The Ming 51.01 Halo takes the brand’s experimental approach to materials in a dressier direction, pairing a pink gold-coated crystallised titanium case with a slim, hand-wound La Joux-Perret calibre.
Compact proportions and a restrained black-and-gold palette bring the unusual case texture into focus, while 5N lacquer-filled indices, still etched into the underside of the crystal, replace Ming’s customary lume without sacrificing its recognisable identity.
Initial thoughts
As a collector, I tend to be wary of gold plating and coatings from a durability standpoint, but in the case of the Halo that personal preference confronts my affection for crystallised titanium, which I wrote about last year. This treatment process subjects grade 5 titanium to intense heat in a vacuum chamber, reaching 1,200°C. That heating and the controlled cooling that follows have the effect of ‘crystallising’ the metal.
Finally, acid etching brings out the texture, much as it reveals Widmanstätten patterns in wafers of meteorite. Rather than creating crystals, the treatment enlarges and exposes naturally occurring crystals already present in the metal.
The result is a marbled matte finish that looks more like forged carbon than a metal alloy. Appealingly, Ming’s distinctive tuck buckle is rendered in the same material, right down to the 5N coating.
Ultimately, the brightness of the gold PVD coating enhances the look of the crystallised titanium case and, to my eye, makes the pattern more obvious and easier to enjoy. The disparity between the gold look and the extreme lightness may take some getting used to, but the merits of the material are arguably worth the effort.
The Halo is powered by the La Joux-Perret cal. LJP7380.M1, a slim movement that fills the case back nicely, especially compared to recent Ming models like the 37.06 Lightning. While I’d love to see the free-sprung balance of the La Joux-Perret G200 platform make its way into the LJP7380, there’s little else to nitpick with this familiar calibre.
At CHF10,900, the Halo defies the brand’s budget roots and reflects how much Ming’s product mix has evolved over time. Compared with other watches powered by the same calibre, the Halo sits between generic micro-brands that cost less and more exotic fare that costs much more. In short, the price point is largely supported by the unique look of the gold-coated crystallised titanium and the cohesive feel of the overall package.
Crystallised and compact
Despite the Halo’s golden PVD coating, it’s still a titanium watch and benefits from the inherent lightness of the material. Combined with compact sizing of just 37 mm, the Halo almost disappears on the wrist. The lug-to-lug length is just 43 mm and the watch weighs less than 40 g including the strap and buckle.
The discreet sizing also means the eye-catching texture of the crystallised titanium case isn’t overwhelming, as it might be if splashed across a larger surface area.
The wearing experience of a watch this light can be spoiled by an overly stiff strap, and perhaps for that reason Ming has equipped the Halo with a remarkably supple goat leather strap from Jean Rousseau, which feels broken in from day one.
Ming gets dressed up
Much of the Halo’s personality comes from its crystal and the golden ‘halo’ that floats above the minimalist jet-black dial. Ming is a brand that tends to make liberal use of luminous materials to add dimension to its designs, but the Halo takes a different approach.
The crystal is engraved on the underside as is typical, but the grooves are filled with 5N pink gold lacquer rather than the usual luminous compounds. This choice suits the dressy character of the watch and maintains the black-and-gold look around the clock.
The gold-coloured hands, too, are devoid of lume, but easy to pick out against the lacquered black backdrop, which features faint circular brushing around the edges. In reality, the ever-present reflections on the proud box-shaped crystal — unavoidable given the shape, despite antireflective coatings on both sides — make the texture difficult to distinguish at a glance.
Regardless, the look manages to be both stylish and easily legible. Moreover, the slender hands and lacquer-filled crystal engravings offer a somewhat rough-hewn aesthetic that feels cohesive with the matte finish of the crystallised titanium case.
Chaux time
The cal. LJP7380.M1 is produced by Manufacture La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, customised with several details that are specific to Ming. This is possible because the LJP7380 platform is amongst the manufacture’s more bespoke offerings, and as a result its production is not automated to the extent that it is for mainline calibres like the G100.
The customisations include the colours and textures, which bring it in line with Ming’s house style. The major bridges have also been openworked, which adds pleasing depth as well as opportunities for some hand finishing on the bevels.
The movement is pleasant to operate and runs for 90 hours on a full wind thanks to a pair of series-coupled barrels. At just 2.7 mm thick, it also contributes substantially to the Halo’s svelte profile. The watch itself measures 8 mm in height, but much of that is due to the box-shaped sapphire crystal — the titanium case itself looks and feels substantially thinner.
Key facts and price
Ming 51.01 Halo
Diameter: 37 mm
Height: 8 mm
Material: Crystallised titanium with pink gold PVD coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m
Movement: La Joux-Perret LJP7380.M1 customised for Ming
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Manual wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 90 hours
Strap: Goat leather strap made by Jean Rousseau with crystallised titanium pin buckle
Limited edition: 150 pieces
Availability: Direct from Ming and authorised retailers
Price: CHF10,900 excluding taxes
For more, visit ming.watch
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