To Ming or not to Ming (Yes, I finally got the Rolex call...kinda)

[btwistround]

I've got a allocation for the upcoming Ming Bluefin.

As soon as I saw it I paid my deposit for my allocation. Ming has been on my radar for a while but in the past I was not in the position to get one.

Mainly for the design language and ridiculous lume that I'd get a asbo from aliens for keeping them awake at night.

That's due for delivery end of November onwards.

CUrrent collection is 41mm BB GMT, 1960s 36mm vintage Grand Seiko, Moonswatch, Gshock for walking the dog /weekends.

I like lume just cos it's cool. I have daily wearers and beaters, looking more into the direction of a statement piece/ special occasions piece.

End game for me would be white gold Patek Annual calendar.

Right, that's background done.

I reached out to my usual local AD to pop in for a catch up as I was in town for work. I get a message from their head office that my normal, usual sales associate has left. I ring up and ask for an appointment with one of hte other sales associates that I've dealt with in the past.

Appointment arranged. Head in. I give him an idea of what's on my list.

(I've been waiting since 2019/ 20 for a piece. But I'm not even a big spender. I buy what I like.)

I get told the green dial 36mm OP I'll be waiting till early next year.

YM 126621 40mm everose and oystersteel


He gets one out for me to try on as it's been a while since I've popped in.

He also mentions they have a GMT Master 2 126711CHNR everose and oystersteel

I originally discounted GMT Master 2 because at that time I felt I wasn't a big enough fish to get one.

I said I'd think on it (Yeah , yeah , I know. Most would have just pulled the trigger there and then. For me, it's a watch. A very nice one. )

Also I'm gonna be 40 in spring 2025, so would be a very cool early birthday present.

So yeah, that's the question.

I like the Ming for it's under the radar (I like to wear my watches without having to plan my day for security reasons) quirkiness.

Or cancel the Ming (if I can still cancel) and go for either YM or the GMT MAster.

Advice please?

[1William]

The Rolex, hands down. The Ming, not so much.

[rmlovett1]

Given your collection…I’d personally get that GMT. The Ming is a cool watch, but no way I’d choose it over the Rolex.

[AAMD11]

Even though I’d never go out of my way to buy a Rolex I’d say go for the Rolex

[Gavster]

I’m getting the Ming bluefin. I think it looks great and different.
And personally I’d never go for a two tone Rolex. I’d wait to get a steel one in due course.

[funkright]

Pass your ADs contact info to me, I’d be interested in the GMT I think that tells you what I think Buy the Rolex

[SakeWatch]

I’m team Ming, and I’m also waiting for my Bluefin to ship. I have tried it on in person and it’s fabulous. Understated until you look closely.

That being said, I am also a big indies collector, which sways my choice. But if you want something flashier and more recognizable as a nice watch, go for the GMT or YM.

[Watch2019]

From my understanding, if you cancel your Ming, you will forfeit your deposit. That was what I was told previously when I enquirede about cancelling my Burgundy 17.09 which I had ordered along with the Blue 17.09. I was thinking I would give someone the opportunity to own that watch since I had a few other watches on the way. I am very glad I decided against the cancellation due to the deposit forfeiture condition since I have been enjoying both 17.09s! :)

Nonetheless, it appears OP is in a serendipitous type of dilemma situation.

[MichelleP]

I really like Ming and have the Kyoto GMT. I initially put down a deposit on the Blue Fin but cancelled early on. Something else came up and needed the funds for that. I hope to get one down the road (preowned). I am not sure you can cancel now without losing your deposit, as per above. As much as I like Ming, I'd go with Rolex if you are able to cancel.

[btwistround]

Originally Posted by Gavster

I’m getting the Ming bluefin. I think it looks great and different.
And personally I’d never go for a two tone Rolex. I’d wait to get a steel one in due course.

I quite like the two tone GMT Master 2 tbh.

Yeah it's the design of the bluefin that got me. Besides their special projects releases, this one is the one that appeals to me the most. The special projects are way out of reach budget wise.

Originally Posted by SakeWatch

I’m team Ming, and I’m also waiting for my Bluefin to ship. I have tried it on in person and it’s fabulous. Understated until you look closely.

That being said, I am also a big indies collector, which sways my choice. But if you want something flashier and more recognizable as a nice watch, go for the GMT or YM.

I've always liked the indie world. This Bluefin would be my first indie as the rest I've either missed out as all allocated before announced or out of reach cost wise.

Originally Posted by Watch2019

From my understanding, if you cancel your Ming, you will forfeit your deposit. That was what I was told previously when I enquirede about cancelling my Burgundy 17.09 which I had ordered along with the Blue 17.09. I was thinking I would give someone the opportunity to own that watch since I had a few other watches on the way. I am very glad I decided against the cancellation due to the deposit forfeiture condition since I have been enjoying both 17.09s! :)

Nonetheless, it appears OP is in a serendipitous type of dilemma situation.

Hopefully I can get my deposit back as it's nowhere near delivery as they've just got the final components a week or two back and in assembly. Plus there is a wait list so Ming aren't exactly going to be losing out.

Have emailed them and see what they say. If I can cancel and get my deposit back, I'd go for the GMT. If I'd lose the deposit? I'd stick with the bluefin as it is cool and I did commit to it.

Yes, it will be in rotation for wear. Just because I got offered a GMT and I've been waiting for years.

Originally Posted by MichelleP

I really like Ming and have the Kyoto GMT. I initially put down a deposit on the Blue Fin but cancelled early on. Something else came up and needed the funds for that. I hope to get one down the road (preowned). I am not sure you can cancel now without losing your deposit, as per above. As much as I like Ming, I'd go with Rolex if you are able to cancel.

Hopefully I can cancel.

Absolute worst case is I can cancel the Ming and get deposit back and the Rolex allocation has gone to someone else. But worst case still means I'm about £2500 ish better off and no change to my watch collection.

[btwistround]

The GMT and YM aren't pulling me that hard that I'm willing to lose the £2500 ish deposit for the Ming.

[MP777]

Cancel the Ming

[Gavster]

Seems like you know what watch draws you most which is the key thing.
Having both a Ming 37.07 monolith and a Rolex steel ceramic Daytona, for me personally the Ming feels more unique and cool (and gets positive comments) whereas the Daytona is just another Rolex :)

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by btwistround

The GMT and YM aren't pulling me that hard that I'm willing to lose the £2500 ish deposit for the Ming.

It actually sounds like none of these watches are pulling you that hard for you to second guess yourself.

[btwistround]

Sat on this for a few days, reached out to Ming and they've kindly accepted my request to cancel and refund.

As it's still a short while from delivery and there's a waitlist for this. If it was their special projects models? I'd understand as it's extremely limited run.

Opting for the GMT CHNR now.

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by btwistround

Sat on this for a few days, reached out to Ming and they've kindly accepted my request to cancel and refund.

As it's still a short while from delivery and there's a waitlist for this. If it was their special projects models? I'd understand as it's extremely limited run.

Opting for the GMT CHNR now.

Good choice. You can always look for the Ming preowned down the road

[Watch2019]

Originally Posted by btwistround

Sat on this for a few days, reached out to Ming and they've kindly accepted my request to cancel and refund.

As it's still a short while from delivery and there's a waitlist for this. If it was their special projects models? I'd understand as it's extremely limited run.

Opting for the GMT CHNR now.

Great to hear you get what you want! :)

A considerate gesture at Ming’s end to allow a cancellation with refund as well.

[smalleq]

Originally Posted by btwistround

Sat on this for a few days, reached out to Ming and they've kindly accepted my request to cancel and refund.

As it's still a short while from delivery and there's a waitlist for this. If it was their special projects models? I'd understand as it's extremely limited run.

Opting for the GMT CHNR now.

That's good to hear...I too have been sitting on my Ming Preorder, but recently picked up something from my shortlist a bit unexpectedly (a Trilobe on a minimum big on eBay) and realizing that I will probably have to decide between it and the Ming. Might just make my life easier to cancel the Ming.

[btwistround]

Originally Posted by Watch2019

Great to hear you get what you want! :)

A considerate gesture at Ming’s end to allow a cancellation with refund as well.

Yes, they were very considerate. I think that they have a wait list for it and it's not in delivery phase helped a lot. If the deposit was at risk of being lost? I probably would've just stuck with the Ming. It's still super cool and end of the day both are just watches. 2.5k is not exactly loose change to chalk off for a watch IMO.

Originally Posted by smalleq

That's good to hear...I too have been sitting on my Ming Preorder, but recently picked up something from my shortlist a bit unexpectedly (a Trilobe on a minimum big on eBay) and realizing that I will probably have to decide between it and the Ming. Might just make my life easier to cancel the Ming.

Ooooh good addition to the coolection. WHich one did you go for?

[smalleq]

Originally Posted by btwistround

Ooooh good addition to the coolection. WHich one did you go for?

The 40.5mm Dune. Normally would have opted for the 38.5mm version, but between the Titanium and reasonable lug to lug, it still wears quite comfortably.

[btwistround]

Originally Posted by smalleq

The 40.5mm Dune. Normally would have opted for the 38.5mm version, but between the Titanium and reasonable lug to lug, it still wears quite comfortably.

that is a cool piece. wear in good health.

[smalleq]

And now I pivoted...asked them to transfer my Bluefin Deposit to the 37.02, which will allow me to keep both the Trilobe and the Ming. We'll see if I actually do keep both, but I can swing it now and figure it out later.

[Watch2019]

Originally Posted by smalleq

And now I pivoted...asked them to transfer my Bluefin Deposit to the 37.02, which will allow me to keep both the Trilobe and the Ming. We'll see if I actually do keep both, but I can swing it now and figure it out later.

Good for you! The new Ming does look interesting.

[btwistround]

Originally Posted by smalleq

And now I pivoted...asked them to transfer my Bluefin Deposit to the 37.02, which will allow me to keep both the Trilobe and the Ming. We'll see if I actually do keep both, but I can swing it now and figure it out later.

brilliant move. I saw the new Ming launch and was tempted. But staying with my choice now

[btwistround]

Decided to pass on the two tone CHNR.

Being offered it was very cool. But just wasn't what I really wanted. Yeah yeah, I know most would think I'm nuts passing on a GMT Master2.