Introducing: The Ming 57.04 Phoenix Offers A More Restrained Take On The Brand's Destro Monopusher Chronograph

What We Know

Last year, to celebrate Ming’s eighth birthday (the company, not the founder), the brand debuted its fifth-generation design language with a dazzling chronograph, the 57.04 Iris. More art deco than ever before, and with a unique triple-stepped lug design, the Iris also featured one of Ming’s more colorfully captivating dials. While the 100-piece edition sold quite quickly, it was nevertheless a flamboyant and slightly polarizing release from the brand (then again, with Ming’s distinct stylings, many if not most releases could be deemed polarizing).

Today marks the introduction of the 57.04 Phoenix, a familiar successor to the Iris but dialed (no pun intended) back a bit. In a very tasteful inversion of the original, the dished dial this time comes in a circularly brushed grey, while the radial cutouts are where the shifting, iridescent colors of pink, purple, and blue shine through. In addition to color, luminescence is present throughout thanks to Super-LumiNova X1 in the hands and sandwich chronograph minute counter disc, and Ming’s proprietary Polar White lume compound filled into the top crystal’s laser-cut markings.

Much else remains the same here—a 40mm steel case, 11.85mm thick, and a 47.8mm lug-to-lug, in a destro monopusher format. The exhibition caseback shows the Sellita for Ming SW562.M1 monopusher caliber at work, while the three-quarter plate is given a dark coating this time for a sleeker finish to match the dial. 

Those who missed out on the Iris will be delighted to know that the 57.04 Phoenix is not a limited edition, but rather a new addition to the core collection. Like many of its other standard collection models, the Phoenix will be produced each year in specific numbers, with 150 made this year. Priced at CHF 6,250 on Ming’s FKM rubber strap, or CHF 7,250 on the groundbreaking titanium Polymesh bracelet introduced last year, the MING 57.04 Phoenix will be available via Ming or its authorized retailers. 

What We Think

Subtlety has never been the main tenet of Ming’s designs, but I think this time around, the 57.04 has really hit its stride by adding a little bit of restraint. Yes, the first 57.04 design was cool because it seemed to throw everything and the kitchen sink all together—vivid colors, even more steps on the lugs, a destro monopusher, tons of lume—but the Phoenix just feels more impactful to me. 

You’re losing the full rainbow, but having the coloring peek through those dial cutouts is much more exciting in my book. Plus, the grey dial gives the whole watch a more industrial look, which makes it a nice addition to the core collection, given the recent discontinuation of the 37.02 Ghost. I’m still not sure how I feel about the triple-stepped lugs, but in person, I find that they’re less abrasive than in photos.

It’s also interesting to me that the Phoenix is offered together with the titanium Polymesh bracelet, given the mismatch with a steel case. It’s one of my pet peeves when it comes to watches, but I think others will gladly overlook this mismatch given how damn awesome the Polymesh is in person (please release the steel one soon!). But regardless, this 57.04 is a nice addition to Ming’s lineup, offering a solid entry in the lower half of the brand’s price point.

The Basics

Brand: Ming
Model: 57.04
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 11.85mm
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Dial Color: Grey with iridescent, color shifting coating
Indexes: Engraved and filled
Lume: Super-LumiNova and Ming Polar White
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: FKM rubber strap or titanium Polymesh

The Movement

Caliber: Sellita for MING SW562.M1
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 VpH (4Hz)
Chronometer Certified: No

Pricing & Availability

Price: CHF 6,250 on FKM rubber strap, or CHF 7,250 on titanium Polymesh bracelet
Availability: MING and authorized retailers
Limited Edition: No

For more, click here.