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.