Hands-on with the MING 20.01 Series 5 Chronograph – Live Photos & Video

MING Introduces the 20.01 Series 5: Five Years Later, Still a Breath of Fresh Air

Since the debut of the 20.01 in 2020, MING’s chronograph has stood apart—technically ambitious, visually distinct, and rooted in mechanical innovation. The new 20.01 Series 5 builds on that foundation with its first stainless steel case, a reengineered titanium dial, and the same central chronograph layout powered by the Agengraphe caliber.

Wrist Size: 6.75in / 17cm

A Familiar Form, Reworked in Steel

For the first time, the 20.01 is being produced in stainless steel—or perhaps hybrid steel. The case construction combines a brushed steel outer shell with a black DLC-coated titanium case band, providing contrast and consistency with previous 20.01 chronographs. Dimensions remain consistent with past models: 41.5mm in diameter, 14.2mm thick, and 46mm from lug to lug, with a 22mm lug width.

Thanks to the relatively compact lug-to-lug length and curved case profile, the Series 5 wears well on a range of wrists. On a 6.75-inch wrist, it sits comfortably and securely—especially when paired with the supplied Alcantara strap, which tapers to 18mm at the buckle for a balanced feel.

A Dial Defined by Process

Each version of the 20.01 has introduced a new dial manufacturing technique, and the Series 5 continues that trend. Here, the dial is machined from a single piece of titanium, vapor-coated in blue, and then laser-etched a second time to selectively remove areas of the coating. This produces a two-tone visual effect that emphasizes depth and geometry without relying on color gradients or layering.

The hour, minute, and chronograph scales are not printed on the dial itself. Instead, they’re laser-etched onto the underside of the sapphire crystal and filled with MING’s proprietary Polar white lume. The hands, treated with blue-glow Super-LumiNova, maintain contrast and legibility across lighting conditions.

Powered by the Agehor Agengraphe

At the core of the 20.01 Series 5 is the same manually wound Agengraphe movement that has underpinned every version of the watch since its launch. Developed by Agenhor in Geneva, the Agengraphe is notable for its central chronograph layout, which places both elapsed seconds and minutes on axis at the center of the dial. It’s a rare configuration designed for intuitive reading, and one that requires a complex architecture.

MING’s execution of the movement features rose gold-coated bridges with polished anglage and traditional finishing. The open caseback reveals the level of detail throughout, and highlights the decision to keep the watch manually wound—a deliberate choice in keeping with the watch’s mechanical focus.

Five Years Later, Still Surprising

The Series 5 doesn’t reinvent the 20.01, nor does it need to. Instead, it introduces meaningful changes in materials and dial execution while preserving the layout, proportions, and mechanical quality that made the original so compelling. It’s a clear continuation of the 20.01 family—precise, intentional, and distinctively MING.

The MING 20.01 Series 5 is now available at Collective Horology. For more information or to inquire about availability, visit collectivehorology.com or get in touch directly. And thanks as always for supporting independent watchmaking.