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MING 37.06 Royal Selangor turns Malaysian pewter into a play of light

MING and Royal Selangor create a titanium watch with a hammered pewter dial, limited to only 88 individually assembled pieces

The MING 37.06 Royal Selangor blends Malaysian craftsmanship, Swiss mechanics and a pewter dial transformed by changing light

Some watches stand out by adding more detail, while others achieve the same result by removing almost everything that could cause a distraction. The new MING 37.06 Royal Selangor belongs to the latter category. Its dial has no conventional numerals or applied markers, leaving a hammered pewter surface free to react continuously to changing light.

Created with Royal Selangor, the historic Malaysian specialist in fine pewter craftsmanship, the watch will be produced in a limited series of just 88 pieces. More than a special edition built around an unusual material, it is a project closely connected to Malaysia, from the dial and design to final assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

A dial that never looks quite the same

The defining feature is the Royal Selangor dial, shaped by a pronounced hammering technique that creates a deep and irregular metallic landscape. Its individual marks catch the light differently whenever the wrist moves. From one angle the surface can appear soft and almost satin-like, while from another it develops stronger shadows and sharper contrasts.

Pewter is primarily a tin-based alloy strengthened by small quantities of copper and antimony. It is naturally resistant to corrosion and can develop a gentle patina over time. Each watch may therefore acquire subtle individual nuances while retaining the warmer appearance that separates pewter from the colder metals more commonly seen in contemporary watchmaking.

Hour markers suspended above the dial

To preserve the uninterrupted appearance of the metal, MING moved the hour track, markers and logo away from the dial. They are engraved into the underside of the front sapphire crystal and filled with Super-LumiNova X1, creating the impression that they are floating above the hammered surface.

The hour and minute hands are also treated with Super-LumiNova X1. In darkness, the watch becomes an essential arrangement of luminous lines. During daylight, the unusual construction leaves the pewter visible with very little visual interruption. Both the front and rear domed sapphire crystals feature anti-reflective coating on their inner and outer surfaces.

A lightweight titanium case with balanced proportions

The fully brushed grade-2 titanium case measures 38 millimetres in diameter, 11.05 millimetres thick and 44.73 millimetres from lug to lug. These relatively compact proportions give the watch a noticeable presence without allowing it to become oversized. The case head weighs only 35.9 grams, contributing to an especially light experience on the wrist.

Its restrained brushed finish reduces reflections and provides a calm frame for the more expressive dial. Water resistance is rated at 100 metres, making the watch suitable for far more than formal occasions, including everyday wear and time spent around marinas, boats and the coast.

A Swiss movement given the MING treatment

Visible through the sapphire caseback is the automatic Sellita for MING SW300.M1. The calibre has 25 jewels, operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

Rather than leaving the movement in its standard configuration, MING has given it a more distinctive appearance. Its bridges are skeletonised, rhodium-plated and brushed, while the baseplate receives an anthracite coating. The familiar Swiss mechanical platform is therefore combined with finishing that better reflects the contemporary identity of the watch.

A collaboration rooted in Kuala Lumpur

Royal Selangor traces its history to 1885, when pewtersmith Yong Koon arrived in Kuala Lumpur and established the business that would develop into one of Malaysia’s best-known craft companies. It remains based in the city today, bringing together traditional skills, contemporary design and international collaborations.

For this edition, MING decided that all 88 watches would be assembled in Kuala Lumpur rather than following the predominantly Swiss production route used for many of its other models. The decision gives the project a stronger sense of place and makes the collaboration more meaningful than a simple pairing of two names on a caseback.

A strap and presentation box designed around the same idea

The watch is fitted with a blue-grey goat leather strap made by Jean Rousseau Paris. Curved quick-release spring bars make it easier to remove, while the titanium flying-blade buckle includes a micro-adjustment system for a more precise fit.

The presentation box follows the same material language as the watch. Made by Royal Selangor in hammered pewter, its textured surface echoes the dial and gives the packaging a purpose beyond protection. It has the appearance of a decorative object that can remain on a desk or become part of the collection itself.

Eighty-eight watches shaped by two traditions

The MING 37.06 Royal Selangor is priced at approximately CHF 5,000 before local taxes. Production is limited to 88 pieces, with initial availability through selected Royal Selangor boutiques. A small allocation is scheduled to become available through the MING website on 6 August 2026 at 10:00 AM GMT.

Its rarity will naturally contribute to its appeal among collectors, but the most compelling aspect lies in its identity. Malaysian pewter, lightweight titanium, Swiss mechanics and modern design have been brought together without resorting to unnecessary spectacle. The character of the watch comes instead from its material, its carefully controlled irregularities and the way each reflection reveals a slightly different surface.

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MING

31 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
MING 37.06 Royal Selangor turns Malaysian pewter into a play of light
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