Ming × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning: New Collaborative Model

Today we are reviewing a new collaborative watch model created by the brands Ming and J.N. Shapiro.

Both brands are founders of the Alternative Horological Alliance, established in 2024 to support its members through innovation and partnership. Until now, AHA has primarily introduced bracelets and cases, but the 37.06 Lightning model is the first full-fledged collaborative product. These watches appear as a result of a successful partnership.

History and Features of the Ming and J.N. Shapiro Brands

When mentioning J.N. Shapiro, words like 'American', 'handcrafted', and 'formal style' often come to mind. Josh Shapiro has turned his Los Angeles workshop into a respected company with long waiting lists. Meanwhile, Ming is known for its modern watches with a recognizable design philosophy. Despite the independence of both brands and the friendly relations of their owners, the watches look completely different. The question arises, what might their collaboration look like? The answer is the new model 37.06 Lightning, which is undoubtedly done in the Ming style, but its key feature is the contribution of J.N. Shapiro.

Design and Case of the Ming × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning

The well-known shape from the 37 series, existing since 2022 and serving as the base for more affordable Ming models, forms the foundation for the novelty. The case of the 37.06 is made of 316L stainless steel with a combination of polished and matte surfaces, measuring 38 mm in diameter and 44.5 mm 'lug-to-lug'. A domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating contributes to an overall case thickness of 10.9 mm. Water resistance is maintained at 100 meters. The watch comes on a dark blue calfskin Barenia strap from Jean Rousseau, featuring a signature polished steel buckle.

Hand Guilloché and Thermal Treatment of the Dial

The 37.06 Lightning model features engraved and luminous HyCeram-filled hour indices, located on the inside of the top sapphire glass. The blue hands are coated with Super-LumiNova X1. However, the main highlight is the dial itself.

J.N. Shapiro uses a traditional rose-engine guilloché lathe, located in Los Angeles, to create the pattern on the Grade 2 titanium dial. The process of applying the 'lightning' pattern is complex and requires high precision, leading to a high rejection rate. Despite the traditional method, the resulting design looks modern and fits seamlessly into Ming's aesthetic.

After guilloché, the dials are sent directly to Ming's founder, Ming Thein, in Kuala Lumpur. There, he carefully heats the surface with a butane torch, creating a natural color palette ranging from purple and blue to golden hues. Similar to guilloché, thermal treatment is risky, so only about a third of the dials are selected for installation in the watches.

Final Result and Uniqueness of the Model

The result is a watch that undeniably belongs to Ming, but has a unique origin story. Particularly impressive are the color variations given by thermal treatment, as well as the emphasized depth of the guilloché. This is a thoughtful and harmonious union of two brands.

Inside the model is the Ming SW210.M1 caliber with manual winding from Sellita. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz), with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Special attention is given to the anthracite skeletonized bridges with rhodium plating and contrasting circular grinding. The back case is engraved with the collaboration symbols of both companies.

Conclusion and Availability of the Model

The Ming × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning is not a limited edition in the classic sense, but production is limited due to the labor-intensive dial manufacturing. Sales start on June 5 at 13:00 GMT, and the first batch will be available for immediate shipment. The price is set at 6,250 Swiss francs, reflecting the high cost of dial production compared to other models in the 37 series. Overall, this is an outstanding model showcasing the craftsmanship of both companies. Additional information can be found on the official Ming website.

Technical Specifications of the Ming × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning