MING has introduced the 20.01 Series 5. A creation of MING’s Special Projects Cave (SPC) or The Cave, the 20.01 Series 5 features a unique radial pattern dial and the AgenGraphe chronograph movement by Agenhor.
Key Features
Functions
Image: Dial showcases incredible complexity.
Central hours and minutes.
Central chronograph with seconds and 60-minute counter – indicated by the single long hand.
Central instantaneous jumping minutes – indicated by the shorter bow-shaped and double-jointed hand.
Dial
Image: MING’s design identity is unmistakable even in the dark.
Complex laser milled dial made from a single block of titanium. It features a two-tone finish with blue CVD (chemical vapour deposition) and surfaces that are silver-matte polished.
Hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova X1 (blue emission). The hour hand is almost completely coated, whereas the minute hand features 2 peripheral strips of coating.
The circular hour-markers, minute-scale, and seconds and pulsometer scale are all laser etched on the top sapphire crystal and filled with the brand’s proprietary MING Polar White luminous material (glows pure white).
“Today’s release, the MING 20.01 Series 5, continues this tradition with what is probably the industry’s first dial that is laser milled from a single block of metal to create complex radial strakes that have interlocking surface contours in both vertical and horizontal planes.
This micromachined dial is then vapor coated an intense blue and subjected to another round of lasering to selectively remove coating from the top of the strakes, leaving bare titanium with a stonewashed texture. And if machining such fine contours and applying multiple colours and finishes was not difficult enough, MT (Ming Thein) decided to do all of this from a single block of titanium.”
Movement
Image: The AgenGraphe is a thing of horological beauty.
Powered by Agenhor for MING AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1, a manual-winding chronograph movement which drives the hours, minutes, central chronograph (both seconds and 60-minute counter), and instantaneous jumping minutes.
Diameter: 34 mm. Thickness: 5.35 mm. Jewels: 41. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 55 hours (approximately) delivered via 2 skeletonised barrels.
It is a central chronograph movement. Its features include proprietary backlash free gears, a proprietary horizontal clutch mechanism, instantaneous jumping minutes, snail reset cams, and a proprietary regulation mechanism. It features a hard winding stop when the mainspring is fully wound. Movement finishing incudes 5N rose gold coated bridges and polished anglage.
The AgenGraphe was first used in the 20.01 Series 3 which we wrote about last year.
Case
Image: Incredible attention to detail. The titanium chronograph pushers are the same colour as the dial.
The watch has the brand’s hybrid 20-series case made from 34 parts and featuring 4 different finishes.
Diameter: 41.50 mm. Thickness: 14.20 mm. Lug width: 22 mm.
Bezel, ‘flying blade lugs,’ caseback, and crown at 4 o’clock are made from stainless steel. Caseband is made from DLC coated titanium. Chronograph pushers at 1 and 2 o’clock and 10 and 11 o’clock are made from titanium and match the colour of the dial.
Dial and caseback feature a domed sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistant up to 50 metres.
The watch comes with a dark blue Alcantra strap and a black FKM rubber strap. They feature curved bars for quick release. The straps are fitted to a ‘flying blade’ tuck buckle made from stainless steel.
Our Thoughts
Image: Looks great on the wrist.
The new 20.01 Series 5 is ongoing example of Ming Thein’s creative genius. They love making life harder for themselves even in their entry-level watches, such as the 37.02 Ghost with its grade 2 titanium case. The highlight of the 20.01 Series 5 is its radial pattern dial, offering a unique aesthetic look while retaining the brand’s incredible design identity. Its price tag of CHF 37,500 also gets you the AgenGraphe from Agenhor, a high-end chronograph movement.
Agenhor is a world-renowned Swiss family-owned company that specialises in the design of watch movements. Jean-Marc Wiederrecht – Agenhor’s co-founder – is renowned for creating complex movements and mechanisms for prestigious watch brands; retrograde functions being among his specialities.
The 20.01 Series 5 is ideal for collectors who love MING, independent watchmaking, and chronographs. And with only 25 pieces planned, a genuine collectable.
Additional Details
Name: 20.01 Series 5
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 37,500 (excluding taxes)
30% deposit required for order confirmation. Balance upon delivery. Deliveries expected to begin August 2025.
Limited edition of 25 watches.
Warranty: 2-years against defects. 1-year complimentary service during the first 5 years of ownership.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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