Disclaimer: this video/review was not sponsored by MING or any other entity. The watch seen here is a prototype.
Video
Review
Today, we’ll be looking at a prototype of the MING 29.01 Dubai Edition World Timer, a limited-edition model that builds on the design language introduced in the original 29.01 World Timer. This special edition was launched to mark MING’s debut participation in a major industry event, Dubai Watch Week 2023, and is tailored for MING’s Arabic-speaking collectors, incorporating elements and script that reflect this regional connection.
With a price of 22,000 CHF, this model is limited to just 25 pieces, with deliveries scheduled to begin shortly. The prototype I reviewed belongs to the CEO, who kindly allowed me the opportunity to shoot and review this piece. It’s worth noting that some subtle adjustments and quality control refinements may be applied to the final units that will reach customers.
And while the 29 Series was meant to be a successor to the highly successful 19 Series, I plan to draw some parallels to one of my own MING watches, the 20.11 Mosaic, since I believe these two platforms share some similarities in materials and design philosophy too.
Let’s check it out!
Case
The 29.01 Dubai Edition features a 40mm Grade 5 titanium case, measuring 44.5mm from lug tip to lug tip, 11.7mm in height, and with a 22mm lug width. This case is inspired by MING’s previous 19 Series but introduces a skeletonized, fluid design that diverges from the solid construction of models like the 19.02. The flowing lines and curves of the 29.01’s case design evoke a streamlined, sports car-like aesthetic, particularly in the mid-case and how it transitions into the flying blade lugs.
The case finishing includes polished top surfaces and media-blasted interiors, which enhance the contrast and depth of the design. The flying blade lug design, seen also in my 20.11 Mosaic, is executed here with interlocking case-back and mid-case elements, creating a unique, cohesive structure. A deep box sapphire crystal crowns the case, extending the mid-case’s profile into a gently curved top with ample anti-reflective coating.
On the back, the case-back is fitted within a traditional sapphire cutout, unlike the complete sapphire case-back of the 19.02 that would even be visible when on the wrist. The 6.2mm push-pull crown at 3 o’clock is easy to grip, and the watch carries a water resistance rating of 50m, suitable for everyday conditions.
The case design is intricate, with fluid aesthetics and exceptional attention to detail that is best appreciated in person. Compared to the MING 20.11 Mosaic, the 29.01 may feel composed of fewer parts but brings a refined and robust build quality that delivers an equally, if not more, impressive experience on the wrist. I’m slightly jealous of this case, and will have to get a watch from this series at some point.
Dial
The 29.01 Dubai Edition showcases a distinctive dial that differs significantly from the regular 29.01 model, primarily in its use of Arabic script to denote world cities While I don’t read or speak Arabic, the visual presentation of the script adds an aesthetically pleasing and unique touch to the dial.
The dial construction is intricate, though the overall look remains clean and straightforward. At its base, the dial has a radially brushed metallic surface printed with a 24-hour disc in a brownish-gold color that is also lumed. This layer includes a subtle gradient that likely indicates day-to-night progression. Notably, the entire metallic base is engineered to rotate, allowing for straightforward time zone adjustments.
Above the base layer sits a sapphire layer that incorporates a two-part pattern. The inner circle features MING’s signature “snoot” logo at 12 o’clock, along with hour markers etched and filled with a hybrid ceramic-fused lume material. The outer circle displays the world city disc in Arabic script, also etched and lumed with HyCeram, with the MING logo indicating Malaysia. The etching and lume application provide clarity and an impressive depth to the dial, by casting a beautiful shadow to the metal layer below it.
The hour and minute hands are crafted from sapphire and fused with HyCeram, similar to the 20.11 Mosaic model. Despite being nearly identical in length, the hands have distinct designs, with the hour hand featuring a large lume plot and the minute hand bordered in lume. The hour hand is directly linked to the rotating metallic base layer, and can make one-hour adjustments in either direction via the crown’s intermediate position, or move both hands when the movement is hacked.
There appear to be calculations on the dial that might account for daylight savings or another offset protocol, though the exact system isn’t entirely clear to me. Overall, the dial is both visually engaging and technically sophisticated. The use of sapphire, combined with the intricate construction and lumed Arabic script, results in a busy yet elegantly organized dial. And since I’m a big fan of sapphire, it should be no surprise why I love this dial and hand set.
Lume
The Dubai Edition showcases an impressive lume design and application, a hallmark often seen in MING’s lineup. The watch uses HyCeram for its sapphire hands and dial layer, complemented by a standard liquid lume on the rotating metal hour disc. HyCeram, a hybrid ceramic luminous material, allows MING to bond luminous elements directly to sapphire, creating a high-performance, vibrant lume that holds its own against premium materials like Lumicast and Globolight XP, favored by brands like Tudor and H. Moser & Cie.
In practical use, the HyCeram script lume fades slightly faster than larger lumed sections on the hands, largely due to differences in surface area and volume. However, the overall lume application on the 29.01 Dubai Edition significantly outperforms many standard liquid luminous pigments. In comparison with other MING models, such as the 20.11 Mosaic, 17.09 WCS, and 37.02 Minimalist, the 29.01 performs exceptionally well. The 20.11 Mosaic edges it out slightly, benefiting from HyCeram applied to larger, simpler elements.
Overall, the lume on this watch is incredible and I have a weakness for MING’s terrific use of sapphire and lume, and the resulting light and shadow play.
Movement
This watch is powered by the Schwarz-Etienne for MING caliber ASE 222, a heavily reworked movement compared to previous MING models like the 19.02 and the 20.11 Mosaic, both of which also used Schwarz-Etienne micro-rotor movements. For the 29.01, MING has taken a more architectural approach to the movement’s design, and has implemented several aesthetic and functional upgrades.
Among the improvements is a new mounting system for the micro-rotor, which is now supported by ceramic ball bearings. This is a notable enhancement over the direct mounting of the micro-rotor seen in my 20.11 Mosaic, providing smoother operation and increased durability. The movement features a tungsten rotor with sculpted contours that align with the fluid, dynamic aesthetic of the case. And it looks like the straight edge of the rotor has hand polished bevels.
The movement is finished with a 5N rose gold coating and diamond-cut anglage. With a 70-hour power reserve, similar to previous models, the 29.01 introduces a more skeletonized approach that boldly showcases the inner workings of its barrel. While the finishing may not reach the level of hand-polished anglage or complex interior angles, the movement delivers a visually striking experience with several intricate details and architectural elements.
MING does not specify precise performance metrics for the ASE 222, though it notes that the movement is adjusted to five positions. Based on my experience with the caliber ASE200.2 in the 20.11, this movement generally maintains accurate time within single-digit deviations per day.
After purchasing my 20.11 Mosaic, I learned that this movement architecture was developed with contributions from Simon Brette, who has since gained recognition for his own watch brand, adding a layer of interest to the caliber’s design heritage. Overall, the ASE 222 in the 29.01 Dubai Edition presents a unique and visually engaging movement that feels like a significant evolution from the more conventional catalog architecture in previous models.
On The Wrist
The 29.01 fits within MING’s 38mm to 42mm case diameter range, with its 40mm case size offering a slightly larger alternative to MING’s typical 38mm models. Personally, I find the larger sizes more comfortable, especially compared to smaller MING cases like the 17.09. That also explains why my 40mm 18.01 Diver and 42mm 20.011 Mosaic are some of my favorite watches from the brand. This 40mm diameter paired with a compact 45mm lug-to-lug distance results in a watch that wears well on various wrist sizes, including smaller wrists than my own 6.75″.
The mostly-flat case-back and low center of mass improve the wear-ability on my flat-ish wrist, creating a balanced feel that complements its sleek 11.7mm case height. The combination of a carefully designed mid-case and sapphire crystal also helps the watch wear thinner than its measurements suggest.
The 29.01 comes on a rubber strap with an alligator texture that MING calls Elastogator. The strap has a comfortable and pliable feel with excellent weather resistance, closely mimicking the look of genuine alligator leather. Additionally, I tried it on MING’s 22mm titanium universal bracelet, and found the 29 Series case is well-suited for the design of this bracelet. The bracelet integrates seamlessly with the case, providing a cohesive design flow that complements the overall aesthetic of the watch. And I even prefer this pairing to how it looks on my 20.11 Mosaic.
Wrapping Up
The MING 29.01 Dubai Edition World Timer builds on the foundational design of the original 29.01 World Timer, refining it with thoughtful enhancements. The movement finishing on this version stands out as one of the best iterations of this caliber from MING, showcasing excellent design thinking and an eye for aesthetics. The dial layout, featuring Arabic script, offers a unique aesthetic that, even without an understanding of the language, I think it is a very visually pleasing layout that I prefer to the regular 29.01.
On the wrist, the watch wears comfortably and pairs seamlessly with both MING’s straps and their titanium bracelet. The lume is very impressive, as you would expect from MING’s higher-end models. Additionally, the materials, build quality, and finishing reflect the attention to detail one would expect at this price point.
Overall, this watch solidifies MING’s 29 Series as a compelling lineup, and I very much look forward to future releases that may carry forward the same movement design and finishing demonstrated here.
