Ming Thein is the co-founder and creative force behind Ming, a Malaysian watch brand recognised for its minimalist design and meticulous attention to detail. Launched in 2017, the brand’s first collection, the 17.01, became an instant success—all 300 pieces were sold out within hours of its release. The subsequent release of the 17.06 Copper won the Horological Revelation prize at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, earning Ming further recognition from the Swiss watch industry.

With a background as a theoretical physicist—graduating from Oxford’s Balliol College with a master’s in physics at the age of 16—Thein’s passion for watch design began long before starting his brand. His experience commissioning custom pieces from Ludwig Oschelin’s Ochs und Junior provided him with valuable insights into the intricacies of watchmaking, functionality, and design.

Thein’s philosophy is clear: watches should have horological integrity while also offering value for money. When he’s not designing watches, Thein is a professional photographer who has a varied portfolio of commercial and personal projects.