Created by Horologer Ming and American watchmaker J.N. Shapiro, the 37.06 Lightning amarks the first watch jointly presented by the two brands. Previously, the two collaborated on AHA tantalum bracelet and the cases for the MING Project 21. The 37.06 Lightning, however, represents their most intimate collaboration to date, bringing together two distinct artistic disciplines on a single canvas: the dial.
The story of the watch begins in Los Angeles, where every dial is meticulously crafted from grade-2 titanium and hand-engine-turned by Josh Shapiro and his team using a traditional rose-engine lathe. The result is a striking “Lightning guilloché” pattern, appearing for the first time on a J.N. Shapiro wristwatch. Working with titanium on a rose-engine lathe demands exceptional precision, and the complex guilloché pattern carries a significant risk of failure. Once completed, the dials make their journey to Kuala Lumpur, where Ming founder Ming Thein personally undertakes the next stage of the transformation.
Using only a handheld butane torch, Thein heat-colours each dial by hand, creating a vivid spectrum of blues, purples, and fiery orange-yellow hues. Unlike traditional coloured dials, no paint, lacquer, or coatings are applied. Instead, the colours emerge entirely through heat treatment, making each dial unique. The process requires perfect timing and control, as even a few seconds too much or too little heat can ruin a dial. No two dials share the same colour gradient, reinforcing the watch's aptly chosen name.
The dial is encased in a 316L stainless steel case measuring 38 mm in diameter. The bezel is quite thin, giving the dial maximum presence on the wrist. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and features Ming’s emblematic luminous HyCeram hour markers. The hour and minute hands receive multiple layers of Super-LumiNova X1. The watch dispenses with a seconds hand, allowing the intricate dial to remain the focal point.
Powering the watch is the manual-winding Sellita for MING calibre SW210.M1, delivering approximately 42 hours of power reserve. Water resistance is rated at 100 metres.It comes dressed in an anthracite goat leather by Jean Rousseau Paris.
Images: Courtesy Brand
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