Introducing: The Brand Minim And Its Debut MN01 Collection

January 24, 2013

Minim is an independent watch brand founded by Chloe Chan, and just like her, it is a balance of East and West. According to the founder, the three watches in the debut MN01 collection reflect her journey from Hong Kong to London and are a contemporary tribute to traditional watchmaking. The inspiration from vintage pocket watches and classical guilloche craftsmanship is clearly visible.I was picking up strong Chronoswiss vibes when Chloe Chan gave us a sneak preview of her watches in the Geneva Jardin Anglais over a drink and after a busy day of looking at Geneva Watch Days novelties. That s not necessarily a problem since Im a long-time Chronoswiss fan. Three things struck me - the combination of a coin-edged bezel and crown, the one-size-fits-all 36.5mm case size, and the finishing of the colorful dials. The story behind the watches is interesting as well.Minim and the MN01 collectionMinim founder Chloe Chan used to work in finance, but her passion for watchmaking changed her life. The name of her brand s debut collection, MN01, reflects geography and philosophy. The watches are conceived at the meeting point of cultures, honoring Chloes journey from roots in the East to a life shaped in the West.The MN01 models debut in three variants. One is the green (Bik1), reminiscent of deep jade waters and ancient forests, embodying calm strength and renewal. Next is the ice-blue (Zing1), which evokes crystalline skies and glacial streams, radiating clarity and lightness. The last version is the purple m (Laan4), named after the orchid, a flower revered for its grace and refinement. Together, these colors form a natural palette.Chinese and Roman numeralsThe CNC-guilloche dials with Chinese numerals, (Bik1) and (Zing1), feature soleil and sunburst motifs that capture and reflect light with subtle brilliance. Meanwhile, the dial with Roman numerals, m (Laan4), presents a rich tapestry of soleil, ecaille de poisson, and clous de Paris.Underneath the colorful dials with traditional guilloche patterns beats a 23-jewel hand-wound Sellita SW261-1 M movement. This caliber beats at a 4Hz frequency and provides a 43-hour power reserve. Chloe decided against using an automatic movement because she likes the ritual one develops with a traditional manual-winding watch.Final factsThe three MN01 watches pre-order price is $999 (inc. VAT) in the UK, US$1,199 (inc. tariff charges) in the USA, or $999 (ex. taxes/import duties) for the rest of the world. This pricing is exclusive to the launch pre-order period. When this core collection restocks in the future, the recommended retail price will be $1,199.Chloes goal was to create watches showing that tradition can remain timeless while being vibrant, expressive, and full of life. Do you think she succeeded? Do you agree that having a CNC-guilloche dial on a watch that is affordable to a large audience is a great selling point? And do you, as I do, feel the Chronoswiss vibes but dont mind that at all? Leave your answers and other remarks in the comments section below. (Bik1) (Zing1) m (Laan4) For more info, please visit the Minim Watches?website.Watch specifications Brand Minim Model MN01 Dial Green ( / Bik1) or ice blue ( / Zing1) with soleil and sunburst CNC guilloche and Chinese-numeral hour markers on circular-brushed steel chapter ring / Purple (m / Laan4) with sunburst, ecaille de poisson, and clous de Paris CNC guilloche and Roman-numeral hour markers on circular-brushed steel chapter ringCase Material 316L stainless steelCase Dimensions 36.5mm (diameter) 43.5mm (lug-to-lug) 9.5mm (thickness)Crystal Flat sapphire with anti-fingerprint and AR coatingMovement Sellita SW261-1 M: manual winding with hacking seconds, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 43-hour power reserve, 23 jewelsWater Resistance 5 ATM Strap Gray ( / Bik1), blue-gray ( / Zing1) or brown (m / Laan4) Epsom leather (20mm width) from HasNoBounds with brushed stainless steel buckle featuring laser-engraved Minim logo Functions Time only (hours, minutes, small seconds)Price Pre-order: $999 (inc. VAT) in the UK / US$1,199 (inc. tariff charges) in the USA / $999 (ex. taxes/import duties) for the rest of the world Special Note(s) $1,199 retail price after pre-order period