MING Drops a Stealthy DLC-Coated Version on Its Minimalist, Versatile Classic

Few independent watchmakers have struck such a strong chord with enthusiasts as MING. The Malaysian brand’s design ethos is so indelible that you can spot their timepieces instantly, which is great if that’s what you’re going for on your wrist. We happen to love their minimalist, futuristic style and now they’ve just released a black DLC-coated variant of their popular 37.02 Minimalist that trades the original’s polished steel for something stealthier.

Dubbed the Monolith, this is the third chapter in MING’s 37.02 story, following the well-received Minimalist and the lightweight titanium Ghost. Where those models made their own statements, the Monolith takes a different approach, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, creating what might be the most wearable daily piece in MING’s current lineup.

The Dark Arts of DLC

That anthracite coating of the Monolith fundamentally alters how the 38mm case interacts with your wrist and the world around it. The mixed brushed-matte finish creates texture, but the black DLC treatment brings a subtlety to your wrist that almost dilutes MING’s assertive design for a more balanced aesthetic. At 11mm thick with a compact 44.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, the proportions are still pretty darn perfect here, but now with a more ninja-like presence.

The case maintains MING’s signature narrow bezel approach, maximizing dial real estate while keeping that distinctive pagoda-style lug design that’s become one of the brand’s hallmarks. The 37.02 has always been a highly versatile model, with double-gasket construction, 100m of water resistance, and double-sided AR coating on the sapphire crystal.

The Dial Game

The sapphire dial delivers the same optical effects as the Minimalist, but the dark treatment simply amplifies everything. If you change the angle or lighting, you’ll see it shift from an almost black void to a reflective surface that mirrors its surroundings. 

Laser-cut channels on the crystal are filled with MING’s proprietary Polar White luminous material. This is a fairly new innovation from MING, and we’re glad to keep seeing it pop up. Unlike your standard Super-LumiNova, this is a custom formula developed by founder Ming Thein that that creates one of the few truly white-glowing lume compounds available. The contrast against the dark dial is striking, while you still get blue Super-LumiNova X1 on the hands which helps you with delineating them from the outer track.

Movement Matters

Inside, the customized Sellita SW300.M1 gets the full MING treatment with skeletonized anthracite bridges and a bespoke rotor that perfectly complements the case’s stealth aesthetic. It’s not the most exotic caliber in the world, but it’s reliable, serviceable, and delivers a solid 45 hours of power reserve. Likewise, the movement finishing matches the external aesthetic perfectly with anthracite components visible through the display caseback.

Mango Madness

Instead of going for a fully blacked-out look, MING opts for a mango-colored FKM rubber strap. It might sound like an odd pairing with a stealth watch, but that pop of color against the monochromatic case instantly changes this from a dress-forward watch to a playful summer watch that we think it intends to be. But if you’re not happy with it, the band features quick-release tabs, so swapping to leather for dressier occasions would be very easy.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

The MING 37.02 Monolith is available now from the brand’s website, priced at CHF 3,500 (~$4,370) and with a limited production of just 100 pieces annually.

Recap

MING 37.02 Monolith

MING turns its versatile 37.02 into a all-black watch with this Monolith variant. Equipped with 100m of water resistance and white-glowing lume, the timepiece also curiously comes with a mango-colored rubber strap.

Learn More: MING