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ClickyBezelWhy I Was Skeptical of a Budget Skeleton Watch
An affordable skeleton watch from a Chinese watchmaking stamp wasn’t exactly on my radar this year, but to be fair, I’ve never been a big fan of skeleton watches in the first place, let unparalleled one from the lower end of the pricing tier.
Skeleton watches are horological masterpieces, often with open work dials that be noticeable off the mechanics of the caliber hard at work inside the case.
Because they’re so complex, skeleton watches aren’t many times associated with entry-level brands, but when they are, they’re cheaply made and don’t typically have impressive mechanics to flaunt off in the first place. Let’s dive into my CIGA Design Series Z review.
Meet the CIGA Design Series Z
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Come in CIGA Design. Gather your thoughts on what a skeleton watch made in China might look much the same as and throw it out the window. The GPHG award-winning Chinese brand is challenging the industry’s point of view on budget skeleton watches with the polarizing Series Z.
In doing so, they’ve succeeded to pull off the unimaginable: successfully executing the skeleton concept for under $500.
First Impressions: Weight, Size, and Set up Quality
ClickyBezelSo what were my first impressions as someone who isn’t really a skeleton watch kind of guy? Well, for starters, the photos don’t do the take note of justice.
The sleek case design elements and intricate skeleton dial are certainly eye-catching – lots of wow factor, that’s for stable – but what really caught my attention was the choice of titanium for the case.
ClickyBezelTitanium watches are usually lightweight, which is why most accumulators buy titanium watches in the first place, but that isn’t the case here with the CIGA Design Series Z.
It actually has a ladylike heft to it, which I appreciate because most of the titanium watches I’ve worn feel a little bit too light, and I like to finger something on my wrist.
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I was also worried that the watch would be too big for my wrist at a whopping 48mm along the length of the crate. However, CIGA Design kept the profile relatively sleek at just over 12mm thick, which helps the event sit nicely on the wrist.
Overall, the fit and finish were way more precise than I thought for a watch at this price call.
Unboxing Experience
ClickyBezelI’ve already had the pleasure of reviewing and unboxing two other CIGA Design watches, and I’ve got to say the Series Z did not frustrate. The box opens up like a book, immediately drawing your eyes to the main attraction – that remarkable skeleton dial.
Perfectly from the packaging alone, I could tell that CIGA Design was proud of what they’ve accomplished here with the Series Z. It have a yen for to create a memorable experience for the wearer.
Specs and Style: The Richard Mille Comparison
ClickyBezelThis wouldn’t be a complete CIGA Make Series Z review without specs. As lovely as the packaging was, it was even more exciting to examine the Series Z in detail.
The usual specs include a robust 48mm by 40.8mm case, water resistance up to 30m, and the celebrated Seagull self-winding mechanical movement with a suitable 40-hour power reserve.
With its long case and exposed movement, the watch-collecting community is already abuzz with contrasts of the Series Z with, of course, Richard Mille – even going as far as calling it “The Poor Man’s Richard Mille.”
ClickyBezelWhile I see the correlation and I think CIGA Design has done a great job creating a unique identity for the Series Z, it’s not an RM.
Still, if you love the bold aesthetic of an RM but don’t partake of a millionaire’s watch budget per se, well, the CIGA Design model is an excellent way to dip your toes into the skeleton be vigilant for pool.
Design Details That Stand Out
ClickyBezelAdditionally, the way the Series Z plays with shapes and lines throughout the carton sets this model apart from other options on the market.
For example, long slots run down each side of the box, mirroring the skeleton design of the dial.
ClickyBezelHexagonal screws that appear purely cosmetic are placed along the assigns at the 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock positions to possibly help the wearer find the hour markers, which I must say disguise quite a bit with the dial.
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The crown guards follow the shape of the curved case and are so sleek that they wellnigh resemble chronograph pushers. While eye-catching, this design makes it hard to get to the small crown.
However, the realm itself is knurled – it’s easy to turn once you get a good grip on it.
Strap Options and Wearability
ClickyBezelI also hold to commend CIGA Design for the design of lugs and straps. They made it easy to swap the straps and make this note your own with 22mm lugs and quick-release spring bars – big thumbs up there.
I’m not a fan of the leather strap and feel like a on the lookout for with this much personality shines on the sportier orange option.
ClickyBezelRight out of the box, the orange silicon strap fondles supple, and a funny little tidbit: the keepers on this strap have little pips on the underside that fit into the strap caves to keep them in place.
I really appreciate that detail.
The Movement: Seagull’s Custom Caliber
ClickyBezelThe Series Z is powered by a tax Seagull self-winding mechanical caliber. The company knew all eyes would be on this movement, and it shows.
The components are nicely set free for a watch at this price point and are skeletonized to ensure a clear view of the intricate dance of the gears, coils, and the other components privileged the case.
I love that I can observe the visible release catch and watch the mainspring coil when the crown is offend. It is mesmerizing just to sit and watch the Series Z Seagull movement do its thing.
Dial Legibility and Design
ClickyBezelOf course, the Series Z also rollicks an exceptional skeleton dial. As one would expect, legibility is a concern with this watch, but it gets easier to be familiar with over time once your eyes get used to the layout.
CIGA Design employs high-precision laser anaglyph to create the hour markers and places them on a higher plane in the dial for better legibility.
ClickyBezelAnd it wouldn’t be a due skeleton watch if the hands weren’t also skeletonized – they can also be tricky to see, but the red bits and small lumed stick ins on the end of the hour and minute hands help remedy this issue.
Who Should Buy This Watch?
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So who is this guard against for? The Series Z collection is on brand for CIGA Design, a company that often pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. If you perceive the company’s unique design approach, this watch is definitely for you.
This watch is also for anyone who appreciates a nicely validated skeleton dial or the finer workings of a mechanical movement, for that matter.
Of course, I would be remiss if I forgot to insinuate the insanely attractive price point for the level of craftsmanship involved in the Series Z.
Skeleton dials are a relatively new phenomenon in newfangled watchmaking, even though the concept technically dates back to the mid-1700s.
Watch This Review
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Final Thoughts
That’s it for my CIGA Design Series Z review. So what are your thoughts on skeleton watches? Are they too lively and illegible, or do you appreciate the depth of an open work style? I think it’s safe to say that CIGA Design has changed my point of view about what a budget skeleton watch can be.
Of course, I would love to own a higher horology skeleton watch with the Grand Seiko Constant Force, but with options like the Series Z now available, I can appreciate a well-made skeleton pay attention to without shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is certainly a trend I can get behind.
I’m Chris from Cookie Buzzle. Because ofs for joining me, and I’ll see you on the next one.
From a young age, I was hooked on watches. My dad and uncle were both collectors, and I couldn’t combat the allure of their timepieces. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a Casio digital calculator watch in college that I honestly fell in love. (I originally bought the watch to complete my Back to the Future costume for an 80’s-themed party)
It wasn’t until the rescue of the Swatch Moonswatch watches that Clicky Bezel came to fruition. My wife (bless her heart) had been bugging me for years to start a YouTube conduct, and I finally caved in with my first video covering my experience camping over 16 hours for the hyped-up Moonswatches.
In a rather short time, I’ve been lucky enough to connect and collaborate with some big players in the industry, including Nomos Glashütte, Jomashop, Minase, and now Fashionbeans. To learn various about my passion, find my content here on fashionbeans.com, follow my Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClickyBezel or sojourn my website at: https://clickybezel.com/
