This MING Dive Watch Was Inspired By Sea Urchin Sushi – And It's Already Making Waves

MING has taken an unexpectedly delicious turn with their latest timepiece. The MING 37.09 Uni, announced today, pays homage to one of the ocean's most distinctive delicacies: sea urchin, known in Japanese cuisine as "uni." Fresh off their GPHG 2024 Sports Watch Prize win for the 37.09 Bluefin, MING continues their aquatic culinary journey with this limited edition masterpiece. Limited to just 150 pieces and priced at CHF 5,250 (approximately INR 499,248 approximately), the watch is set to make quite a splash when it becomes available tomorrow.

A Taste of the Deep
Like its namesake, the 37.09 Uni sports a striking black DLC-coated armor, reminiscent of a sea urchin's protective shell. But it's the brilliant orange accents that steal the show, mirroring the prized golden-orange flesh found within these spiny creatures. In a first for the brand, MING has incorporated orange-emission Super-LumiNova, creating an otherworldly glow that echoes the delicacy's distinctive hue.

Built for the Depths
Don't let its culinary inspiration fool you – this is a serious diving instrument. The 38mm case is water-resistant to an impressive 600 meters, featuring a clever pressure-balancing system and a sapphire caseback. The rotating sapphire timing dial can be operated underwater, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The watch houses a Sellita for MING SW300.M1 automatic movement, specially finished with anthracite skeletonized bridges and a rotor featuring contrast circular brushing. With approximately 50 hours of power reserve, it's ready for extended underwater adventures.

Innovation Meets Tradition
MING's attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the design. The watch introduces a new pattern for the hour indices, while Super-LumiNova adorns the dial, top crystal, and hands. The package is completed with a new molded FKM rubber strap, featuring a DLC-coated 'flying blade' tuck buckle with micro-adjustment capabilities.

At 38mm in diameter and 12.8mm thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.5mm, the Uni strikes a perfect balance between presence and wearability. The double-sided anti-reflective coating on both sapphire crystals ensures optimal legibility in any conditions, while the matte-brushed finish of the DLC-coated steel case provides a sophisticated, tool-watch aesthetic.

Why It Matters
The 37.09 Uni represents more than just another luxury dive watch. It showcases MING's unique ability to blend unexpected inspiration with serious horological expertise. Following their recent GPHG win and co-founding of the Alternative Horological Alliance with JN Shapiro and Fleming, MING continues to prove they're not afraid to swim against the current.

Like its namesake delicacy, the MING 37.09 Uni might not be for everyone – and that's exactly the point. It's a bold statement piece for those who appreciate both fine watchmaking and creative inspiration. But with only 150 pieces available, potential buyers might want to move quickly when sales open tomorrow at 1PM GMT on www.ming.watch. For those lucky enough to secure one, they'll own a timepiece that's as much a conversation starter as it is a robust diving instrument – proving that in the world of haute horlogerie, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.