The Tantalum Dream: MING's Project 21
In the rarified world of haute horlogerie, where innovation often means complexity, MING Watches has consistently charted a different course. Their upcoming Mine Project 21, slated for release in the second quarter of 2025, continues this tradition with a masterclass in material science and minimalist design that watch enthusiasts worldwide are already buzzing about.
At the heart of this conversation is tantalum—a rare, dense, blue-gray metal that most watchmakers avoid due to its notorious difficulty to machine. MING has embraced this challenge, collaborating with master craftsman Joshua N. Shapiro in California to create a monobloc case that showcases the material's unique properties through three distinct finishes. The result is a chameleon-like surface that shifts between subtle hues depending on lighting conditions, creating a visual depth rarely seen in contemporary timepieces.
Source: Ming
The Project 21's dimensions speak to MING's commitment to wearable elegance—35mm in diameter and a mere 6.9mm thick. This ultra-thin profile houses a remarkable feat of engineering: a vintage Frederic Piguet Caliber 21 movement, expertly modified and reworked by the combined talents of Mathis Horlogerie and TitAl SA specifically for this model.
What makes this movement exceptional is not just its svelte 1.75mm thickness, but the extensive modifications bringing it firmly into the 21st century while honoring its heritage. A skeletonized titanium train bridge reveals the beating heart of the timepiece, while sandblasted surfaces contrast beautifully with polished anglage, creating a mechanical landscape visible through the rear sapphire crystal.
The dial represents another innovative approach, utilizing a two-layer construction that combines Femtoprint fused borosilicate glass with precisely engineered voids positioned over CVD brass. This creates a floating effect for the hour markers and MING signature, with depth that belies the watch's thin profile.
Source: Ming
Despite its refined aesthetics, the Project 21 doesn't sacrifice practicality. Its 50-meter water resistance ensures everyday wearability, while the 38-hour power reserve offers reasonable autonomy between windings. Each timepiece comes with two straps—one in calf leather from the prestigious Jean Rousseau Paris, and a second of the customer's choosing—both equipped with MING's distinctive "flying blade" brushed titanium tuck buckle.
MING further demonstrates their commitment to longevity by including a two-year warranty against defects and offering a complimentary service within the first five years of ownership—a testament to their confidence in the watch's construction and a nod to the investment-grade nature of their timepieces.
The Project 21 represents a fascinating counterpoint in an industry often preoccupied with complications and size. By focusing on material innovation, movement refinement, and visual simplicity, MING continues to carve out a distinctive niche that appeals to both serious collectors and those seeking an elegant daily companion that flies under the radar while rewarding close inspection.
Source: Ming
For those fortunate enough to secure one when they become available next quarter, the Mine Project 21 promises to be not just a timekeeper, but a conversation piece that showcases what's possible when traditional watchmaking meets contemporary material science and design thinking.
