The MING 20.01 Series 5 emerges as a compelling demonstration of the brand’s capacity to draw inspiration from the intricate and imaginative realms of science fiction, translating these visual cues into tangible horological form. Conceived as an object that could plausibly serve as the narrative axis of a speculative cinematic universe, this chronograph not only continues but amplifies the tradition established by MING’s 20.01 series, which has long served as the proving ground for the brand’s most ambitious dial innovations. The result is a watch that stands as a synthesis of technical ingenuity and conceptual artistry, produced in a strictly limited edition of 25 pieces.
Daring Aesthetics
The dial of the 20.01 Series 5 represents an unprecedented exercise in micromechanical engineering and aesthetic daring. Starting with a single block of titanium, MING employs advanced laser milling techniques to create a dial surface distinguished by complex radial strakes, whose interlocking contours traverse both vertical and horizontal planes. This topology, evocative of the impossible architectures of science fiction, is further enhanced through a vapour coating process that imparts a deep, intense blue. The dial then undergoes a second phase of laser treatment, which selectively strips the coating from the summits of the strakes, revealing the underlying titanium in a stonewashed finish. The interplay between the blue CVD-coated recesses and the matte-polished silvered peaks generates a dynamic, two-tone effect that shifts with every change in ambient light.
Crucially, the upper sapphire crystal is not a passive protective element but an active participant in the dial’s visual identity. It bears laser-etched indices and chronograph scales, which are filled with MING’s proprietary Polar White luminous material. This compound is notable for its ability to emit a pure white glow, a rarity in contemporary watchmaking. In contrast, the hands are treated with blue-emitting Super-LumiNova X1, establishing a clear visual hierarchy and ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. The overall effect is a dial that rewards scrutiny, revealing new facets and depths as one’s perspective shifts.
The Agenhor Movement: Technical Mastery
At the heart of the 20.01 Series 5 lies the AgenGraphe Calibre 6361.M1, a manual-winding chronograph movement developed by Agenhor and presented in a configuration exclusive to MING. The movement distinguishes itself through a central chronograph core, which allows both the chronograph seconds and minutes to be displayed centrally, thereby enhancing both legibility and symmetry. Agenhor’s proprietary backlash-free gears are employed to eliminate play within the chronograph mechanism, ensuring precise engagement and reset, while the horizontal clutch mechanism, also proprietary, delivers smooth and reliable operation, minimising wear over time.
Of particular note is the instantaneous jumping minute mechanism, which utilises a snail reset cam to guarantee that the chronograph minute hand advances precisely at the 60-second mark. The movement further incorporates a proprietary regulation system, allowing for fine adjustment and stable timekeeping. Manual winding is effected via twin skeletonised barrels, with a hard stop engineered into the mechanism to provide tactile feedback when the mainspring is fully wound. The bridges are coated in 5N rose gold and finished with polished anglage, underscoring the movement’s high level of decoration and refinement. With a diameter of 34mm and a thickness of 5.35mm, the calibre offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is adjusted in six positions for optimal precision.
MING Design Language
Encasing the movement and dial is a hybrid construction that exemplifies MING’s distinctive approach to form and materiality. The case, measuring 41.5mm in diameter and 14.2mm in thickness, is composed of a stainless steel bezel, caseback, crown, and the brand’s signature ‘flying blade’ lugs, which are engineered for both visual dynamism and ergonomic comfort. The caseband, rendered in DLC-coated titanium, introduces a contrasting element that reduces overall weight while enhancing the watch’s visual complexity. Titanium pushers, colour-matched to the dial, integrate seamlessly into the case architecture, while domed sapphire crystals on both the front and rear, each treated with double-sided anti-reflective coating, ensure clarity and durability.
MING’s design language is predicated on the interplay of light, form, and colour, with each watch conceived as an object that dynamically reflects its environment. The use of layered surfaces, varied finishes, and carefully calibrated proportions results in a timepiece that is immediately recognisable, yet continuously rewarding to the attentive observer. The short, sharply angled lugs and the overall balance of the case ensure that the watch sits comfortably on a wide range of wrists, while the visual layering of dial and crystal creates a sense of depth and intrigue that is central to the MING aesthetic.
The Importance of Evolution among Independent Watchmakers
The MING 20.01 Series 5 encapsulates the spirit of contemporary independent watchmaking, where conceptual audacity and technical sophistication are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. By synthesising avant-garde dial construction, a technically accomplished and highly individualised Agenhor movement, and a case architecture that is at once ergonomic and visually arresting, MING demonstrates the capacity of independent brands to redefine the boundaries of horological creativity. Such endeavours do not simply enrich the landscape of watchmaking; they serve as catalysts for innovation, encouraging both established and emerging makers to pursue new directions. In this sense, the 20.01 Series 5 is not only a singular object of fascination, but a marker of the ongoing evolution and vitality of independent horology.
MING 20.01 Series 5 Technical Specifications
Functions o Hours and minutes o Central chronograph with seconds and 60-minute counter o Instantaneous jumping minutes
Case, dial & hands: o 41.5mm diameter, 14.2mm thickness o Hybrid case with 34 parts, 4 different finishes, and ‘flying blade’ lugs o Bezel, lugs and caseback in stainless steel o DLC coated titanium core o Colour matched pushers in titanium o Domed sapphire crystal front and rear, with double-sided antireflective coating o Indices and scales in MING Polar White o Complex laser milled titanium dial, two tone finish with blue CVD and silver matte-polished surfaces o Hands with Super-LumiNova X1 o 50m water resistance o 22mm lug width
Movement: o Agenhor for MING AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1 o 34mm diameter, 5.35mm thickness o Central chronograph with proprietary Agenhor coupling mechanism, regulator and upgraded clutch o Manual winding into twin skeletonized barrels with hard winding stop o 5N rose gold coated bridges with polished anglage o ~55h power reserve at full wind o Movement adjusted to six positions
Straps: o Dark blue alcantara strap o Black FKM rubber strap o 22mm width, curved bars with quick release o Fitted with ‘flying blade’ tuck buckle in steel
2-year warranty against defects 1 complimentary service within the first 5 years of ownership
MING continually aims to improve product where possible to improve aesthetics and functionality; to this end we reserve the right to make minor changes prior to final delivery
About MING: Horologer MING is an independent watch brand which aims to revive a sense of excitement and discovery among watch enthusiasts. We are dedicated to refined aesthetics paired with innovative materials, mechanics and engineering. Led by Ming Thein, an established designer, photographer and business strategist, MING is renowned for exploiting the properties of light, form and colour. We believe in a set of design principles that guide us to create pieces that are immediately recognisable and have longevity. Layering and interaction with light leads to visual balance and legibility; tactility and physical balance begets wearability. Our pieces dynamically reflect their environment, rewarding careful observation, and give collectors the pleasure of continually discovering a new side to their watches. Our Special Projects Cave pushes this approach even further by allowing customer participation in experimental watches focused on developing specific new technologies. The Cave has already spawned several firsts such as the sapphire Mosaic – an internal 3D structure created inside sapphire crystal with a femtosecond laser, Hyceram – a ceramicfused luminous material, and LW.01 – the world’s lightest production mechanical watch at just 8.8 grams realised using AZ31 magnesium alloy and finite element simulation. This unique combination of aesthetics and mechanics in watchmaking has won us many accolades, including the Horological Revelation Prize at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and the Sports Watch Prize at the 2024 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. MING is a truly global company with facilities in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Kuala Lumpur. Production and assembly are in Switzerland, while design, engineering and final quality control takes place in Malaysia. We also collaborate with leading watchmaking partners such as Agenhor, La-Joux Perret, Sellita as well as specialists beyond the industry, such as Helfenstein Mechanik, and Degrees of Freedom. We are also a founding member of The Alternative Horological Alliance.
