When Ming Meets Guilloché: The New 37.06 Lightning
Independent watchmakers Ming and J.N. Shapiro have joined forces to introduce the new 37.06 Lightning, a timepiece that combines the distinctive design language of Ming with the artisanal dial-making expertise of the Los Angeles-based atelier J.N. Shapiro.
The collaboration is the latest project to emerge from the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA), an initiative founded by Ming, J.N. Shapiro, and Fleming in 2024 to promote collaboration among independent watch brands and craftsmen.
A Unique Titanium Guilloché Dial
The centerpiece of the 37.06 Lightning is undoubtedly its remarkable dial, which undergoes an extensive multi-stage manufacturing process involving artisans on two continents.
Each dial starts as a Grade 2 titanium blank and is hand-guillochéd in Los Angeles using a traditional rose-engine lathe. The resulting pattern, known as “Lightning Guilloché,” debuts on a wristwatch for the first time and creates a dynamic texture that shifts dramatically depending on the viewing angle.
Once the guilloché work is completed, the dials are shipped to Kuala Lumpur, where Ming founder and photographer Ming Thein individually heat-colors each one using a butane torch. The process relies on carefully controlled oxidation to produce the vibrant blue hue seen across the dial surface.
The technique is particularly demanding due to the combination of titanium and the engraved guilloché pattern. Variations within the metal’s crystalline structure can affect the final coloration, resulting in a low success rate and making every finished dial subtly unique.
Signature Ming Design Elements
Despite the collaborative nature of the project, the watch remains unmistakably a Ming creation. The stainless steel case follows the familiar proportions of the brand’s 37-series watches, measuring 38 mm in diameter, 10.90 mm thick, and 44.50 mm from lug to lug.
The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel and features the brand’s characteristic sculpted lugs and flowing profile. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.
A defining Ming hallmark is also present in the sapphire crystal, which incorporates engraved luminous hour markers filled with HyCeram, creating the illusion of floating indices above the dial. Complementing this display are skeletonized hands coated with Super-LumiNova X1 for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
Sellita-Based Mechanical Movement
Powering the 37.06 Lightning is the hand-wound Sellita for MING caliber SW210.M1. Visible through the sapphire display caseback, the movement features skeletonized rhodium-plated bridges paired with an anthracite-coated baseplate, delivering a more contemporary appearance than the standard Sellita architecture.
The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Availability And Price
The Ming x J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning is not a limited edition. However, production will naturally remain restricted due to the labor-intensive dial manufacturing and finishing processes involved.
The watch is priced at CHF 6,250 and represents a rare combination of traditional hand-guilloché craftsmanship, titanium heat-coloring, and modern independent watchmaking design.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Ming
Model: J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning
Dial: Grade 2 titanium base with handmade guilloché by Shapiro and lightning pattern
Lume: Super-LumiNova X1
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 38 mm Diameter, 10.90 mm thick, 44.50 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Sapphire glass
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Blue Barenia calfskin strap with Alcantara lining by Jean Rousseau
Calibre: Sellita SW210.M1
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Price: CHF 6,250
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
