MING × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning Introduced

A Handcrafted Guilloché Collaboration With Heat-Colored Titanium Dial

The MING × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning marks a unique collaboration between Horologer MING and J.N. Shapiro, bringing together two independent watchmakers known for their artisanal approach to high-end horology. Both brands, founding members of the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA), unite for the first time on a single timepiece that blends traditional craftsmanship with experimental dial finishing.

Limited by the highly manual production process, the 37.06 Lightning features a hand-turned guilloché dial crafted in titanium by J.N. Shapiro in Los Angeles, later transformed in Kuala Lumpur by Ming Thein through a meticulous heat-coloring process. Each dial becomes a one-of-a-kind piece, with no two examples ever identical.

A Collaboration Between MING and J.N. Shapiro

Although MING and J.N. Shapiro have previously collaborated on projects such as the AHA bracelet and components for Project 21, the 37.06 Lightning is their first fully co-signed wristwatch.

The concept began with a simple idea shared between Ming Thein and Josh Shapiro: what happens when two independent artisans apply their own techniques to the same dial? The answer is a timepiece defined by dual craftsmanship, where both makers leave a visible signature on every finished watch.

Hand-Engine-Turned Guilloché Titanium Dial

At the heart of the MING 37.06 Lightning is a grade-2 titanium dial, hand-turned in Los Angeles using a traditional rose engine lathe.

The pattern, known as “Lightning guilloché”, is used here for the first time in a wristwatch by J.N. Shapiro. The result is a highly detailed, textured surface that interacts dynamically with light, creating a constantly shifting visual effect.

This process is extremely demanding, with a high failure rate due to the precision required in both material handling and engraving depth.

Heat-Colored Dial by Ming Thein

After guilloché finishing, each dial is sent to Kuala Lumpur, where Ming Thein applies heat coloring manually using a butane torch.

The process transforms the titanium surface into a vivid spectrum of deep blues, purples, and orange-yellow tones, achieved without paint or lacquer. Each dial is unique and cannot be reproduced exactly.

MING 37-Series Case Design

The watch is housed in MING’s signature 37-series stainless steel case, crafted in 316L stainless steel and designed to balance contemporary proportions with everyday wearability. Measuring 38 mm in diameter, 10.9 mm in thickness, and 44.5 mm lug-to-lug, the case delivers a compact yet visually present wrist profile, while offering 100 meters of water resistance for practical durability.

A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, enhanced by luminous HyCeram-filled indices integrated into the crystal structure. The hands are coated with Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring strong legibility in low-light conditions. The design intentionally omits a central seconds hand, resulting in a cleaner and more focused visual composition that emphasizes symmetry and dial presence.

Sellita SW210.M1 Movement

Inside the watch is the Sellita SW210.M1 manual-wind calibre, an exclusive execution developed for MING. The movement offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve and is built with 18 jewels, combining reliability with refined mechanical finishing.

The architecture features skeletonized bridges finished in rhodium plating, paired with an anthracite-coated baseplate that adds depth and contrast through the sapphire caseback. This exposed construction highlights the mechanical character of the movement while maintaining a balanced aesthetic aligned with MING’s design philosophy.

Strap & Finishing

The watch is paired with a blue Barenia calfskin strap supplied by Jean Rousseau, lined with Alcantara for enhanced comfort on the wrist. A curved quick-release spring bar system allows for easy strap changes, while the flying blade buckle with micro-adjustment ensures a precise and secure fit.

Both the front and rear sapphire crystals feature double-sided anti-reflective coating, improving visibility and clarity from all angles. The caseback is engraved with the inscription “DIAL HAND MADE BY J.N. SHAPIRO & MING THEIN”, underscoring the collaborative nature of the project.

Technical Specifications

Pricing And Availability

The MING × J.N. Shapiro 37.06 Lightning is priced at CHF 6,250 excluding taxes, reflecting the highly artisanal nature of its production. Availability is strictly limited due to the hand-crafted guilloché and heat-coloring processes, with an initial release beginning on 5 June 2026. From July onward, production is expected to continue at approximately 10 pieces per month.

The watch will be available through MING’s official website as well as authorized retail partners worldwide.

For more information, please visit the official MING website.

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