Ciga Watch Overview: A Nearer Have a look at the Way forward for Chinese language Watchmaking

Within the watch world, fans have lengthy revered Swiss, German, and Japanese watchmakers for his or her distinctive craftsmanship. Nonetheless, there’s an underdog nation that many overlook as a consequence of preconceived notions about high quality: China.

The Ciga Design Blue Planet watch, which beat out a number of famend Swiss watches for the distinguished GPHG in 2021, proves that Chinese language watchmaking is simply getting began.

On this Ciga watch overview, I’ll share my experiences with this exceptional timepiece.

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Key Takeaways

• China is an underdog nation in watchmaking that many overlook as a consequence of preconceived notions about high quality, however the Ciga Design Blue Planet watch proves that Chinese language watchmaking is price listening to.
• Ciga Design, based by one in all China’s prime industrial designers, grew to become the primary Chinese language model to win the distinguished “Problem” class on the GPHG in 2021, marking a major milestone in horological historical past.
• The Blue Planet’s unboxing expertise is exclusive and immersive, with a e-book explaining the watch’s environmental philosophy and a presentation that showcases the watch’s round case design.
• Regardless of its 46mm measurement, the Blue Planet’s titanium case wears smaller as a consequence of its lugless design, and the comfortable, supple rubber strap is snug proper out of the field.
• The Blue Planet’s dial options intricate micro-carvings of Earth’s landforms, and its unconventional time-telling mechanism encourages the wearer to decelerate and respect the watch.
• The Ciga Design Blue Planet is a testomony to the rising prominence of Chinese language watchmaking. It provides an avant-garde design, historic significance, and an inexpensive worth level for watch collectors looking for one thing distinctive.

Professionals

• Revolutionary and unconventional design that showcases trendy mechanical artwork
• Historic significance as the primary Chinese language watch to win the GPHG “Problem” class
• Snug and well-designed titanium case and rubber strap
• Intricate micro-carvings on the dial depicting Earth’s landforms
• Distinctive time-telling mechanism that encourages mindfulness and appreciation
• Inexpensive worth level for an announcement piece with high-end horology options

Cons

• The 46mm case measurement could also be too massive for some wrists, regardless of sporting smaller as a consequence of its lugless design
• The unconventional time-telling mechanism might take some getting used to and may not be appropriate for individuals who choose fast time-checking
• The avant-garde design might not enchantment to everybody’s style, particularly those that choose extra conventional watch types
• As a comparatively new model, Ciga Design might not have the identical model recognition or heritage as established Swiss, German, or Japanese watchmakers
• The watch’s distinctive design might restrict its versatility and skill to match with sure outfits or events

Who’s Ciga Design?

Ciga Design was based in 2016 by Zhang Jianmin, one in all China’s prime industrial designers. As a younger Chinese language designer watch model, their mission is to redefine watchmaking with trendy mechanical artwork, which is clear all through the Blue Planet.

In 2021, Ciga Design made historical past by turning into the primary Chinese language model to win the “Problem” class on the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), probably the most prestigious award in watchmaking (just like the Oscars for watches).

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Unboxing and First Impressions

When a curious package deal from Ciga Design arrived at my doorstep, I initially thought it is perhaps a espresso desk e-book I had ordered. To my shock, it was the Blue Planet watch. The unboxing expertise was actually distinctive, that includes a e-book that explains the watch’s environmental philosophy, which aligns with its total theme. The presentation is akin to a gourmand meal, with the watch as the ultimate “dessert.” I used to be notably impressed by how the strap was indifferent, permitting the round case design to take middle stage.

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Case and Strap Impressions

Regardless of its 46mm measurement, the Blue Planet’s titanium case wears smaller as a consequence of its lugless design. I in contrast it to my Seiko Photo voltaic Tuna, additionally 46mm, and located that the Blue Planet sits comfortably on my 7.5-inch wrist. The refined brushing on the case will assist cover hairline scratches over time. I used to be pleasantly stunned by the comfortable, supple rubber strap, which I used to be initially frightened about, however it felt snug proper out of the field.

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Dial and Timekeeping

The Blue Planet’s dial is a real murals, that includes intricate micro-carvings of Earth’s landforms. The time-telling mechanism is unconventional however intelligent.

A navigation marker strikes across the outer ring to point the hour, whereas the internal ring rotates to trace the minutes. Within the picture under, the time reads 10:10. It’s unconventional and takes some getting used to, however that’s precisely the purpose – like a movie digital camera, it invitations you to decelerate and savor the expertise.

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Video Overview 

Closing Ideas

The Ciga Design Blue Planet is a testomony to the rising prominence of Chinese language watchmaking. Its avant-garde design, historic significance, and inexpensive worth level make it a lovely choice for watch collectors looking for one thing distinctive. This Ciga Design watch overview has actually piqued my curiosity in Chinese language microbrands, and I’m wanting to see how they proceed to innovate and problem the established order.

Whether or not you’re drawn to the Blue Planet’s design or intrigued by its place in horological historical past, there’s no denying that Ciga Design helps to redefine the way forward for watchmaking.