Ming 20.01 Series II Agengraphe Chronograph Special Projects Cave
Being an independent watch brand is not an easy feat. Taking on the Swiss juggernauts in a time when the market is saturated with different watches and having the odds stacked against you is something most would run away from. I mean, it is clear- just look at the number of independent brands over the years that have come and gone, who just couldn’t make it and either sold out to a bigger brand or just vanished completely.
That being said, if there was a shining light, a name that has defied the odds, through truly original thinking and an unwavering desire for quality, it would have to be MING.
Established in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ming Thein founded his eponymous brand with the sole intention of creating a watch that satiated his obsessive desire for perfection while maintaining a price point that was fair and accessible. Being associated with the watch industry for many years through both his passion and his profession as a commercial photographer, he managed to build up a vast knowledge of watchmaking and design, culminating with the release of the inaugural MING 17.01 in 2017.
While the brand has gained more and more traction in recent years, with the most recent drops selling out, the brand has largely kept a huge secret from the public for a long time the ‘Special Projects Cave’ (SPC). What is released to the public is already hugely impressive but little did we all know that MING had another trick up his sleeve. For those who don’t know, the SPC is an invitation-only concept with a focus on creating unique pieces and special editions in extremely limited quantities. Its core principles revolve around fostering relationships, exploring and experimenting with the boundaries of watch design, and creating collaborations.
The SPC has been running for a few years now and it is great to see MING flex and show the world just what they are truly capable of. Offered here today is the MING 20.01 Series II SPC, a design that builds on the foundation of their previous offerings of the 20.01 Concept and 20.01 Mosaic. Needless to say, the MING 20.01 Series II sets the bar even higher in terms of both technical prowess and aesthetic refinement. Limited to only 50 pieces, it comes fitted with a spectacular 41.5mm x 14.5mm grade 5 titanium case with a DLC-coated mid-case band section, as well as MING’s visually stunning hallmark flying blade lugs.
The dial of the 20.01 Series II is truly a masterpiece, showcasing a multi-layered design that exudes remarkable visual depth that is not often seen in many watch designs. To break it down for you: the base layer on the 20.01 Series II is a grade 2 titanium plate adorned with a Clous de Paris motif. On top of this lies a sapphire layer, featuring a gradient finish that elegantly transitions to ink-black at its periphery. Finally, another layer of sapphire adds the finishing touch, featuring a captivating tri-tiered mosaic of 3,300 etched triangular elements, MING’s signature luminous HyCeram hour ring at its edge as well as a set of hands filled with Superluminova X1. Beneath the domed AR-treated sapphire crystal, you'll find the pulsometer and tachymeter scale (both also luminous, by the way) laser-etched on its underside, all seemingly hovering above its stunning dial. The depth achieved here by MING here is truly incredible, creating the illusion of its elements floating above the dial—an effect that leaves enthusiasts including myself utterly speechless and thoroughly mesmerized.
Powering this watch from within is the formidable manual-winding AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1, specially developed and configured for MING by Agenhor, an acclaimed independent watch movement manufacturing company helmed by the legendary Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. Renowned for his pioneering work on some of the most technically complex movements ever made, he also spearheaded the development of the inaugural version of the AgenGraphe caliber as seen in the Fabergé Visionaire Chronograph back in 2017. Architecturally, the AgenGraphe stands out as one of the most unique and sophisticated chronograph movements I’ve ever come across. Unlike conventional movements where the core of the chronograph sits atop the train wheel bridge, the AgenGraphe features a distinct construction with its chronograph module positioned at the very center of the movement—a distinguishing feature which first debuted in the Fabergé Visionaire Chronograph. True to MING's ethos, the execution and level of finishing demonstrated here are unparalleled, featuring anthracite DLC-coated bridges and plates embellished with diamond-cut anglage , among other exquisite details and superlative finishing techniques.
Personally, I'm a massive fan of the 20.01 Series II SPC. Every aspect of this model is impeccably executed, from the meticulously crafted case to the intricately designed dial. The movement is a work of art in itself, and the captivating illusion of floating elements on the dial, coupled with the way it playfully interacts with light makes this a true masterpiece.
Brand: MING
Year: 2023
Model: 20.01 Series II ‘Special Projects Cave’, Limited to 50 pieces
Material: Grade 5 Titanium Case, DLC-Coated Case Band, Grade 2 Titanium Dial Base
Movement: Agenhor for MING Agengraphe Cal. 6361.M1, Manual-Winding
Case Dimensions: 41.5mm x 14.2mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Strap: Jean Rousseau Black Alcantara for MING with Signed DLC-Coated Grade 5 Titanium Keeperless Flying Blade Buckle
