MING 20.01 Series 5

A deep fascination with the intricate and imaginative worlds of science fiction often fuels creative breakthroughs in the tangible world. The conceptual art behind interstellar epics—depicting vast, complex structures and technologies beyond our current grasp—serves as a powerful wellspring of inspiration. It is from this realm of imagined possibility that the latest creation from MING's esoteric Special Projects Cave emerges: the 20.01 Series 5, a chronograph that appears as if it could be a key artifact in a futuristic narrative.

Since its founding in 2017 by Ming Thein and a collective of dedicated watch enthusiasts, the MING brand has rapidly distinguished itself within the crowded landscape of independent watchmaking. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but with production and assembly rooted in Switzerland, MING has cultivated a design language that is immediately recognizable. The brand's philosophy marries a clean, almost minimalist aesthetic with a profound appreciation for the interplay of light, texture, and materials, creating timepieces that reward careful and repeated observation.



The Special Projects Cave is MING's designated space for horological exploration, a platform where the brand’s most ambitious and technically complex ideas are brought to life. It is here that experimental designs, high complications, and innovative material applications are developed, often in extremely limited quantities. The 20.01 chronograph series has consistently served as the vanguard for the brand's most significant dial innovations, and the Series 5 continues this legacy in spectacular fashion.

At the very heart of the 20.01 Series 5 is its extraordinary dial, a component that pushes the boundaries of manufacturing and finishing. It begins its life as a single, solid block of titanium. From this raw material, a mesmerizing array of complex radial strakes is meticulously laser milled. These strakes are not simple surface-level engravings; they possess interlocking contours in both vertical and horizontal planes, creating a three-dimensional topography that is both intricate and architecturally profound.

The finishing process of this dial is as complex as its creation. Once the micromachining is complete, the entire titanium structure is treated with an intense blue vapor deposition coating, saturating it in a deep, vibrant hue. The process, however, does not end there. A second, highly precise laser application is then employed to selectively remove this blue coating from the uppermost surfaces of the strakes. This reveals the bare titanium underneath, which is given a contrasting stonewashed texture. The result is a stunning two-tone effect, a dynamic interplay between the matte, silvery-gray of the titanium peaks and the rich blue of the recessed valleys, giving the dial an incredible sense of depth and mechanical complexity.

This remarkable dial is housed within an equally complex hybrid case, a signature of the 20-series. Measuring a confident 41.5mm in diameter and 14.2mm in thickness, the case is engineered to not only accommodate the sophisticated movement within but also to provide the necessary visual frame for the dial's intricate details. The construction is a study in material contrast and finishing, composed of 34 distinct parts.



The bezel, caseback, and MING’s signature ‘flying blade’ lugs are all crafted from robust stainless steel, showcasing a variety of finishes that play with the light. In striking contrast, the central caseband is machined from titanium and coated with a durable black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish, which provides a dark, compelling frame for the other components. As a final touch of aesthetic cohesion, the chronograph pushers are also made from titanium and colored to perfectly match the Deep Blue of the dial.

Despite its substantial presence, the watch is designed for exceptional wearability. The signature 'flying blade' lugs, which appear to float detached from the caseband, are intentionally short and curved, allowing the watch to sit comfortably and securely on a wide range of wrist sizes. The thoughtful combination of different materials and finishes breaks up the visual mass of the case, making it appear more streamlined and integrated on the wrist. Water resistance is rated at a practical 50 meters.

Legibility and the play of light are central tenets of the MING design philosophy, and the 20.01 Series 5 executes this brilliantly. The top sapphire crystal is not merely a protective window but an integral part of the display. The indices and the chronograph scales are precisely laser-etched onto the underside of the crystal, causing them to appear as though they are floating above the complex dial architecture below.



These etched markings are filled with MING's proprietary Polar White luminous material. This unique compound is notable for being one of the only materials in the industry that emits a pure, brilliant white glow in the dark, offering a crisp and clean display. To ensure clear differentiation and optimal readability, the hands are treated with Super-LumiNova X1, which provides a contrasting blue emission. This thoughtful application of luminescence ensures that all time-telling and chronograph functions are clearly legible in all lighting conditions.

Driving the 20.01 Series 5 is the AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1, a movement developed by the celebrated specialists at Agenhor. Widely regarded as one of the most significant and innovative chronograph calibers available today, the AgenGraphe rethinks the very architecture of the complication. Its most defining feature is its central chronograph core, which places both the elapsed seconds and the 60-minute counter on the central axis, eliminating the need for small, often hard-to-read subdials.

This movement is packed with proprietary technology designed to enhance performance and the user experience. It features Agenhor’s backlash-free gears, which ensure the chronograph seconds hand starts smoothly without the tell-tale stutter common in many chronographs. A proprietary horizontal clutch mechanism provides reliable engagement, while the instantaneous jumping minute counter makes reading elapsed time precise and unambiguous.

Further mechanical refinements include snail-shaped cams for the reset-to-zero function, which provide a smooth and satisfying tactile response when the reset pusher is engaged. The movement also incorporates a proprietary regulation mechanism for stable timekeeping. For this MING execution, the caliber is presented in a specific manual-winding configuration, a choice that fosters a more intimate connection between the owner and the intricate machine.



The visual presentation of the movement, visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, is as impressive as its technical specification. MING has specified the bridges to be coated in a warm 5N rose gold, providing a stunning contrast to the more industrial, steel-colored components of the chronograph works. Each bridge is meticulously finished with polished anglage, where the edges are beveled and polished to a mirror-like shine, a hallmark of true high-end watchmaking.

Winding the watch is a tactile pleasure, with twin skeletonized barrels revealing the state of the mainsprings. A hard winding stop provides clear and tangible feedback to the user once the movement's substantial 55-hour power reserve is fully charged. The movement is carefully adjusted to six positions, ensuring a high degree of accuracy across various wearing conditions. This level of finishing and mechanical sophistication transforms the simple act of observing the movement into a captivating experience.

The MING 20.01 Series 5 is presented with two distinct strap options to suit different occasions and preferences. The first is a dark blue Alcantara strap, a luxurious and soft synthetic material with a suede-like texture that complements the dial's coloration. The second is a durable and comfortable black FKM rubber strap, ideal for more active situations.

Both straps feature a 22mm lug width and are fitted with curved quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy and tool-free changes. They are secured to the wrist by MING’s 'flying blade' tuck buckle. This innovative buckle design mirrors the aesthetic of the case lugs, with a secondary, underlying tongue that "tucks" the excess strap length underneath for a clean, streamlined look on the wrist.



The MING 20.01 Series 5 represents a convergence of futuristic design inspiration, advanced material science, and elite mechanical watchmaking. It is a testament to the creative freedom fostered within the brand's Special Projects Cave.

Reflecting its complexity and exclusivity, the watch is offered as a highly limited edition of just 25 pieces worldwide. The price is set at $37,500 CHF, excluding taxes. Orders are scheduled to open on June 24th at 1 PM GMT, with an estimated delivery time of 6 to 8 weeks. Each watch is covered by a 2-year warranty against defects and includes one complimentary service within the first five years of ownership, ensuring that this piece of horological art can be maintained to the highest standard.

Case: 41.5mm diameter, 14.2mm thickness; Hybrid construction with 34 parts; Bezel, lugs and caseback in stainless steel; DLC coated titanium core; Colour matched pushers in titanium; 50m water resistance; 22mm lug width.

Movement: Agenhor for MING AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1; Manual winding with hard stop; Central chronograph with seconds and 60-minute instantaneous jumping counter; ~55h power reserve; 5N rose gold coated bridges with polished anglage; Adjusted to six positions.

Dial: Complex laser milled from a single block of titanium; Two-tone finish with blue CVD and silver matte-polished surfaces; Indices and scales laser etched on underside of sapphire crystal and filled with MING Polar White luminous material; Hands with blue emission Super-LumiNova X1.

Strap: Includes dark blue alcantara strap and black FKM rubber strap; 22mm width with quick release curved bars; Fitted with 'flying blade' tuck buckle in steel.

Price: CHF 37,500 - excluding taxes

Reference Number: 20.01 Series 5

Notes: Limited edition of 25 pieces from the MING Special Projects Cave. The dial is the industry's first to be laser milled from a single block of metal with complex interlocking surface contours.