Rolex pieces from the mid-century (such as the Rolex 8171) – think of the polished and brushed 316L stainless steel, recalling the padellone (‘little frying pan’ in Italian) and the featured gold hexagonal honeycomb watch face.
A circularly-brushed dial ring offers a sophisticated contrast, set off to the central honeycomb on the watch face. Hour markers appear to float above the dial, as an etch-effect on the sapphire crystal watch glass, filled with super luminova guaranteeing pronounced legibility, even in low light.
MING and Massena LAB logos are featured on 3 and 9 o’clock. The stainless-steel lugs are infused with a classic MING flared design. On its reverse side, the honeycomb pattern is etched on the closed caseback, encircling the Massena LAB signature. The watch strap is crafted by Jean Rousseau Paris.
The Movement
The MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey is powered by a modified version of the Sellita SW330-2 caliber, the 330.M1 developed by Schwarz-Etienne. It features an independent hour hand adjustment mechanism, exclusive to the MING 17.09, making it a perfect travel watch with 25 jewels, beating at a rate of 28,880 A/h (4 Hz) with a 42-hour power reserve.
Condition
The limited edition MING x Massena Lab 17.09 Honey timepiece is in as new condition and has perfect mechanical functioning. It comes as a full set, including box and papers.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.
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| Reference | 17.09 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Caliber |
Calibre 330.M1
|
| Dial | Honey |
| Size (Case) | 38 mm |
| Material (Case) | Steel |
| Bracelet | Blue nubuck & Original Ming strap |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | like new |
| Year | 2021 |
| Papers | Yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |