Ming · 20 series
20.01
The Ming 20.01 is a family of ultra-limited central chronographs from Malaysian independent watchmaker Ming Thein, each powered by the bespoke Agenhor AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1 — a manual-wind movement with no subdials, routing all chronograph functions (seconds and jumping 60-minute counter) through central stacked hands. Introduced as a piece unique in 2020, the line has reached its fifth numbered series, with production capped at 8–50 pieces per release.
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Water res.
Thick
Lug-to-lug
Overview
| Brand | Ming |
| Collection | 20 series |
| Category | Chronograph |
| Released | 2020 |
| Price guide | Premium · $1,300+ |
Full specification
Specs
Case & dial
| Diameter | 41.5 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 45.5 mm |
| Thickness | 14.2 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
| Crystal | domed sapphire front and rear, double-sided antireflective coating |
| Case material | grade 5 titanium (varies by series; S5 adds stainless steel; S3 adds 18k 5N rose gold) |
| Bezel | fixed, polished and brushed |
| Case back | exhibition |
Movement & furniture
| Type | Manual |
| Caliber | Agenhor AGENGRAPHE CAL. 6361.M1 → |
| Functions | Chronograph, Jumping 60-min counter (central) |
| Power reserve | 55 h |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova X1, HyCeram ceramic Super-LumiNova, and MING Polar White luminous material, varying by series and component |
| Strap / bracelet | leather, Alcantara, or FKM rubber strap with flying-blade buckle (varies by series; no bracelet option evidenced on official product pages) |
Bottom line
A genuine horological statement piece for the collector who values engineering originality over brand heritage — the no-subdial central chronograph architecture is among the most technically ambitious in independent watchmaking at this price point, but ultra-small series runs and manual-only winding mean it rewards patience as much as budget.
Highlights
- No-subdial central AgenGraphe chronograph
- 41.5mm / 45.5mm L2L / 22mm lug
- Domed sapphire crystals front and back
- Manual-wind, 5.35mm-thin movement, ~55h power reserve
- Ultra-limited: 8–50 pieces per series
Who it's for
Experienced independent-watch collectors on medium-to-large wrists (the 45.5mm lug-to-lug works from about 7" upward) who prize engineering originality over dial-reading speed, are comfortable with manual winding, and are prepared to engage with secondary-market or wait-list purchasing for a watch sold in dozens of pieces.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need an automatic movement, want a bracelet option, require more than 50m water resistance, or expect to buy one at retail without a wait.
Before you buy
- Confirm the exact series - S2, S3, and S5 differ in case material, dial, and price
- Previous series are sold out; verify secondary-market pricing against current listings
- Manual-wind only - no automatic option exists in any variant
- 50m water resistance is suitable for swimming per MING, but not diving; do not operate the crown or pushers underwater
FAQ
Is the 20.01 automatic or quartz?
The 20.01 is hand-wound. There is no self-winding rotor, so you turn the crown — usually once a day — to keep it running, and it uses no battery. A full wind holds roughly 55 hours of running time.
What movement does the 20.01 use?
The 20.01 is powered by the Agenhor AGENGRAPHE CAL. 6361.M1 from Agenhor, a manual caliber with a 55-hour power reserve and a 21,600 bph beat rate. It is hand-wound, so a daily turn of the crown keeps it running.
Does the 20.01 have a date?
No — the 20.01 has no date display. Some movements in this class can drive a date, but this one is specced without it, leaving a cleaner, more symmetrical dial. If a date is essential, look for a dated variant or a different model.
How water resistant is the 20.01?
The 20.01 is rated to 50 m. That is enough for hand-washing, rain and brief swimming, but not for diving or prolonged submersion. Whatever the rating, avoid operating the crown or pushers underwater, and have the gaskets checked periodically to keep it reliable.
How big does the 20.01 wear?
At 41.5 mm across with a 45.5 mm lug-to-lug and 14.2 mm thick, the 20.01 wears as a modern medium-to-large watch. Lug-to-lug is the measurement that really decides fit, since it sets how far the case spans the wrist — 45.5 mm suits most wrists, and smaller wrists especially should check that figure.
What makes the AgenGraphe movement fundamentally different from a conventional chronograph?
Agenhor's patented AgenClutch is a horizontal coupling system using tooth-free friction wheels with safety gearing to reduce conventional chronograph start stutter and shock-related timing error. In MING's 20.01 execution, elapsed chronograph seconds and the instantaneous jumping 60-minute counter are displayed centrally with no subdials.
Is the CHF 37,500 price justifiable compared with Swiss mainstream chronographs?
The CHF 37,500 price applies to the 20.01 Series 5, which was limited to 25 pieces. Earlier 20.01 releases varied by series, including the 8-piece Mosaic, 50-piece Series 2, and 20-piece Series 3, with different prices and materials.
How do the different 20.01 series compare if the movement and case are the same?
The 20.01 series generally shares the 41.5 x 14.2mm case envelope, 22mm lug width, central AgenGraphe 6361.M1 chronograph architecture, and double-sapphire construction. Series differ in case alloy, dial material, straps, movement finishing, and some movement details such as power reserve, clutch updates, and the hard-winding stop added on later versions.
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