The Ming Project 21
Ming Pushes the Boundaries of Independent Watchmaking
Some watches are designed for the market. Others are built for passion. The Ming 21.01 ‘Project 21’ is firmly in the latter category—a timepiece born from a challenge to founder Ming Thein to create a watch that is purely for himself, without commercial constraints. The result is a 35mm ultra-thin marvel, a perfect fusion of vintage inspiration and modern innovation, now available in an exclusive run of just 15 pieces.
A Watchmaker’s Dream, Realized
At the heart of Project 21 is a movement with an unparalleled legacy: the Frederic Piguet Caliber 21. First introduced in 1925, this 1.75mm-thin movement has been used by watchmaking legends including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Blancpain. For Ming, this was an opportunity to reimagine the caliber with a skeletonized titanium train bridge, polished anglage, and rose gold-coated bridges, creating a movement as visually stunning as it is historically significant.
This level of detail extends to the case—a monobloc construction in tantalum, an ultra-dense metal that gives the watch an unexpected weight for its size. Designed and machined by Joshua Shapiro’s Los Angeles atelier, the case features three distinct finishes:
Mirror polish on the rehaut edge
Fine circular brushing on the concave bezel and lugs
Sandblasted flanks that seamlessly flow into the caseback
A Dial That Defies Expectations
The dial is unlike anything else in watchmaking—a two-layer design with a fused borosilicate top layer by FEMTOprint, suspended over a CVD-coated brass base just 400 microns thick. This depth creates an interplay of light and shadow that constantly shifts as the watch moves. The etched indices, skeletonized hands, and absence of lume emphasize purity in design, allowing the craftsmanship to speak for itself.
More Than a Timepiece—A Statement of Intent
Ming’s philosophy has always been about pushing the limits of what is possible, and Project 21 is a statement of uncompromising vision. It is a watch that blends heritage with cutting-edge engineering, where every detail has been rethought and elevated.
Limited to just 15 pieces, the Ming 21.01 ‘Project 21’ is priced at CHF 32,500, available exclusively through Ming’s website and authorized retail partners. A 30% deposit secures your piece of independent watchmaking history.
This is not just a watch—it’s a rare chance to own one of the most ambitious creations from one of today’s most forward-thinking watchmakers.
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