Prepare to be captivated by the bold return of a timepiece that defies convention. The Ming 57.04 Phoenix rises from the ashes of its predecessor, the 57.04 Iris, a watch that divided opinions with its audacious design. But here's where it gets intriguing: Ming, the independent watchmaker known for its fearless creativity, has reimagined this destro monopusher chronograph with a more restrained, yet equally captivating, aesthetic. And this is the part most people miss – while toning down the flamboyance, Ming has retained the Iris' technical prowess and unique personality, creating a timepiece that's both sophisticated and undeniably Ming.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2017, Ming has carved a distinct niche in the watch world. Led by the visionary Ming Thein, a designer and photographer with an eye for detail, the brand has amassed an impressive catalog of over 75 references in just a few short years. The 57.04 Iris, introduced in 2025, was a testament to their daring spirit – a left-handed chronograph with a color-shifting dial that morphed from turquoise to purple, green, or orange depending on the light. It was a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, but one that solidified Ming's reputation for pushing boundaries. Recognizing the Iris' limited production run of 100 pieces wasn't enough, Ming swiftly followed up with the 57.04 Phoenix, a watch that refines the concept while staying true to its essence.
The Phoenix dials down the drama, but not the intrigue. Gone is the Iris' peacock-like dial, replaced by a more classic sunray-brushed anthracite grey finish. But don't be fooled by its initial subtlety. Through strategically placed cutouts, glimpses of the baseplate peek through, treated with the same mesmerizing color-shifting coating that made the Iris so captivating. This interplay of textures and hues creates a dial with incredible depth and a unique, almost sculptural quality. The sub-dial has been redesigned, and all elements – hands, chronograph counters, and even the inner side of the crystal – are coated in Ming's signature Polar White and Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring exceptional legibility in any light.
Technically, the Phoenix remains a beast. It retains the Iris' bold destro monopusher chronograph layout, with the crown and chronograph pusher positioned at 9 o'clock. The 40mm stainless steel case, with its dramatic, multi-piece stepped lugs, is a modern homage to Art Deco, requiring a staggering nine separate pieces for the lugs alone. Water resistance is a respectable 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear. Powering the Phoenix is the Sellita for Ming Calibre SW562.M1, a customized version of the SW500, itself based on the legendary Valjoux 7750. This reliable movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and drives the timekeeping functions, including hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, and a 30-minute counter at 6 o'clock, presented in a clean, no-date layout.
The Ming 57.04 Phoenix is a watch that demands attention, not through overt flashiness, but through its refined design, technical prowess, and undeniable personality. Available in 2026 in a limited edition of 150 pieces, it retails for CHF 6,250 on a grey FKM rubber strap or CHF 7,250 on Ming's innovative Polymesh 3D printed titanium bracelet. Will the Phoenix soar to the same heights as its predecessor? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Ming continues to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of what a watch can be.
What do you think? Is the Ming 57.04 Phoenix a worthy successor to the Iris? Does its more restrained design appeal to you, or do you prefer the boldness of its predecessor? Let us know in the comments below!
