What is the MING 57.04 Phoenix?
It is a restrained or (mostly) monochromatic version of its “flamboyant peacock of a cousin” 57.04 Iris launched in 2025 to celebrate MING’s eight anniversary. The 57.04 Iris debuted the brand’s fifth generation design language, and is their first ever destro (crown on the left) and first chronograph in their regular collection (outside of the brand’s Special Projects Cave or SPC). Whereas the 57.04 Iris was limited to 100 pieces, the 57.04 Phoenix is not a limited edition but will remain limited in production.
Also Read: MING celebrates its eighth anniversary with the new 57.04 Iris
What are its dial features?
Its metallic deep dish upper dial features radial cutouts and its baseplate features multiphasic, colour shift coating. The diamond cut hands are coated with Super-LumiNova X1. The sandwich construction chronograph minute counter disc is coated with Super-LumiNova X1. (All blue emission.)
“The Phoenix is built around the idea of tonal structure – it is monochromatic with pops of colour, yet very three dimensional. Where the Iris was a flamboyant peacock, the Phoenix selectively reveals its colours through radial cutouts in the silvery, metallic dial.”
What is its case, strap, and bracelet features?
Its case is made from 316L stainless steel. It measures 40 mm (diameter) * 11.85 mm (thickness). Lug-to-lug distance: 47.8 mm. Lug width: 20 mm. Dial side and caseback feature sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The semi-circular hour-markers are laser etched on the dial side sapphire crystal and filled with the brand’s proprietary MING Polar White luminous material (glows pure white). Water resistant up to 100 metres.
Strap and Bracelet options: MING 20mm grey FKM rubber strap or MING 20mm titanium Polymesh bracelet.
Also Read: MING introduces a new breakthrough bracelet / strap hybrid
Is it powered by a manually wound movement?
Yes. It is powered by Sellita for MING SW562.M1, a manually wound cam operated chronograph movement that drives the hours, minutes, and chronograph functions: central seconds and 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock. It comprises 25 jewels, beats at a modern frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
What do we think?
I am a huge fan of MING, and have been fortunate to meet Praneeth Rajsingh, the brand’s CEO and view a wide selection of their watches at Time to Watches in Geneva last year as well as at India Watch Weekend in Mumbai held in January this year. As I have mentioned before, the brand creates superb design available at relatively accessible prices (not counting their Special Projects Cave creations). Ming Thein (MT) – the brand’s eponymous founder – is obsessed with details, not unlike that of Rolex. And like the Genevan giant, MING is one of a handful of watch brands where if it does not state “MING” on the dial, you still know it is a “MING” as a result of its consistent design identity.
The 57.04 Phoenix is a logical addition to the brand’s lineup. Its restrained aesthetic will appeal to a broader audience of collectors; especially those who found the 57.04 Iris a bit too colourful (or even missed the opportunity to obtain one). Collectors and enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find a more interesting chronograph at sub CHF 8000.
Additional Details
Name: MING 57.04 Phoenix
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 6,250 (with FKM strap) and Swiss Franc (CHF) 7,250 (with Polymesh bracelet). Prices exclude taxes.
Warranty: 2-years against defects.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
