Dubai Watch Week 2023: MING's 29.01 Dubai Edition Brings The World On Your Wrist

The worldtimer watch, a complication that elegantly displays the time in cities across the globe, has always held a special place in my heart. As someone who loves to travel, I'm drawn to the idea of wearing a single timepiece that can connect me to places both near and far. 

MING, known for its avant-garde designs, has just unveiled its latest worldtimer: the 29.01 Dubai Edition ahead of Dubai Watch Week 2023. Building on their existing 29.01 model, the Dubai Edition brings thoughtful tweaks that tailor the watch specifically for their Middle Eastern clientele. 

At first glance, the 29.01 Dubai Edition retains the sleek, organic aesthetic of MING's 29-series watches. The 40mm grade 5 titanium case is bezel-less, with the domed sapphire crystal seamlessly flowing into the case body. MING's signature "flying blade" lugs integrate smoothly into the case as well.

Peer closer at the dial, however, and you'll notice key changes. The city ring now displays names in Arabic rather than English. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh make their debut on the 29.01's world map. An added third ring indicates which cities observe daylight savings time. These customizations speak thoughtfully to MING's Arabic-speaking customers. 

Powering the 29.01 Dubai Edition is MING's second-generation Schwarz Etienne ASE222 microrotor movement. The bridges receive an appealing new 5N rose gold PVD coating. MING has also skeletonized the mainspring barrel for increased transparency. The tungsten micro-rotor is larger in diameter for more efficient winding.

MING plans to produce just 25 examples of the 29.01 Dubai Edition, launching sales on its website on November 16. Priced at CHF 22,000, these special worldtimers will likely sell out quickly. Deliveries are expected by Q3 2024. 

For frequent travelers or worldtimer enthusiasts like myself, the 29.01 Dubai Edition hits a sweet spot. MING preserves the watch's sophisticated yet understated look while enhancing its usability via thoughtful tweaks. The Middle East is one of horology's most important markets, and MING's customization shows both cultural awareness and commitment to its customers. I'm excited to see this worldtimer on the wrists of globe-trotting collectors very soon.