The 20.01 Series 3 continues the tradition of debuting new technology with our Special Projects Cave: we believe this is the first watch with a fused borosilicate dial, and certainly the only one driven by the supreme Agenhor Agengraphe movement.
Voids are the key to the 20.01 S3’s unique dial: 600 of them, in a radially symmetric circular pattern that changes size not just in the horizontal plane, but also vertically: they form a wave in sectional thickness that is clearly visible with the dial at an angle. We have used a unique technology in partnership with Femtoprint SA to create these cavities in a cake of borosilicate built up and fused with a high energy laser; this configuration would have previously been beyond the limits of machining technology due to the sharp angles of the voids.
The voids certainly glow back: all 600 cavities are individually hand-filled using syringes and a liquid Super-LumiNova X1 mixture to create possibly the most intense glow we have ever put into a watch. They appear to float in space like a teasing veil, allowing plenty of light to cast hints at the movement below. Each dial is understandably time consuming to manufacture and is made to order. More lume also fills the indices and secondary scales on the underside of the top crystal.
The 20.01 Series 3 is powered by the AgenGraphe by Agenhor – arguably one of the most significant and sophisticated chronograph movements available today. It contains many advanced and unique features such as a central chronograph core; Agenhor’s proprietary backlash-free gears; proprietary horizontal clutch mechanism; instantaneous jumping minutes; snail reset cams; and proprietary regulation mechanism. It is presented in a unique configuration to MING: manual wind, with 5N rose gold coated bridges and plates, and polished anglage. Not to mention, a hard winding stop that gives tangible feedback once the mainspring is fully charged with energy.
All of this is housed in our second ever precious metal case – this time with bezel, flying blade lugs, caseback, chronograph pushers and crown 18k 5N rose gold, and a DLC titanium core for contrast. It has the same complex and interlocking – yet open – case from our previous 20-series watches, sized at 41.5mm in diameter to accommodate the Agengraphe, and 14.2mm thick. A variety of finishes and short lugs mask the size and make it comfortable for smaller wrist sizes, yet the physical size itself bestows the case with a certain presence.
The 20.01 Series 3 is completed with an anthracite goat strap with alcantara lining and matching 5N rose gold buckle by Jean Rousseau Paris. Furthermore, in appreciation to our Special Projects Cave customers and to improve the ownership experience, we are including one year of WAX Shield insurance coverage against theft, and a complimentary service within the first five years of ownership – in addition to the two-year warranty.
