Ming Thein, a prodigious talent, became a physics graduate from Oxford University at the tender age of 16. Despite his early accomplishments, his journey took unexpected turns. Initially, he ventured into the finance sector—a decision that soon led to dissatisfaction. In search of fulfillment, Thein discovered photography, which eventually transformed into a profound passion by 2017.
During his explorations, Thein stumbled upon watch collectors' forums, where he encountered generous individuals eager to share their knowledge and collections. This community interaction fueled his enthusiasm for mechanical watches, setting the stage for a groundbreaking venture. In 2017, alongside five other founders, he launched Ming, Malaysia's first high-end watch brand.
The brand's inaugural release, the Ming 17.01, marked a significant milestone in the horological world. Known for its 38mm titanium cases and Sellita movement, the watch showcased the brand's commitment to distinctive design and material innovation. Since then, Ming has introduced over 70 references, each embodying unique creativity and technical prowess.
Ming Thein spearheads design, engineering, and photography at the brand—a remarkable feat given his lack of formal training in these disciplines. His approach to watchmaking defies conventional boundaries, as evidenced by the company's unconventional production model. While high-value work is managed in Asia, production is subcontracted to Europe, with final quality control taking place back in Asia. This model challenges traditional norms in the watch industry.
“The more typical approach is for high-value design and intellectual property work to be done in Europe, before being subcontracted to Asia for cost efficiency,” – Ming Thein
The brand's success has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Ming earned the prestigious Sports Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), further solidifying its position in the global watch market. Thein's design process is a captivating journey, featuring a dedicated wall in his office adorned with over 150 design concepts at any given time.
Despite their achievements, designing entry-level pieces remains a formidable challenge due to budget constraints. However, Thein embraces these challenges by drawing inspiration from keen observations—a skill honed during his years as a photographer.
"Photographers spend a lot of time observing things," – Ming Thein
The brand's philosophy eschews the pursuit of purely populist products, opting instead for unique creations that reflect Thein's visionary perspective. This approach underscores Ming's commitment to redefining luxury watchmaking.
"Trying to make a purely populist product is a mistake," – Ming Thein
Thein's path has been far from conventional. His reflections on founding a watch company reveal a blend of humor and introspection.
“Seriously, which idiot thinks it’s a good idea to start a watch company in the wrong part of the world and with no experience?” – Ming Thein
“It’s also a bit masochistic and egotistical to go into an industry that is both antiquated and not particularly necessary.” – Ming Thein
“And to make it worse, you go in thinking you can do a better job than people who have been doing it for centuries. In what way is that sane?” – Ming Thein
Despite these musings, Thein's audacious venture has revolutionized Malaysia's presence in the world of high-end watches.
Looking ahead, Ming Thein hints at an exciting future for the brand. A brand-new core collection featuring a novel case design is anticipated for release in 2025. This announcement promises to captivate watch enthusiasts worldwide and further propel Ming's ascent in the horological landscape.
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