The Ciga Design U Series Blue Planet is a landmark piece in the history of the watch industry. Back in 2021 it was the first Chinese watch to be awarded a prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Such a golden achievement requires a golden celebration, which brings us to the Ciga Design U Series Blue Planet Gilding Version – available with a 30% Black Friday discount until 2nd December.
It features a large 46mm x 15.6mm diameter case made from sleek, black ceramic with a flowing round shape. The shape highlights the watch’s unique method of timekeeping where the central globe functions as a single hand displaying both hours and minutes. To read the hours you follow the line of the compass rose indicator to the static 12-hour scale. For the minutes you follow the same line to the minute scale, which instead of being static also rotates in order to keep the correct alignment. It’s an interesting twist on the standard single hand display.
The globe itself is stunningly detailed, created using a micro-carving technique and multiple layers of 24k gold gilding. The depiction of the world follows a consistent ratio ensuring each country is the correct size, as are the oceans. On top of that, it’s also topographically accurate, showing the relative altitudes of various mountain ranges and valleys. The contrast between the gold landmasses and dark ocean is particularly striking, highlighting how much of a jewel the planet really is.
Ciga describe the calibre that powers the watch as a Ciga Design self-designed movement with 40-hour power reserve and a 28,800 vph frequency. Looking through the exhibition caseback it bears a resemblance to many ETA calibres, although whether it’s based on them or inspired by them is near impossible to determine without taking it apart. Regardless, the most impressive feature is the module that controls the minute scale because it rotates 390 degrees in an hour rather than the regular 360. That’s in order to account for the fact it has to align with the central globe which is itself rotating at a rate of 30 degrees each hour.
There’s no question that the Ciga Design U Series Blue Planet Gilding Version is a really cool and innovative watch. It combines precise manufacturing with prestigious materials like ceramic and gold plate with a unique style of display and movement. Plus, with the Black Friday deal available until 2nd December it’s 30% off, making it just $1,899 (approx. £1,515).
Price and Specs:
Model:
CIGA
Design Mechanical Watch Series U Blue Planet Gilding Version
Case:
46mm
diameter x 15.6mm thickness, black ceramic
Dial:
Black
with 24k gold gilded earth
Water resistance:
30m
(3 bar)
Movement:
Ciga
design automatic calibre, 30 jewels
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
40h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes
Strap:
Ceramic
bracelet
Price:
$1,899
(approx. £1,515)
More details at Ciga.
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