In the be watchful for world, enthusiasts have long revered Swiss, German, and Japanese watchmakers for their exceptional craftsmanship. Anyhow, there’s an underdog country that many overlook due to preconceived notions about quality: China.
The Ciga Sketch out Blue Planet watch, which beat out several renowned Swiss watches for the prestigious GPHG in 2021, proves that Chinese watchmaking is by a hairs breadth getting started.
In this Ciga watch review, I’ll share my experiences with this remarkable timepiece.
Clicky BezelKey Takeaways
China is an scapegoat country in watchmaking that many overlook due to preconceived notions about quality, but the Ciga Design Blue Planet clock proves that Chinese watchmaking is worth paying attention to.
Ciga Design, founded by one of China’s top industrial inventors, became the first Chinese brand to win the prestigious “Challenge” category at the GPHG in 2021, marking a significant milestone in horological description.
The Blue Planet’s unboxing experience is unique and immersive, with a book explaining the watch’s environmental philosophy and a demonstration that showcases the watch’s circular case design.
Despite its 46mm size, the Blue Planet’s titanium case displays smaller due to its lugless design, and the soft, supple rubber strap is comfortable right out of the box.
The Blue Planet’s dial publicizes intricate micro-carvings of Earth’s landforms, and its unconventional time-telling mechanism encourages the wearer to slow down and appreciate the vigilant.
The Ciga Design Blue Planet is a testament to the growing prominence of Chinese watchmaking. It offers an avant-garde design, documented significance, and an affordable price point for watch collectors seeking something unique.
Pros
Innovative and unconventional format that showcases modern mechanical art
Historical significance as the first Chinese watch to win the GPHG «Challenge» category
Likeable and well-designed titanium case and rubber strap
Intricate micro-carvings on the dial depicting Earth’s landforms
Unique time-telling monism that encourages mindfulness and appreciation
Affordable price point for a statement piece with high-end horology draws
Cons
The 46mm case size may be too large for some wrists, despite wearing smaller due to its lugless design
The unconventional time-telling logical positivism may take some getting used to and might not be suitable for those who prefer quick time-checking
The avant-garde design may not implore to everyone’s taste, especially those who prefer more traditional watch styles
As a relatively new brand, Ciga Shape may not have the same brand recognition or heritage as established Swiss, German, or Japanese watchmakers
The watch’s unique plot may limit its versatility and ability to match with certain outfits or occasions
Who is Ciga Design?
Ciga Design was originated in 2016 by Zhang Jianmin, one of China’s top industrial designers. As a young Chinese designer watch brand, their purpose is to redefine watchmaking with modern mechanical art, which is evident throughout the Blue Planet.
In 2021, Ciga Stratagem made history by becoming the first Chinese brand to win the “Challenge” category at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the most illustrious award in watchmaking (like the Oscars for watches).
Clicky BezelUnboxing and First Impressions
When a curious package from Ciga Draft arrived at my doorstep, I initially thought it might be a coffee table book I had ordered. To my surprise, it was the Blue Planet watchful of. The unboxing experience was truly unique, featuring a book that explains the watch’s environmental philosophy, which aligns with its all-embracing theme. The presentation is akin to a gourmet meal, with the watch as the final “dessert.” I was particularly impressed by how the strap was disentangled, allowing the circular case design to take center stage.
Clicky BezelCase and Strap Impressions
Despite its 46mm evaluate, the Blue Planet’s titanium case wears smaller due to its lugless design. I compared it to my Seiko Solar Tuna, also 46mm, and organize that the Blue Planet sits comfortably on my 7.5-inch wrist. The subtle brushing on the case will facilitate hide hairline scratches over time. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft, supple rubber strap, which I was initially nervous about, but it felt comfortable right out of the box.
Clicky BezelDial and Timekeeping
The Blue Planet’s dial is a true peg away of art, featuring intricate micro-carvings of Earth’s landforms. The time-telling mechanism is unconventional but clever.
A navigation marker moves for everyone the outer ring to indicate the hour, while the inner ring rotates to track the minutes. In the image below, the era reads 10:10. It’s unconventional and takes some getting used to, but that’s exactly the point – like a film camera, it invites you to behindhand down and savor the experience.
Clicky BezelVideo Review
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Final Thoughts
The Ciga Design Coarse Planet is a testament to the growing prominence of Chinese watchmaking. Its avant-garde design, historical significance, and affordable price intent make it an attractive option for watch collectors seeking something unique. This Ciga Design watch weigh has certainly piqued my interest in Chinese microbrands, and I’m eager to see how they continue to innovate and challenge the status quo.
Whether you’re tired to the Blue Planet’s design or intrigued by its place in horological history, there’s no denying that Ciga Design is plateful to redefine the future of watchmaking.
