Massena LAB, the timepiece creation studio founded by watch industry veteran William Massena, is proud to announce the release of its latest collaboration project, the 17.09 MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition. Designed as a daily wearer with easy functionality and a unique design language, this limited edition is bound to create some buzz as it is MING’s first collaboration with another brand.
The first thing viewers of the watch will notice is the intricate honeycomb dial, with its hexagonal pattern adding a striking visual texture to the overall appearance of the watch. Done in two colourways — subtle honey or contrasting black, the 17.09 MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition dial is a modern interpretation of Rolex honeycomb dials from the mid-century. The circular brushed outer portion of the dial nicely complements the angles and lines of its busy honeycomb centre and provides balance to the overall aesthetic.
Next are the watch’s numerals, which appear to be floating above the dial, giving it a three-dimensional effect. This is done by laser etching the underside of the crystal, thus raising them off the dial and into space. They are filled with Super-LumiNova for superior visibility in low light situations and the new configuration allows for the numerals to glow with a new intensity. At the three and nine o’clock positions, the MING and Massena LAB logos have been tastefully placed, seamlessly integrating into the overall design language of the watch.
The polished and brushed 316L stainless steel case recalls the “padellone” (little frying pan in Italian) cases that were found on Rolex 8171 while still maintaining the trademark flared lugs of the 17.09. And with its 38mm case, the MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Flipping the case over, the same honeycomb pattern found on the dial is mimicked on the back.
Just like the original 17.09, the MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition features the modified version of the Sellita SW330-2, the 330.M1, developed by Manufacturer Schwarz-Etienne. This movement has an independent hour-hand adjustment mechanism, making it much easier to set the time. This feature is exclusive to the MING 17.09.
Limited to 200 numbered examples (50 in honey, 150 in black) the 17.09 MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition will be available for purchase on Thursday, May 20th at 10:30 am EST (GMT -5) at massenalab.com. Priced at $2,795 USD (honey dial) and $2,595 USD (black dial) each watch includes a matched strap by Jean Rousseau Paris, which offers the wearer a distinctive style.
Watches will be delivered in late July, and shipped from New York City.
17.09 MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition Technical Specifications
Functions
- Hours, minutes; independently adjustable hour marker
Movement
- Calibre 330.M1 – based on the Sellita SW330-2,
- by Manufacturer Schwarz-Etienne
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case & Dial
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 38mm; 10mm thickness, 44mm lug to lug
- Dial: Honeycomb pattern dial
- Double-sided anti-reflective coating
- Caseback: Closed steel back with special honeycomb engraving.
- Lume: Super-LumiNova X1
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap
- Smooth calf in honey with brown Alcantara lining, brown Alcantara with brown rubber lining and orange contrasting stitching;
- Quick-release with curved fitting
- Lug width: 20mm
About MING
MING is a horological collective formed and fully funded by six enthusiasts from around the world under the leadership of Ming Thein, a photographer, designer, business strategist and above all, a lover of watches. Together, the MING team draws from over 90 years of total collecting experience – ranging from vintage to avant-garde; from quality affordables to six-figure commissioned independent pieces.
Our goal with MING is to make the watches we ourselves want and bring back that sense of excitement and discovery through deliberation and refinement in every detail, while also punching above their price point. We neither pretend to have history nor are we burdened by it. We will be the first to admit that we don’t build in-house but rather on the strengths of dedicated partners like Manufacture Schwarz-Etienne and Jean Rousseau Paris. All our watches are assembled, regulated and tested in Switzerland, with final quality control done personally in Malaysia.
MING is our way of sharing our experience with enthusiasts – budding aficionados and seasoned collectors alike – who want to discover watchmaking substance beyond brand. We are pleased to have our efforts recognized at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, with the 19.01 being a 2018 Petit Aiguille finalist, the 17.06 Copper winning the 2019 Horological Revelation prize, the 27.01 being a 2020 Challenge finalist and the 18.01 H41 being a 2020 Diver finalist.
In 2021 we also launched the Special Projects Cave, an invitation-only program to create small runs of experimental pieces that are concept-driven and unencumbered by regular production constraints.
We’re always happy to hear from fellow enthusiasts – please contact us at hello@ming.watch, and follow our journey @mingwatches on Instagram and Facebook.
About Massena LAB
Massena LAB creates, designs and develops timepieces with renowned watchmakers. Founded by noted watch collector and industry veteran William Massena, Massena LAB proposes ideas or concepts to manufactures that are unusual and beyond the offerings from their collection. Massena LAB exists to embody a horological culture and play an integral part in its constant evolution using elements of style from the past to enhance the future of watchmaking. It aims to create a community of informed watch enthusiasts with a passion for original timepieces from independent watchmakers. The “LAB” stands for laboratory, label, but also collaboration.
massenalab.com
17.09 MING x Massena LAB Limited Edition Gallery
