Ming’s Project 21 Timepiece Features a Vintage Frederic Piguet Caliber as Its Heart
After unveiling the 37.09 Uni in January, MING now returns with Project 21 — a special release born from a challenge given to the brand’s founder, Ming Thein at a collector’s dinner back in 2023. The challenge for the independent watchmaker was to create a timepiece for himself that’s within feasible limits, but free of any other constraints. With ten collectors committing to the project, Thein aimed to create a unique horological piece, combining his personal design preferences with the practicalities of manufacturing.The heart of Project 21 is the Frederic Piguet 21, a movement known for its historical significance and ultra-thin profile. Introduced in 1925, this movement has been used by prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. This vintage movement is housed inside a 35mm monobloc case, crafted from tantalum — a highly corrosion-resistant metal with a high melting point that’s notoriously known to be incredibly difficult to machine.Spotlighted from the tantalum watch case is the stunning dial, which features a 5N rose gold coated surface and a multilayered pattern that’s enclosed within a fused borosilicate layer. This is suspended over a CVD-coated brass plate, topped with etched indices.Following the successful delivery of the initial ten examples, Project 21 is confirmed for a 15-piece limited release. Priced at 32,500 CHF (approximately $36,543 USD), the Project 21 21.01 timepiece will be available through MING's official website as well as select authorized retail partners.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
After unveiling the 37.09 Uni in January, MING now returns with Project 21 — a special release born from a challenge given to the brand’s founder, Ming Thein at a collector’s dinner back in 2023. The challenge for the independent watchmaker was to create a timepiece for himself that’s within feasible limits, but free of any other constraints. With ten collectors committing to the project, Thein aimed to create a unique horological piece, combining his personal design preferences with the practicalities of manufacturing.
The heart of Project 21 is the Frederic Piguet 21, a movement known for its historical significance and ultra-thin profile. Introduced in 1925, this movement has been used by prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. This vintage movement is housed inside a 35mm monobloc case, crafted from tantalum — a highly corrosion-resistant metal with a high melting point that’s notoriously known to be incredibly difficult to machine.
Spotlighted from the tantalum watch case is the stunning dial, which features a 5N rose gold coated surface and a multilayered pattern that’s enclosed within a fused borosilicate layer. This is suspended over a CVD-coated brass plate, topped with etched indices.
Following the successful delivery of the initial ten examples, Project 21 is confirmed for a 15-piece limited release. Priced at 32,500 CHF (approximately $36,543 USD), the Project 21 21.01 timepiece will be available through MING's official website as well as select authorized retail partners.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
