MING Ref. 17.09 Blue Dial

Numerous individuals kick off their professional journey at McDonald’s, yet Ming Thein’s early 20s stint with the fast-food giant involved overseeing the entire Malaysian operation, a role far beyond the typical burger-flipping experience. While this may seem exceptionally precocious, it’s just a fraction of Thein’s remarkable accomplishments. Entering Oxford University at the age of 13, he earned a degree in theoretical physics in little more than three years.

Following a decade of lucrative employment, Thein realized the corporate world wasn’t his calling. Seeking to merge his business acumen with his passions for photography and horology, he became the driving force, public face, and designer behind MING, a watch brand that, has emerged as one of the most buzzed-about newcomers in the industry.

MING, the horology venture, was established by a team of six enthusiasts hailing from various corners of the globe, led by Ming Thein. Not only a photographer and designer, but Ming Thein also brings his expertise as a business strategist and, foremost, his passion for watches to the forefront.

Their first model hit the market in 2017, and their efforts were recognized at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, with multiple finalists and the 17.06 Copper winning the 2019 Horological Revelation prize. Today, in 2023, MING has become incredibly well-known among the watch community as one of the best independent watchmakers to follow.