August 2024 marks seven years since we publicly shared our dream of making watches we enjoy - ones that are exciting, not just on initial impact, but also over time, through the discovery of refinement in every detail.
Since our debut in 2017, we have produced nearly 70 references with various design concepts, complications and materials, and collaborated with the best partners both inside and outside the watchmaking industry. Only in hindsight can we appreciate how unexpected this journey has been – from the 17.06 Copper winning the Horological Revelation Prize at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve, to several industry firsts such as the sapphire mosaic dial and the 8.8-gram LW.01M - the world’s lightest mechanical watch.
Our quest for novel materials and manufacturing processes has led us to work with an increasingly complex supply chain involving partners based all over the globe, from Kuala Lumpur, Switzerland and United Kingdom to France, the USA and Finland. As our projects have increased in ambition, it’s became clear that we need to go beyond just partnering with international experts: MING should have direct control over the whole process, starting with our own team and facility in Switzerland.
While the work to transition operations internally began more than two years ago - today, we’re excited and happy to announce that we’ve taken possession of the keys to our first ever Swiss office, and welcome two new members to Team MING - Luc Bourgeois, and Mauro Egermini.
If either of those names sounds familiar, it is because Luc and Mauro have been instrumental in our success since day one, in their previous roles at Manufacture Schwarz Etienne. As Head of Production and Chief Operating Officer respectively, they will now take up the challenge of building MING in Switzerland.
For all the releases going forward, design, engineering and construction are now done internally by Ming Thein (MT) and, sourcing and assembly are also managed directly. Between the new structure, and our recent efforts with the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA), we are committed to expanding sourcing, development and more without geographical or industrial constraints.
The AHA Tantalum bracelet, machined in California, and our FemtoMosaic dial in the 20.01 Series 3, produced by a partner normally involved in the medical devices industry are representative of this.
We have also continually asked ourselves how we can create a better product and experience for our customers at every stage. Beyond establishing a permanent Swiss office, we’ve invested in extensive internal improvements such as a bespoke e-commerce infrastructure with cart holds, a partnership with Checkout.com as payment provider, the implementation of Salesforce CRM, an additional service and repair partner and expansion of our customer service team. These things may not be glamorous, but they are necessary foundations to create a strong, sustainable brand for the future.
Our expanded operations will also allow us to offer a long-term service solution and provide additional confidence to our customers. From early next year, SPC customers will also have the option to take delivery of their watch in person at our facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
And finally, as we enter our 8th year as a brand, we’d like to thank all of you - collectors, friends in the media, production partners and the the 15-member strong Team MING for enabling the dream.
-MT & Praneeth
Published: 30th August 2024