With regards to watches, for me it’s all in regards to the folks! I’ve identified Ming Thein, the “benevolent dictator” of Ming Watches, for properly over a decade; amongst different issues he has been my images instructor, and I’m the joyful proprietor of considered one of his watches, the Mannequin 17.06 Monolith.
I’ve identified my publicity-shy watch buddy “Chuck” even longer than that, and it was at a lunch that each of us attended with Ming a number of years in the past that we noticed preliminary plans for the ultra-simple Mannequin 20.01 Idea chronograph, which later morphed into the 20.01 Mosaic chronograph with its wonderful 3mm thick laser etched clear dial with a personalized model of Agenhor’s AgenGraphe motion beneath.
In the end, these designs proved uneconomic for collection manufacturing: just one Idea was produced, and the Mosaic was made solely in a collection of eight prototypes for early backers of the model. Fortunately for collectors like Chuck, a modified Sequence 2 model of the 20.01 did subsequently go into manufacturing, and due to his kindness I’m capable of current it to you right here.
Ming meets Agenhor: Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
Earlier than going additional, I’ll challenge a mea culpa: within the dial facet images you’ll see, the chronograph seconds and minutes fingers seem barely misaligned. That’s my error: it was solely after spending the higher a part of two days capturing and processing that I seen I had did not undergo the start-stop-reset routine with the chrono. As soon as executed, the fingers popped into alignment – however I hope you’ll forgive me for not going again and repeating all of the images.
No person’s good: dial facet, Ming 20.01 Sequence 2
Why it’s cool
Whereas simplified a bit from the unique Mosaic 20.01, the dial facet of the Sequence 2 remains to be a outstanding achievement.
Low angle view, Ming Mannequin 20.01
If you happen to look intently on the photograph above, you’ll be able to select a number of layers. The bottom is a titanium plate with a modified Clous-de-Paris end; above that may be a sapphire layer with a gradient end that reveals the Clous-de-Paris after which darkens progressively to black behind the index markings; and above that may be a 1.1mm thick sapphire layer with the three-tiered mosaic of etched triangles and the hour ring.
Hovering above all of it are the chronograph, pulsometer, and tachymeter scales on the underside of the crystal. And when you’re wanting, take a look at the bend on that orange chrono seconds hand!
The straight-on view additionally offers a powerful sense of depth, with the multi-layer triangular mosaic including visible pop.
Dial element, Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
As with just about all Ming watches, although, the enjoyable is simply starting with views of the watch in direct gentle. When seen at completely different angles and with diverse incident gentle, the a number of layers present a glance that goes from vivid, high-contrast blackness to smoky to mirror-like, as within the photograph beneath.
Getting fascinating: Ming Mannequin 20.01 in shallow incident gentle
One of many first workout routines Thein had me carry out as a scholar was to shoot a single watch with a number of gentle positions – an train I heartily suggest to anybody who’s studying to {photograph} watches. For enjoyable, I replicated the experiment with the 20.01: identical watch, identical digicam place, with a single flash in two completely different positions.
Gentle experiment: Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2 in diverse gentle
After which, simply because I might, I took a 3rd photograph from a distinct setup, flipped it horizontally, and added it on the left finish to yield a trifecta of views.
One watch, three views: Ming Mannequin 20.01
In contrast with the unique 20.01 Mosaic, the Sequence 2 does surrender the transparency of the dial that affords a view of the motion beneath; however given the number of methods of catching gentle out there and the added chronograph indications on the crystal, including again a view of assorted gears and levers behind the Sequence 2’s mosaic may need been an excessive amount of of a great factor.
Luminous indications, Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
A fast lume shot completed off my front-side capturing. Each the principle fingers and chrono scales present up properly at the hours of darkness; if I’m quibbling, I suppose I’d ask how we’re presupposed to learn the chronograph in opposition to these luminous scales when the chrono fingers aren’t luminous, however practicality apart the looks of the watch in darkness stands as much as its enchantment in full gentle.
And it’s an AgenGraphe
We’ve been large followers of Agenhor’s AgenGraphe right here at Quill & Pad for so long as that motion has been round, and I’m the proud proprietor of the Agenhor/HEAD Genève “Carpe Diem” clock from Solely Watch 2017.
AgenGraphe Cal. AGH 6361.M1 within the Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
Flipping the Sequence 2 over reveals the pleasant view seen above: the now-familiar AgenGraphe structure, rendered in tones from anthracite to pure metal. For these of you who’re conversant in Agenhor’s work, it ought to come as no shock {that a} whimsical contact is included within the bridge shapes. In earlier embodiments of the AgenGraphe the central bridge seemed suspiciously like a rendering of Batman; within the Mannequin 20.01 it as an alternative takes on a form close to and expensive to Thein’s coronary heart, a bear.
Bear with me: motion element, AGH 6361.M1
Motion facet images can generally be a little bit of a grind, however I discovered that the Mannequin 20.01 and its AgenGraphe motion lend themselves to being photographed from quite a lot of angles, together with the low-angle layback place proven beneath.
Shallow angle view, Ming 20.01 with AgenGraphe motion
From a practical perspective, the AgenGraphe stays glorious, with satisfying instantaneous jumps of the minute register, and its constructive pusher really feel enhanced by enhancements to the chronograph clutch system. One distinction from prior AgenGraphes is that the Ming model of the motion is manually wound fairly than being powered by an under-dial peripheral rotor. The result’s the flexibility to incorporate all of the dial-side visible treats with out making the watch unduly thick, and the crown really feel is silky clean – a lot so, in actual fact, that subsequent time I’m at Agenhor I’ll plan to ask them in regards to the sturdiness of the keyless works when subjected to guide winding responsibility.
Past the dial and motion
Thein’s obsession with sturdy design goes properly past dial look and motion finishes, and the 20.01 Sequence 2 isn’t any exception. The multi-component case options Ming’s hallmark flying blade lugs, cleverly hooked up to the bezel on the inside fringe of the lugs to ship a seamless look. Different design touches together with DLC-darkened interior caseband surfaces and hollowed oval pushers add visible curiosity and create a coherent, and interesting, look.
Consideration to element: case profile, Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
The bizarre “keeperless” tang buckle is elongated, with a gap that permits the tip of the strap to be tucked underneath the physique of the strap fairly than projecting above it.
Not your grandfather’s keeper: modern clasp, Ming 20.01
Whereas the clasp is completely advantageous wanting, I saved staring previous it at that motion; right here’s a shot so you’ll be able to benefit from the view as properly.
Nightstand view: trying out the AgenGraphe motion
On the wrist
The 20.01 isn’t a small watch at 41.5mm in diameter, however the titanium case helps to make it fairly snug on the wrist and the darkish dial colour and outstanding white hour index ring compress the obvious width of the watch, no less than to my eye.
On the wrist: Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2
I take pleasure in having a reasonably large, flat wrist, however even for these with considerably smaller wrists the sharply downturned lugs ought to permit the watch to take a seat comfortably.
Profile view on the wrist, Ming 20.01
Within the profile view above, you too can see the slight dome of the crystal that provides to the sensation of depth of the watch with out making it too thick, together with the comparatively skinny, concave bezel that helps to maintain this piece from changing into a scratch magnet.
The no-keeper buckle would take some getting used to for me: whereas tucking the strap underneath definitely streamlines the look, for these of us who wish to put on our watches tight on the wrist getting the tail of the strap untucked whenever you wish to take off your watch might be fairly an train in frustration. Whereas Ming’s literature gives the look that this buckle model will probably be commonplace on future fashions, I for one would welcome the choice for a extra conventional tang.
Tucked away: Ming’s keeperless clasp system
Every other quibbles? As with Ming’s earlier GMT mannequin, however definitely not unique to Ming as a model, lots of the printed indications for the minor chronograph indications are just about invisible to my getting older eyes. The principle chronograph seconds indication additionally doesn’t subdivide the seconds, however that’s no downside for me on condition that I can’t bear in mind the final time I used a chronograph to time partial seconds.
Last ideas
Ming has come a good distance as a model from its beginnings in ultra-simple, closed-back watches to some extent at which it appears completely pure for them to offer, particularly as a part of their “Particular Initiatives Cave” sub-brand, mechanically refined and design-forward watches such because the Mannequin 20.01.
Subtle mechanics: Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2 with AgenGraphe motion
If something stands between Ming and future success, it isn’t going to be the watches: what we’ve already seen may be very spectacular, and what they’ve already revealed about their plans for 2023 and past is thrilling.
As a model that sells on to its shoppers, nevertheless, Ming should stay acutely conscious: reside by the shopper relationship mannequin, die by the shopper relationship mannequin. With out intermediaries and pleasant retail doorways to interact fans, the burden falls solely on the maker to make sure that present clients and potential consumers really feel properly served. Constructing and sustaining affinity is a difficult factor; and whereas making nice product is an excellent factor, it isn’t every thing.
Parting shot: Mannequin 20.01 Sequence 2 by Ming with Agenhor
For extra info, please go to www.ming.watch/merchandise/ming-20-01-series-2
Fast Information: Ming Mannequin 20.01 Sequence
Case: 41.5mm by 14.2mm Grade 5 titanium case with 34 components and 4 finishes; domed entrance and rear sapphire crystals with double-sided anti-reflective coating; entrance crystal with etched and luminous markings
Dial and fingers: 1.3mm thick sapphire dial with HyCeram Tremendous-LumiNova fill and gradient fade; second sapphire dial with etched and luminous minute markings; Grade 2 titanium dial base with Clous-de-Paris sample; fingers with SuperLumiNova X1 fill
Motion: Manually wound Agenhor for Ming AgenGraphe Cal. 6361.M1 central chronograph; 55-hour energy reserve; 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Features: Hours, minutes; 60-minute chronograph; pulsometer and tachymeter
Value: CHF 35,000
Limitation: 50 items; bought out
Manufacturing 12 months: 2022
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