Ming Thein unveils an exclusive timepiece, MING 21.01 with just 15 pieces
- Featured Lifestyle News
Arushi Sakhuja- 10 minutes read
In the world of luxury watchmaking, big brand names often get the most recognition, while the true masters behind these timepieces—the craftsmen—remain in the shadows. However, one name that stands out in independent horology is Ming Thein He is one of the founders of MING, an independent watch brand based in Kuala Lumpur, and also serves as its chief designer and most recently designed the MING 21.01.
About 18 months ago, Ming was given a unique challenge, to design his ideal watch and create a special piece for each of the 10 collectors attending a private dinner. While he had a vision of what this watch could be, he was unsure whether it could actually be built. Fortunately, with skill and perseverance, he succeeded in bringing his concept to life, staying true to 99.9% of his original design. The result was the MING 21.01, also known as Project 21, a watch that embodies his vision of timeless elegance and precision craftsmanship.
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A Blend of Vintage and Modern Design
The MING 21.01 is a special timepiece inspired by the clean and elegant designs of mid-century vintage watches but with a modern construction. Only 15 pieces were made, making it a rare and highly exclusive release. At the core of this watch is the Frederic Piguet 21 movement, known for its historical significance and ultra-thin design. This movement, introduced in 1925, has been used by prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The watch case is crafted from tantalum, a metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, and measures 35mm in size.
One of the most striking features of the watch is its 5N rose gold dial, which has an intricate, multilayered pattern. This dial is covered with a fused borosilicate layer, which is suspended over a CVD-coated brass plate. The watch also features etched indices that add to its refined look. When flipped over, the back reveals a clean skeletonized design that showcases the inner workings of the watch, including the gear train and jewels set in chatons.
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The case is designed in a vintage style and remains compact at 35mm. For this edition, the strap is made of high-quality calf leather. The case itself was crafted and finished by Josh Shapiro and his team at J.N. Shapiro in Los Angeles. It features three different finishes: a mirror-polished edge on the rehaut, a finely brushed concave bezel that seamlessly flows into the lugs, and a sandblasted texture on the sides.
The MING 21.01 exists in two versions. The first is a set of 10 subscription editions reserved for the original collectors. The second is a batch of 15 pieces with the 5N rose gold dial, making them even more exclusive.
