Ming 21.01 “Project 21”: A Masterpiece With A Legendary Movement
Ming has unveiled the Ming 21.01 “Project 21,” an ultra-thin dress watch that combines sophisticated design with historical horology. This timepiece features the revered F. Piguet Caliber 21, an extra-thin movement that has stood the test of time, encased in a tantalum case. The watch is available in two exclusive limited editions through an “omakase” subscription – a blue variant limited to just 10 pieces for loyal collectors, which sold out immediately, and series – a copper-salmon version limited to 15 units, available to the public.
The inspiration for the Ming 21.01 stemmed from a dinner in Singapore, where Ming Thein, the founder of the brand, met with a group of collectors who challenged him to create a watch that reflected both his personal taste and their refined preferences. The result is a timepiece that perfectly blends contemporary aesthetics with classic watchmaking excellence.
Measuring 35mm in width and just 6.90mm in height, the Ming 21.01 embodies a retro charm while maintaining a modern and refined appeal. The slim dimensions are made possible by the remarkable F. Piguet Caliber 21, which itself is only 1.75mm thick. The case is protected by sapphire crystal on both the front and back, with an exhibition case back secured by four screws, offering a view of the beautifully finished movement. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters.
The dial construction is a visual masterpiece, featuring a multi-layer design that utilizes a fused borosilicate layer created by FEMTOprint, suspended over a CVD-coated 400-micron plate. The intricate pattern of the dial echoes the layers above, adding depth and sophistication. The skeletonized hands are finely polished with angled flanks, while the white indexes are etched into the sapphire crystal, maintaining a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic without any luminescent material.
At the heart of the Ming 21.01 beats the hand-wound Frédéric Piguet Caliber 21, a movement that marks its centenary this year. Although discontinued by the Swatch Group in 1992, it has been meticulously re-engineered by Mathis Horlogerie and TitAl SA for Ming. The updated version features new bridges, including a skeletonized titanium train bridge that complements the dial color. With 18 jewels, an operating frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 38 hours, this movement offers both historical significance and modern reliability.
Completing the refined package, the watch comes paired with a luxurious calf leather strap crafted by Jean Rousseau, along with an additional strap of the customer’s choice. The “flying blade” titanium tuck buckle and quick-release curved spring bars ensure a seamless and comfortable fit. The Ming 21.01 “Project 21” stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, exclusivity, and horological artistry.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Ming
Model: 21.01 “Project 21”
Dial: 5N rose gold coated (series), blue (omakase souscription)
Lume: No
Case Material: Tantalum
Case Dimensions: 35 mm Diameter, 6.90 mm thick
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap: Jean Rousseau calf leather strap plus an additional strap of the customer’s choice with a “flying blade” titanium tuck buckle
Calibre: F. Piguet 21 modified by Mathis Horlogerie and TitAl SA for Ming
Dimensions: 20 mm Diameter, 1.75 mm thick
Functions: Hours, minutes
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 Vph)
Power Reserve: 38 Hours
Price: CHF 32,500
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 10 pieces (omakase souscription) sold out, 15 pieces (series)
