![]() The swap to a predominantly black main dial also creates a more unified look for the Blue Planet – Gilding Version, allowing this model to avoid the original’s visual disconnect between the central blue dial and the contrasting black outer rings. Pure 24k-gold is a relative rarity in watchmaking, but its use here is a real spectacle on the wrist, turning an already dramatic and stylized watch design into a true showstopper. However, CIGA Design makes this already ornate visual layout even more dramatic with the addition of 24K gold finishing for all landmasses as well as the compass rose hour indicator. While the original Blue Planet’s dial largely highlighted the rich blue semi-matte surface of its “oceans,” a swap to subtle matte black for these elements instead draws the eye far more towards the “land.” As with its predecessor, this model offers a finely detailed relief map of Asia, eastern Africa, Oceania, Antarctica, and parts of Europe, with dramatic elevations and depressions (this is especially apparent in its rendition of the Himalayas). Like the previous Blue Planet, water resistance is something of an Achilles heel for the Blue Planet – Gilding Version, with a subpar official rating of only 30 meters.Īlthough the dial of the CIGA Design Blue Planet – Gilding Version may follow the pattern of its predecessor, a change in both materials and colorway gives this design a markedly different character. ![]() However, the 15.6mm overall case thickness does make itself apparent in daily wear, and thanks to a floaty stance on the wrist this is a difficult watch to slip under shirt cuffs. Although the case dimensions may seem bulky on paper, the lightweight ceramic material and fully lugless geometry work in tandem to deliver a surprisingly comfortable and compact wearing experience. ![]() Impressively, CIGA Design also renders the stylized 3 o’clock crown in matching ceramic for a unified look. As with the previous iteration of this design, the tall curving arc of the sapphire crystal is the visual centerpiece of this case, flowing seamlessly into the case side curvature and providing a visible “atmosphere” for the dial’s rendition of the Earth. Although the smoothly rounded, UFO-like shape may be familiar, the new polished black zirconium oxide ceramic case material gives this soft shape an inky new sheen and an even more futuristic feel. The new CIGA Design Blue Planet – Gilding Version combines an impressively luxe feel with the same unique display as its predecessor, delivering what may well be the Chinese marque’s most compelling offering to date.Īt 46mm-wide, the lugless circular case of the CIGA Design Blue Planet – Gilding Version offers the same form and dimensions as its predecessor, but that’s where the similarities end. Rather than resting on its laurels, the brand takes the GPHG-winning base model and adds a new layer of visual drama and material quality. With this in mind, any follow-up to the 2021 release of the CIGA Design Blue Planet is bound to garner intense enthusiast scrutiny. Beyond the need to build upon the foundation of its award-winning core design, the brand has arguably taken up the mantle of delivering innovative Chinese horology to the masses, which only adds to the pressure on its current slate of releases. This is especially true in the case of CIGA Design. How do you follow up on a hit release as a young watch brand? While established marques have a variety of lines and a rich heritage with which to build upon existing success, the “sophomore album” problem can be a major challenge for a newer watchmaker.
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