CIGA Design: Noble watch in the design of our earth

Looking for a watch with a difference? Then perhaps the Blue Planet, the new mechanical watch from CIGA Design, is the right model. Thanks to its innovative design, it beat out prestigious competitors to win the Challenge Watch Prize during the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2021.

A true exotic from the Far East

The event, which took place last November, marked the 21st edition of the so-called “Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève” (CPHG). This is where the highest awards in the watch industry are presented. However, the focus is not on modern smartwatches, but on classic mechanical watches. Last year, the total of 14 awards were given among 84 watch manufacturers.

The awards ceremony. (Image: CIGA Design)

But the participating brands did not only include well-known representatives such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Breitling. One that stood out a bit is the Chinese brand CIGA Design. The latter was already able to snag a nomination in 2019 for its Single Needle Earth series. This was also the case in 2021. This time, the Chinese company scored with its Blue Planet watch from the U series. Unlike two years earlier, however, they were able to beat the competition and win the 2021 Challenge Watch Prize.

A watch with a meaningful message

The Blue Planet watch is inspired by the relationship between humans and the planet in the post-pandemic era. Here, of course, the theme of climate and environmental protection is clearly in the foreground – So at least CIGA Design. In fact, it must be acknowledged without envy that the impressively deep blue of the dial has a unique effect. The strap is also blue, with the manufacturer’s logo and the words “Love the Blue Planet Starting Now” on the part that touches the wrist. The belt, on the other hand, highlights CIGA Design’s success at CPHG 2021.

However, it is not only in terms of design, but also in terms of technology and material that they want to score points. Blue Planet uses the original asynchronous tracking technology and uses a small and round dial with terrestrial topography in the center, featuring the bright blue of the ocean and details of mountain panoramas.

The CIGA Design Blue Planet case is made of titanium alloy, the dial is covered with double domed sapphire crystal and the hand for reading the time is integrated into the sea chart and is shaped like a compass.

Millennia-old technology as inspiration

Already at first glance, one feels reminded of a classic sundial from long ago days of human history. This is not by chance. After all, CIGA Design emphasizes that they were inspired by the ancient sundial.

This is not only true for the design, but also for the way of reading. Hours and minutes can be conveniently read simultaneously via a single dot. To achieve this, the hour hand rotates 30°, while the minute hand rotates 390°. In terms of water resistance, the watch can withstand up to 3ATM.

Sustainability in focus

If the design of the Blue Planet is intended to highlight the importance of environmental protection, it would be inconsistent not to pay attention to this in the “trappings” as well. After all, special attention is also paid to the packaging, which has the shape of a book and is made of recyclable materials.