Review: Ming 17.03 GMT

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is home base to a small “horological collective” called Ming. These six folks are advancing watch design and the use of materials in rather unique ways. Led by photographer, designer, and watch collector Ming Thein, the other five members of the self-funded team are collectors of watches ranging from exemplary vintage pieces to six-figure one-offs.Though Ming’s 17-series watches represent the brand’s more affordable line, there is no sign of corner-cutting with the 17.03, which we have in hand for review. Nearly every aspect of this 38-millimeter GMT is unique, including the shapely titanium case and the layered dial with its sapphire overlay. Everything is made and assembled in Switzerland, with final inspection happening back in Kuala Lumpur.