As a watch brand, CIGA Design has been operating on the market for more than ten years. During this time, the company slowly but surely gained popularity not only in its homeland, China, but also in other countries.
Yes, reader, you heard right, the brand was born in China, as proudly stated on the packaging. Made in China. In 2024, this will no longer surprise anyone. The era of awkward Chinese watch products is coming to its logical end. China is becoming different. Of course, relics of the past show themselves in places, but in most cases you can wear a Chinese watch without fear of sidelong glances from those who, as they say, are in the know.
Skeleton: everything is visible
Skeletons are an unusual trend in the watch world. This approach to design makes it possible to enjoy the operation of the mechanism in all its glory, observing the movement of gears, components and parts in the smallest detail. This is typical both for the heavyweights of the watch universe and for those who are just taking their first timid steps.
Box, set: standard plus book and straps for different occasions
I don’t remember that at least once on the pages of this blog I had to mention the watch packaging, but in this situation the box is worth mentioning.
To be precise, there are two boxes. One of them is made of simple and standard gray cardboard, but the second is much more interesting and elegant. Externally, the box resembles a book, turning the page of which you are immersed in the world of information and regalia of the manufacturer. Beyond the boundaries of the second page you can see the watch and the included belts. There are two of them. For a cheerful mood, bright red made of soft silicone. For official and special occasions - a black leather belt. Fasteners or buckles deserve attention. They are made of round metal. Belts are stored in special recesses.
Body: barrel with all that it implies
A barrel-shaped body is also not that common. CIGA Design followed this path, adding a small number of their own ideas. However, in this matter everything has long been thought up and changed.
The strangest design decision seems to be the presence of fake buttons on the right side, like a chronograph. But the watch is not supplemented with such a complication.
On the reverse side, the manufacturer's name is printed on the side edge. Some watch market players are guilty of this practice. But the number of these players is not so large.
Dial, hands, markings: everything about them
Does this watch have a dial? Eat! It is a structure on which the component parts of the mechanism are supported (their operation can be observed both from the front and back of the watch). Everyone remembers that this is a skeleton.
The minute and hour markings are hidden along the very edge of the dial perimeter. In this case, the markup is not lost, allowing you to perform the main and only function. The red coloring of the ends of the hands allows you to avoid losing the hands against the background of the dial. The second hand is completely red.
This is not to say that readability is perfect. However, this indicator remains at a high level.
Mechanism: with Seagull in one harness
CIGA Design works closely with Seagull. In case anyone has forgotten, Chaika is the largest Chinese manufacturer of watches and mechanisms. This model uses the Seagull caliber ST2553JK.
Hack and predictor Aviator
CIGA Design Z031-SISI-W15RE is an unusual watch. The shape of the case, the mechanism, even the box with the strap says that the owner of CIGA Design will stand out from the crowd.
