Ming LW.01
Cover Ming LW.01
Ming LW.01

Ming LW.01 is a remarkable feat of material engineering

The challenge might have started to make the thinnest but that pivoted to the lightest watch upon the discovery of the AZ31 Magnesium-Aluminium-Zinc-Manganese alloy, which is lighter than carbon with the tactile quality of metal. 

The material innovation didn't stop there for Ming LW.01. Instead of sapphire, the protective crystal is Corning Gorilla Glass 6, which is significantly lighter than sapphire but with the same hardness and resistance. To save further weight, the sliver of bezel is internally hollowed out. The crown is anodised aluminium. 

Read more: Ming co-founder Ming Thein on the rise of Asian watchmakers 

Internally, the dial ring and movement are combined, supported in the rear by a cage with 3D struts.

The final results are featherweight watches—minus the strap—with the manual weighing 8.8g and the automatic 10.8g

Tatler Asia
Ming LW.01 Automatic weighs 8.8g
Above The manual Ming LW.01 weighs 8.8g
Ming LW.01 Automatic weighs 8.8g

Display-wise, it features a pulse seconds disc, the shrunken hour hand of the 17.03, and the gradient and skeleton peripheral ring of the 19 series. It is paired with an Alcantara strap with AZ31 buckle. 

See also: The mechanical innovations of Japanese watches

Tatler Asia
Ming LW.01
Above Ming LW.01 with two-toned Alcantara strap
Ming LW.01

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Brian Cheong
Senior Editor, Watches & Jewellery, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Brian Cheong

Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.