At MING, we have often favored subtle, monochromatic dials that rely on reflection, depth, and layering rather than overt color. When we decided to explore something more expressive, the result was the 57.04 Iris and the debut of our colour-shifting multiphasic dial treatment.
With the 29.06 Peep Show, we push that idea further by introducing another layer of magic: a dial that sometimes appears … and sometimes disappears.
The vanishing effect comes from polarization – a technique widely used in photography to control light. Instead of placing a filter over the dial, the Peep Show integrates the polarized elements directly into the handset. The traditional hour and minute hands are replaced by discs of linearly polarized sapphire.
When the hands are aligned, light passes through and the iridescent dial is revealed. When they rotate to 90 degrees relative to each other, light transmission is blocked and the dial turns completely black. As time passes and the hands move across the dial, the display cycles continuously between these states, playfully breathing between color, reflection, and darkness.
Beneath the polarizing effect lies a metal dial finished with a deep-cut machined guilloché and coated with the same multiphasic treatment first seen on the 57.04 Iris. When visible, the dial reflects a wide spectrum of colors depending on light and viewing angle.
The Peep Show is housed in our 29-series case with its seamless-crystal and sculptural flying-blade lugs. Machined from grade-5 titanium, the case measures 40mm in diameter and 11.8mm in thickness, with a 22mm lug width. The absence of a traditional bezel allows the sapphire crystal to form an uninterrupted viewing window across the dial, the undisputed star of the show.
Turning the watch over reveals our second-generation Schwarz-Etienne for MING calibre ASE 200.M1. The self-winding movement features highly openworked bridges designed by Ming Thein to emphasize depth, transparency, and three-dimensionality, finished with diamond-cut anglage.
The barrel is fully skeletonized to visually indicate the remaining power reserve, while the rotor guard incorporates a distinctive four-level “staircase” architecture, also executed with diamond-cut anglage. A sculptural tungsten micro-rotor rides on ceramic ball bearings and winds the movement efficiently to deliver nearly four days of running autonomy.
Functions:
Case:
Dial & hands:
Movement:
Straps:
2-year limited mechanical warranty