Ming X Massena LAB - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Ming X Massena LAB
    Year: 2021
    Reference No: 17.09
    Case No: 3221
    Model Name: "Blackbee"
    Material: DLC coated stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. Schwartz-Etienne 330.M1, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: DLC coated stainless steel MING pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, movement and buckle signed MING, dial co-signed MING and Massena LAB
    Accessories: Accompanied by travel pouch, guarantee (valid until July 2023) and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present MING X Massena LAB 17.09 is the child of two recently launched super creative and exciting “micro brands” who have joined forces to create a timepiece with an attention to detail rarely if ever found within this price range.

    MING takes the name of one of its founders and core drivers: Ming Thein, a physicist by training, and a world renowned photographer and a long time watch collector.

    Massena LAB is a creative laboratory created by William Massena, an industry veteran and a long time collector who launched his brand in 2018 as a creative playground for creating watches under his name with or in collaboration with independent watchmakers.

    The result is nothing short of astounding, a watch made by collectors, for collectors and ticking every box, but most of all a collaboration between two friends.

    The 17 series was launched by MING in 2017 and set the design language for this model with its short flared lugs and stylized numerals printed on the crystal. In the present model the numerals are laser-etched on the reverse side of the sapphire crystal and filled with Super-LumiNova giving the dial incredible visual depth.

    The present example is the final piece made in the 17 series and takes the model’s design language with a dial designed by Massena and inspired by early Rolex honeycomb dials. However, where these early dials loosely resembled a honeycomb the dials of the 17.09 MING X Massena LAB are true reiterations featuring a three dimensional hexagonal pattern.

    Not only a beautiful design, the movement used within is the Schwarz-Etienne 300.M1, which is a modified version of the Sellita SW330-2 and features an hour hand that can be independently set, a useful function for frequent travelers.

    Launched in 2021 the 17.09 by MING and Massena LAB featured a stainless steel case and a black or a honey colored dial and was limited to 200 pieces.

    The present example nicknamed the “Blackbee” is part of an ultra-rare and elusive series with black DLC coated cases and were never officially announced or offered to the public but reserved for Massena’s best clients.

    30 pieces were made in total, 20 with a black dial like the present example and 10 with honey colored dial.

    Attractive, superbly made and incredibly rare, the present “Blackbee” is a timepiece of sophisticated character with enduring value.

146

Ref. 17.09
A very well crafted and unusual DLC coated stainless steel wristwatch with honeycomb dial limited to 20 pieces, presentation box and guarantee

2021
38mm Diameter
Case, movement and buckle signed MING, dial co-signed MING and Massena LAB

Estimate
CHF2,000 - 4,000 
€1,900-3,700
$2,200-4,400

Sold for CHF22,680

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021