In the world of luxury timepieces, every once in a while, a watch redefines the boundaries of craftsmanship, technology, and design. The 20.01 Series 3 from MING is one such masterpiece.
This timepiece is a fusion of cutting-edge technology, exquisite materials, and painstaking craftsmanship culminates in a truly unique offering.
A Revolution in Dial Design: The Fused Borosilicate Marvel
The dial of the 20.01 Series 3 is a triumph of modern engineering and design.
MING’s decision to utilize fused borosilicate glass is a bold departure from traditional materials, offering a host of benefits elevate the watch’s aesthetic and functional appeal.
The Science Behind Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass, known for its exceptional durability and clarity, is often used in environments where high resistance to thermal shock is required—think laboratory glassware and high-end cookware.
In the 20.01 Series 3, this material finds an entirely new application, bringing its inherent toughness and transparency to the delicate world of watchmaking.
The Void Pattern: A Dance of Light and Shadows
Central to the dial’s design are the 600 voids meticulously arranged in a radially symmetric pattern.
These voids aren’t just randomly placed; they are engineered to vary in size both horizontally and vertically, creating a wave-like effect plays with light and shadow.
When viewed from different angles, this pattern transforms the dial into a dynamic canvas, offering a visual experience is as much art as it is timekeeping.
Innovative Manufacturing with Femtoprint SA
Creating these voids in borosilicate glass was no small feat. MING partnered with Femtoprint SA, a leader in high-precision micro-manufacturing, to develop a process uses high-energy lasers to carve out the voids.
This method allows for the creation of sharp angles and intricate patterns that would have been impossible with traditional machining techniques. The result is a visually stunning dial with a marvel of modern engineering.
Illuminating the Night: Super-LumiNova X1
As day turns to night, the 20.01 Series 3 continues to dazzle, thanks to the application of Super-LumiNova X1 in each of the 600 voids.
This material is renowned for its superior luminous properties, ensuring the dial glows with an intensity both striking and functional.
Hand-Filled Precision
Each void is hand-filled with a liquid mixture of Super-LumiNova X1, a process requires extreme precision and care.
The result is a uniform glow across all 600 cavities, creating a dial is as legible in the dark as it is beautiful in the light.
A Glowing Veil
The voids, filled with this luminous material, appear to float above the dial, creating a veil of light adds depth and dimension.
This effect enhances the watch’s readability in low-light conditions and also contributes to its overall aesthetic, making it a true standout in the world of luxury timepieces.
The Heart of the Beast: The AgenGraphe Movement
At the core of the 20.01 Series 3 is the AgenGraphe movement, developed by the renowned Swiss movement manufacturer Agenhor.
This movement is a marvel of horological engineering, packed with innovations set it apart from the competition.
Central Chronograph Core
One of the standout features of the AgenGraphe movement is its central chronograph core, a design centralizes the chronograph functions around a single axis.
This not only improves the movement’s reliability but also enhances its accuracy, making the 20.01 Series 3 a precision instrument of the highest order.
Backlash-Free Gears and Horizontal Clutch
The AgenGraphe movement also boasts proprietary backlash-free gears and a horizontal clutch mechanism.
These features eliminate the lag and jerky movements often associated with traditional chronograph movements, ensuring the chronograph hands move smoothly and precisely with each activation.
Instantaneous Jumping Minutes and Snail Reset Cams
The movement’s design also includes instantaneous jumping minutes, a feature allows the chronograph minute hand to jump instantly to the next minute, rather than creeping forward as in most other chronographs.
This is complemented by snail reset cams, which ensure the chronograph hands reset instantly and perfectly, every time.
Manual Wind with Tangible Feedback
For those who appreciate the tactile experience of winding a mechanical watch, the 20.01 Series 3 does not disappoint.
The movement is manually wound, and features a hard winding stop provides tangible feedback once the mainspring is fully charged.
This feature not only prevents overwinding but also adds a satisfying tactile element to the winding process.
A Case of Precious Metal and Modern Design
The 20.01 Series 3 is not just a marvel on the inside; its exterior is equally impressive.
MING has chosen to house this masterpiece in a case combines the warmth of rose gold with the modernity of DLC titanium, creating a visual contrast is as striking as it is elegant.
18k 5N Rose Gold and DLC Titanium
The case is crafted from 18k 5N rose gold, a material prized for its rich, warm hue.
This is paired with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) titanium core, a material known for its strength and scratch resistance.
The combination of these two materials not only adds to the watch’s durability but also gives it a unique aesthetic is both luxurious and modern.
Complex, Interlocking Design
The case design is a continuation of MING’s 20-series watches, featuring a complex, interlocking structure is both open and intricate.
Despite its 41.5mm diameter and 14.2mm thickness, the watch wears comfortably on the wrist, thanks to its short lugs and thoughtful design.
The case’s size also gives the watch a commanding presence, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate bold, statement-making timepieces.
The Strap: A Touch of Luxury and Comfort
No detail has been overlooked in the creation of the 20.01 Series 3, and this extends to the strap. MING has selected an anthracite goat leather strap with an alcantara lining, crafted by the renowned Jean Rousseau Paris.
Anthracite Goat Leather
The strap is made from anthracite goat leather, a material known for its softness, durability, and unique texture.
The leather’s natural grain and rich color perfectly complement the watch’s rose gold case, adding a touch of luxury is both subtle and sophisticated.
Alcantara Lining
The underside of the strap is lined with alcantara, a material often used in high-end automotive interiors. This lining adds a layer of comfort, ensuring the watch is as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to look at.
The strap is finished with a matching 5N rose gold buckle, providing a secure and stylish closure.
Exclusivity and Ownership: A Watch for the Discerning Collector
The 20.01 Series 3 is not just a watch; it’s a statement. With only 20 examples being made, it is one of the most exclusive timepieces on the market today.
This exclusivity, combined with its cutting-edge technology and luxurious materials, makes it a must-have for discerning collectors.
WAX Shield Insurance and Complimentary Service
MING understands owning a watch of this caliber comes with certain responsibilities, and they’ve taken steps to ensure ownership is as worry-free as possible.
Each 20.01 Series 3 comes with one year of WAX Shield insurance coverage against theft, giving owners peace of mind.
Additionally, MING is offering a complimentary service within the first five years of ownership, ensuring the watch remains in peak condition.
A Two-Year Warranty
To further enhance the ownership experience, the 20.01 Series 3 comes with a two-year warranty. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, ensuring the watch lives up to its promise of quality and reliability.
The Price of Excellence: CHF 43,500
Exclusivity, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology come at a price, and the 20.01 Series 3 is no exception. Priced at CHF 43,500 (~$51,000), this watch is an investment in horological excellence.
While it may be beyond the reach of many, for those who appreciate the finer things in life, the 20.01 Series 3 offers unparalleled value.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Modern Horology
The 20.01 Series 3 is more than just a watch; it’s a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and design.
From its revolutionary fused borosilicate dial to its state-of-the-art AgenGraphe movement, every aspect of this watch has been meticulously crafted to offer the ultimate in luxury and performance.
For those who demand the very best, the 20.01 Series 3 is a timepiece meets expectations but exceeds them in every way.
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