About CIGA Design Watches
CIGA Design watches represent a distinctive approach to contemporary mechanical watchmaking, combining award-winning industrial design, architectural engineering and unconventional methods of displaying time. Known for the internationally acclaimed Blue Planet, striking skeleton watches and innovative mechanical constructions, CIGA Design has established a recognisable identity among collectors seeking something beyond traditional watch design.
At Clarindon Jewellers, explore our collection of CIGA Design Watches, including the GPHG-winning Blue Planet, architectural Hunter, contemporary Edge and innovative Time Cipher collections.
For customers searching for CIGA Design watches UK, skeleton automatic watches, unusual mechanical watches, award-winning watch designs and contemporary luxury watches, CIGA Design offers an original alternative to conventional Swiss and German watchmaking.
The brand's appeal lies in its ability to transform mechanical timekeeping into a visual experience, using movement architecture, sculptural cases and inventive displays to create watches with a distinctive identity.
Explore CIGA Design Watches at Clarindon Jewellers
The History of CIGA Design Watches
CIGA Design was founded in 2016 in Shenzhen, China, with the ambition of bringing industrial design thinking to mechanical watchmaking. Led by designer Zhang Jianmin, the company developed a philosophy centred on originality, mechanical expression and the relationship between form and function.
Rather than relying on traditional watchmaking aesthetics, CIGA Design began exploring unconventional case structures, openworked movements and distinctive dial arrangements. Its watches were conceived as designed objects in which the mechanical movement and the surrounding architecture contribute equally to the overall appearance.
This approach helped the company attract international attention and establish a position within the contemporary design-watch market. Its reputation developed through original collections and recognition from international design organisations, culminating in a major achievement at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
Today, CIGA Design produces a varied range of mechanical watches, from relatively accessible skeleton automatic models to elaborate time displays and specialist complications. Throughout the collection, the emphasis remains on design originality and the visible relationship between engineering and artistic expression.
CIGA Design and the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève
One of the defining moments in CIGA Design's history came in 2021, when the Blue Planet received the Challenge Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Often described as one of the watch industry's most prestigious awards programmes, the GPHG recognises achievements across different areas of contemporary horology. CIGA Design's success was especially significant because Blue Planet became the first watch from a Chinese brand to win a GPHG prize.
The achievement drew international attention to the originality of the Blue Planet's design and highlighted the growing contribution of Chinese manufacturers to contemporary mechanical watchmaking.
Rather than following the conventional arrangement of central hour and minute hands, Blue Planet uses an innovative display that makes the Earth-inspired dial central to the experience of reading time.
This recognition remains an important part of CIGA Design's identity and helps explain the continuing interest in its Blue Planet Watches.
What Makes CIGA Design Watches Different?
CIGA Design approaches watchmaking through the combined disciplines of industrial design, mechanical engineering and visual storytelling. The result is a collection that places particular emphasis on how a watch looks, feels and communicates the passage of time.
Several characteristics distinguish the brand:
- Original time displays: Selected models use unconventional indications instead of traditional watch hands.
- Architectural construction: Openworked cases and movements reveal the relationship between mechanical components.
- International design recognition: The Blue Planet's GPHG success established the brand's credentials on the global watchmaking stage.
- Mechanical watchmaking: The collection includes automatic movements, skeletonised mechanisms and specialist complications.
- Contemporary materials: Selected watches incorporate titanium and other materials chosen to complement their designs.
- Distinctive collector appeal: Unusual displays and sculptural forms provide alternatives to conventional sports and dress watches.
For enthusiasts seeking an individual mechanical watch with a strong visual identity, CIGA Design offers a particularly compelling proposition.
CIGA Design Blue Planet Watches
The CIGA Design Blue Planet Watches collection is the brand's most internationally recognised creation and a landmark in contemporary watch design.
Inspired by the Earth, Blue Planet replaces the familiar arrangement of separate hour and minute hands with a distinctive planetary display. The dial becomes the centrepiece of the watch, presenting time through an unusual mechanical indication that encourages the wearer to engage with the design.
The original Blue Planet received the 2021 GPHG Challenge Watch Prize, bringing international recognition to CIGA Design and establishing the collection as a significant example of contemporary Chinese mechanical watchmaking.
Today, the Blue Planet family includes several interpretations with different case sizes, materials and dial designs. These variations retain the central concept while offering customers different approaches to the original design.
For collectors seeking an award-winning mechanical watch that stands apart from traditional horology, the Blue Planet remains the natural starting point.
CIGA Design Blue Planet Atlantic Watches
The Blue Planet Atlantic collection develops the Earth-inspired concept through distinctive colour treatments and contemporary case designs.
These watches retain the recognisable Blue Planet display while introducing an alternative interpretation of its oceanic theme. Selected references are available in titanium, combining the collection's sculptural appearance with a lightweight case material.
For customers seeking a modern CIGA Design Blue Planet with a distinctive visual character, the Atlantic collection offers an appealing choice.
Explore Blue Planet Atlantic Watches
CIGA Design Blue Planet Pacific Watches
The Blue Planet Pacific collection offers another interpretation of CIGA Design's award-winning planetary watch concept.
Combining the collection's unconventional time indication with a distinctive dial and case presentation, Pacific models appeal to customers who appreciate contemporary design and mechanical originality.
Available references vary in size and material, allowing customers to compare different expressions of the Blue Planet aesthetic.
Explore Blue Planet Pacific Watches
CIGA Design Blue Planet Titanium Watches
The Blue Planet Titanium Watches collection combines the brand's distinctive planetary display with the practical advantages of titanium construction.
Titanium is valued in watchmaking for its strength, relatively low weight and resistance to corrosion. These qualities make it particularly suitable for contemporary mechanical watches with substantial or sculptural case designs.
For customers seeking a lightweight interpretation of the Blue Planet, the titanium collection offers an important alternative to other case materials.
Discover Blue Planet Titanium Watches
CIGA Design Blue Planet Ice Age Watches
The Blue Planet Ice Age offers a distinctive visual interpretation of the collection's Earth-inspired concept.
Its design builds on the sculptural dial and unconventional time display associated with the Blue Planet family, providing collectors with another expression of the original award-winning idea.
Explore Blue Planet Ice Age Watches
CIGA Design Skeleton Watches
The CIGA Design Skeleton Watches collection represents one of the most recognisable aspects of the brand's design philosophy.
Skeleton watches reveal portions of the mechanical movement that would normally be concealed beneath a conventional dial. This allows the wearer to observe elements of the watch's construction and appreciate the interaction between its components.
CIGA Design approaches skeleton watchmaking from an architectural perspective, frequently using geometric structures, layered components and open case designs to create a strong sense of mechanical depth.
Rather than treating the exposed movement as a purely decorative feature, the brand often integrates the mechanism into the overall design of the watch.
For customers searching for skeleton automatic watches UK, openworked mechanical watches or unusual contemporary timepieces, CIGA Design offers a wide selection of distinctive designs.
Explore CIGA Design Skeleton Watches
CIGA Design Hunter Watches
The CIGA Design Hunter Watches collection combines contemporary industrial styling with an emphasis on visible mechanical architecture.
Hunter models feature distinctive case structures and openworked design elements that reflect the brand's interest in transforming mechanical watchmaking into a visual experience.
The collection appeals to customers seeking a bold automatic watch with a recognisable architectural identity rather than the appearance of a traditional sports watch.
Within the broader CIGA Design catalogue, Hunter demonstrates how industrial design can influence the relationship between the case, movement and dial.
For enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical transparency, unconventional shapes and contemporary watch design, the Hunter collection offers a distinctive option.
CIGA Design Edge Watches
The CIGA Design Edge Watches collection explores the relationship between mechanical watchmaking and contemporary geometric design.
Edge watches are characterised by an unconventional aesthetic that places emphasis on structure, proportion and the presentation of the movement.
The collection includes different interpretations of CIGA Design's modern mechanical philosophy, offering customers a choice of designs that stand apart from traditional round-case watches.
Selected models use innovative methods of displaying time, demonstrating the brand's willingness to reconsider the conventional relationship between the dial and the mechanical movement.
For customers seeking an unusual automatic watch with architectural styling, the Edge collection offers a compelling alternative.
CIGA Design Time Cipher Watches
The CIGA Design Time Cipher Watches collection reflects the brand's continuing interest in unconventional mechanical time displays.
Time Cipher watches approach the indication of hours and minutes through a distinctive visual arrangement, placing the experience of reading time at the centre of the design.
The collection combines contemporary case architecture with mechanical engineering, creating watches that appeal to customers interested in unusual complications and modern industrial design.
For collectors who appreciate the originality of the Blue Planet but want to explore another approach to mechanical timekeeping, Time Cipher offers an especially interesting choice.
CIGA Design Tourbillon Watches
The CIGA Design Tourbillon Watches collection explores one of mechanical watchmaking's most recognisable complications.
A tourbillon incorporates a rotating assembly containing the escapement and balance, originally developed to help counter the effects of gravity on the timekeeping of stationary pocket watches.
In contemporary wristwatches, the tourbillon is valued for its mechanical complexity, engineering interest and visual presence.
CIGA Design approaches this complication through its characteristic emphasis on contemporary architecture and visible mechanical construction.
The collection appeals to customers seeking an unconventional interpretation of a traditional high-end horological mechanism.
Discover CIGA Design Tourbillon Watches
CIGA Design Mount Everest Watches
The CIGA Design Mount Everest Watches collection draws inspiration from one of the world's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Combining distinctive visual design with specialist mechanical construction, Mount Everest models reflect CIGA Design's interest in creating watches that communicate a wider concept or narrative.
Selected references incorporate tourbillon mechanisms, bringing together contemporary design and complex mechanical watchmaking.
For collectors seeking a distinctive high-end CIGA Design watch with a strong thematic identity, the Mount Everest collection offers an unusual expression of the brand's creative approach.
CIGA Design Falcon Watches
The CIGA Design Falcon Watches collection reflects the manufacturer's interest in distinctive contemporary mechanical designs.
Falcon models combine a recognisable visual identity with the brand's broader emphasis on architectural watch construction and mechanical expression.
For customers seeking a modern CIGA Design watch that differs from conventional luxury sports watches, Falcon provides another interpretation of the brand's design philosophy.
CIGA Design Vector Watches
The CIGA Design Vector Watches collection explores contemporary watch design through geometric forms and mechanical construction.
Vector models reflect the brand's interest in unconventional aesthetics, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional mechanical watch styling.
For enthusiasts who appreciate industrial design and watches with an individual visual identity, Vector provides another way to explore the CIGA Design collection.
CIGA Design Black Star Watches
The CIGA Design Black Star Watches collection offers a distinctive design within the manufacturer's contemporary mechanical catalogue.
Its visual identity reflects CIGA Design's broader philosophy of using unusual forms and mechanical presentation to create watches with a recognisable character.
For collectors interested in exploring less conventional references within the brand's range, Black Star provides an additional point of interest.
CIGA Design Moon Walker Watches
The CIGA Design Moon Walker Watches collection demonstrates the manufacturer's interest in conceptual watch design.
Drawing inspiration from the theme of lunar exploration, Moon Walker offers another example of how CIGA Design uses visual storytelling as a foundation for mechanical watchmaking.
For customers who appreciate watches inspired by scientific exploration and contemporary industrial design, Moon Walker represents an unusual addition to the collection.
CIGA Design Automatic Watches
The CIGA Design Automatic Watches collection brings together mechanical watches powered by automatic winding movements.
An automatic movement uses a rotor to wind the mainspring through the movement of the wearer's wrist, providing mechanical timekeeping without a conventional battery.
CIGA Design frequently makes the movement an important part of the watch's appearance, using openworked dials and distinctive case structures to reveal elements of its construction.
The collection includes a variety of styles, from architectural skeleton watches to models with unconventional displays and specialist complications.
For customers seeking a modern automatic watch with an original appearance, the CIGA Design Automatic Watches collection offers a broad selection.
CIGA Design Titanium Watches
The CIGA Design Titanium Watches collection combines contemporary mechanical design with a material widely valued in modern watchmaking.
Titanium offers a useful combination of strength, corrosion resistance and relatively low weight, making it well suited to watches with substantial or unconventional case designs.
Within the CIGA Design collection, titanium complements the brand's emphasis on industrial engineering and sculptural construction.
Selected Blue Planet Titanium Watches demonstrate how the material can be used in an award-winning contemporary design.
For customers seeking a distinctive lightweight mechanical watch, the Titanium Watches collection offers an appealing choice.
CIGA Design Limited Edition Watches
The CIGA Design Limited Edition Watches collection includes selected special-production references.
Limited edition models may feature distinctive case materials, dial treatments or other design elements that differentiate them from standard production watches.
For collectors seeking a less common expression of CIGA Design's contemporary mechanical philosophy, these references provide an additional point of interest.
Production quantities and availability vary by model, and customers should consult individual product descriptions for the relevant details.
Architectural and Openworked Watch Design
Architectural construction is central to CIGA Design's identity.
Rather than treating the movement as a hidden mechanism, many CIGA Design watches incorporate its structure into the overall visual composition.
This can involve exposed bridges, geometric movement layouts, layered components and case designs that create depth around the mechanical assembly.
The approach is particularly evident in the Skeleton Watches, Hunter and Edge collections.
These watches appeal to customers who appreciate the relationship between engineering, design and mechanical movement.
Unconventional Mechanical Time Displays
One of CIGA Design's most recognisable achievements is its willingness to reconsider how a mechanical watch communicates time.
Traditional watches generally use central hands to indicate hours, minutes and seconds. CIGA Design has explored alternative arrangements that make the display itself a defining feature.
The Blue Planet is the most celebrated example, using its Earth-inspired design to create an unusual time-reading experience.
Other collections, including Time Cipher, demonstrate the company's continuing interest in unconventional indications.
For enthusiasts seeking a watch that offers more than a traditional dial layout, these designs provide a distinctive approach to mechanical horology.
Why Choose a CIGA Design Watch?
CIGA Design appeals to customers who appreciate originality, mechanical construction and contemporary design.
Its watches are particularly relevant to enthusiasts who already own traditional timepieces and want to explore a different interpretation of mechanical watchmaking.
Reasons to choose a CIGA Design watch include:
- Internationally recognised contemporary watch design
- The GPHG-winning Blue Planet collection
- Distinctive skeleton and openworked mechanical watches
- Unconventional methods of displaying time
- Architectural case and movement construction
- Automatic mechanical movements
- Selected titanium and specialist material options
- Tourbillon and other specialist mechanical designs
- Unusual watches with strong individual character
For customers seeking a contemporary mechanical watch that stands apart from established luxury watch conventions, CIGA Design offers an original and recognisable alternative.
Are CIGA Design Watches Good Quality?
CIGA Design has established international recognition through its industrial design approach and the award-winning Blue Planet collection.
The brand produces mechanical watches across a range of designs and price points, with specifications varying between individual references.
Its reputation is particularly associated with originality, movement presentation and unconventional watch architecture.
Customers comparing models should consider the movement, case material, crystal, water resistance and manufacturer warranty relevant to the individual watch.
Are CIGA Design Watches Luxury Watches?
CIGA Design occupies a distinctive position within contemporary watchmaking, offering mechanical watches that range from accessible design-led models to more elaborate specialist creations.
Selected collections incorporate titanium cases, unusual mechanical displays and tourbillon complications, placing them within the wider market for contemporary luxury and collector watches.
The brand's identity is based primarily on industrial design, mechanical creativity and visual originality rather than traditional luxury styling.
CIGA Design Watches for Men
The CIGA Design Watches for Men collection includes a wide variety of contemporary mechanical watches, from architectural skeleton designs to unconventional time displays.
Customers seeking an award-winning design may prefer the Blue Planet, while those interested in openworked mechanical construction can explore the Hunter and Edge collections.
For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive automatic watch with an individual appearance, CIGA Design offers a varied selection of contemporary designs.
Explore CIGA Design Watches for Men
CIGA Design Watches for Women
The CIGA Design Watches for Women collection includes selected models within the manufacturer's contemporary mechanical range.
CIGA Design watches are often chosen for their individual styling rather than conventional gender-specific design, making case dimensions, proportions and personal preference particularly important considerations.
Customers seeking an unusual mechanical watch can explore the available selection and compare individual case sizes and designs.
How to Choose a CIGA Design Watch
For an Award-Winning Mechanical Watch
Choose the Blue Planet for its distinctive Earth-inspired time display and 2021 GPHG recognition.
For a Skeleton Automatic Watch
Explore the Skeleton Watches collection for designs that reveal the movement's architecture.
For Architectural Mechanical Design
Consider the Hunter or Edge collections for unconventional case structures and contemporary styling.
For an Unusual Time Display
Explore Time Cipher Watches for another interpretation of mechanical time indication.
For a Titanium Watch
Choose from the Titanium Watches collection for selected lightweight contemporary designs.
For a Tourbillon Watch
Explore CIGA Design Tourbillon Watches for specialist mechanical complications.
For a Limited Edition Watch
Consider the Limited Edition Watches collection for selected special-production references.
How to Care for a CIGA Design Watch
Appropriate care helps preserve the appearance and mechanical performance of a CIGA Design watch.
- Clean the case and crystal regularly with a soft cloth.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to strong impacts and magnetic fields.
- Protect leather straps from excessive moisture.
- Check the water-resistance rating before swimming or water exposure.
- Ensure the crown is correctly secured according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid exposing the watch to harsh chemicals and solvents.
- Arrange mechanical servicing in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Because CIGA Design produces watches with different case constructions, displays and complications, care requirements may vary between references.
Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model.
Buy CIGA Design Watches in the UK
At Clarindon Jewellers, we offer a carefully selected collection of genuine CIGA Design Watches, bringing together award-winning contemporary design, architectural mechanical construction and innovative time displays.
Our range includes the internationally acclaimed Blue Planet, striking Hunter, contemporary Edge and distinctive Time Cipher collections.
As an authorised UK stockist, Clarindon Jewellers offers genuine CIGA Design watches with applicable manufacturer warranty and specialist customer support.
Our team can help customers compare different collections, case materials, movement types and technical features to identify the most suitable watch.
Customers can also benefit from free UK delivery and available 0% finance options, subject to terms and eligibility.
Shop CIGA Design Watches at Clarindon Jewellers
CIGA Design Watches: Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIGA Design?
CIGA Design is a contemporary watch brand founded in Shenzhen, China, known for architectural mechanical watches, skeleton designs and unconventional time displays.
Where are CIGA Design watches made?
CIGA Design is based in China and develops contemporary mechanical watches with a strong emphasis on industrial design and innovative construction.
When was CIGA Design founded?
CIGA Design was founded in 2016 and has developed an international reputation for original contemporary watch design.
Has CIGA Design won a GPHG award?
Yes. The CIGA Design Blue Planet received the Challenge Watch Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, becoming the first watch from a Chinese brand to win a GPHG prize.
What is the CIGA Design Blue Planet?
The Blue Planet is an award-winning mechanical watch collection inspired by the Earth, featuring an unconventional planetary time display.
How do you read a CIGA Design Blue Planet watch?
The Blue Planet uses a distinctive rotating display and time scale rather than conventional separate hour and minute hands. The exact reading method should be followed according to the instructions for the individual model.
Are CIGA Design watches automatic?
Many CIGA Design watches use automatic mechanical movements. Explore CIGA Design Automatic Watches for the available selection.
Does CIGA Design make skeleton watches?
Yes. The CIGA Design Skeleton Watches collection includes openworked mechanical watches that reveal elements of the movement.
What is the CIGA Design Hunter collection?
The Hunter collection combines contemporary industrial styling with architectural mechanical design.
What is the CIGA Design Edge collection?
The Edge collection explores geometric case structures and unconventional contemporary mechanical watch design.
What is the CIGA Design Time Cipher?
The Time Cipher collection offers an unconventional interpretation of mechanical time indication.
Does CIGA Design make titanium watches?
Yes. Selected models, including references within the Blue Planet Titanium collection, use titanium case construction.
Does CIGA Design make tourbillon watches?
Yes. The CIGA Design Tourbillon Watches collection includes selected models featuring this specialist mechanical complication.
Are CIGA Design watches luxury watches?
CIGA Design produces contemporary mechanical watches ranging from accessible design-led models to more elaborate creations featuring specialist materials and complications.
Are CIGA Design watches suitable for collectors?
CIGA Design appeals to collectors seeking original mechanical designs, unconventional displays and watches with a distinctive contemporary identity. The Blue Planet's GPHG recognition is a notable part of the brand's history.
Where can I buy CIGA Design watches in the UK?
Explore CIGA Design Watches at Clarindon Jewellers, including Blue Planet, Hunter, Edge and Time Cipher models, with specialist guidance, free UK delivery and available 0% finance, subject to terms.
Discover CIGA Design Watches at Clarindon Jewellers
CIGA Design has established a distinctive identity within contemporary mechanical watchmaking through award-winning industrial design, architectural construction and unconventional methods of displaying time.
From the internationally acclaimed Blue Planet to the mechanical architecture of Hunter, the contemporary styling of Edge and the innovative display of Time Cipher, the collection demonstrates the creative possibilities of modern horology.
For customers seeking award-winning mechanical watches, skeleton automatic watches, titanium watches or unusual collector timepieces, CIGA Design offers an original alternative to conventional luxury watchmaking.
Discover the complete CIGA Design collection at Clarindon Jewellers, with genuine watches, specialist guidance, free UK delivery and available 0% finance.
