MING 27.01 Favorite Watch of 2021

Patrick_y reflects on his extensive watch reviews of 2021, surprisingly naming the MING 27.01 as his favorite, despite evaluating numerous high-complication and luxury pieces. He highlights the brand's unique modern design, traditional mechanics, and compelling origin story as key factors in its appeal.

I reviewed so many watches this year.  From super expensive complicated watches that were so bad a review couldn’t be written (some brands just really shouldn’t make minute repeaters if all they do is make a “thunk-thunk” sound), to diamond studded versions like the awesome H. Moser Vantablack (which helped me realize that diamond encrusted watches are practical – they don’t scratch), a beautiful Gilt-dialed Massena Labs chronograph, to simple watches like a MING 27.01 that was delightful…  What was my favorite watch of 2021? 

Hmm…  Everyone is probably surprised that it’s not a solid gold 100,000 Swiss-Franc tourbillon from one of the great brands.  Nr some incredible spaceship on the wrist from one of the ultra-cool independents… It was a surprise to me and it will probably be a surprise to me! 

Honestly, the MING 27.01 really gets my blood going, and it is with some amazement to even myself, that I have to say it’s the favorite of the 2021 year.  Not only is it a great watch of our time, with a modern design, yet harks back to traditional mechanics – it’s also a great story of how a group of friends start a watch brand and really created a unique product to fit into a small niche. 

Please check out the original review of the MING 27.01 if you haven’t read it yet.  Many of our readers have recently gotten their 27.01s and are about to receive their 27.02s!  And congrats to those who are receiving their MING 17.09 timepieces as we speak! 

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If you’re weary of small independent watchmakers, MING is a great place to start!  A modern design of the current digital age, great aesthetic design and proportions, and a heavily modified movement that MING could almost call their own.  Very few watches are made by MING, they produce less than a thousand watches a year (it's rarer than F.P. Journe from a unit perspective).  And they're all quite modern.  I hope the team at MING continues their good work!