The world of horology is filled with intricate designs and groundbreaking innovations. One watch that stands out in this realm is the Ciga Design U-Series Blue Planet II. Known for its award-winning craftsmanship, this mechanical timepiece brings a unique and artistic perspective to watchmaking. In this in-depth review, we explore every detail, feature, and design element of this extraordinary watch.
Table of contents
Unboxing the Ciga Design Blue Planet II
The packaging of the Blue Planet II is nothing short of remarkable. Unlike conventional watch boxes, this one is designed in the form of a book, adding an element of storytelling to the unboxing experience. As you unfold each page, you are introduced to the philosophy, history, and details behind the watch.
The box contains:
- A greeting card
- A world map featuring “The Rise of Blue Tide”
- A decade-long timeline of Blue Planet watches
- Details about the Red Dot Design Award (2013) and GPHG Awards (2019-2022)
- Specifications of Blue Planet II
- A user manual
- A warranty card and company information
This thoughtful presentation enhances the sense of exclusivity and craftsmanship associated with the Ciga Design Blue Planet II.
Design and Build Quality
1. Exquisite Earth Micro-Sculpture
One of the most striking elements of the Ciga Design Blue Planet II is its dial, which showcases a highly detailed micro-sculpture of Earth. This 3D globe design rotates in sync with the time, giving the illusion of holding the Earth in your hands.
2. Premium Titanium Case
The watch casing is crafted from titanium, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight feel. Available in titanium alloy and silver color options, the watch provides an aesthetic and futuristic appeal.
3. Curved Sapphire Crystal
The Blue Planet II features dual-curved synthetic sapphire glass, offering an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view. The enhanced crystal curvature (25%) and Earth’s curvature (36%) contribute to a more immersive and refined visual experience.
4. Transparent Caseback
The watch’s caseback is transparent, allowing you to see the intricate self-winding mechanism in motion. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides an insight into the complex mechanics within.
5. Silicon Strap with Butterfly Double Push Clasp
The silicon strap ensures comfort and flexibility, making the watch suitable for daily wear. The butterfly double push clasp provides a secure and easy-to-use mechanism.
Movement and Performance
1. Automatic Mechanical Movement
The Ciga Design Blue Planet II is powered by a 30-jewel self-winding automatic movement. Unlike traditional watches, its mechanism is engineered to work efficiently based on wrist movement. It boasts a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
2. Unique Rotational Time Display
Rather than conventional hour and minute hands, the watch uses a dynamic rotational display:
- The Earth sculpture represents hours
- A circular rotating plate represents minutes
- The minute dial rotates counterclockwise to maintain an intuitive reading experience
3. Precision and Accuracy
With a time deviation of ±30 seconds per day, the Ciga Design Blue Planet II provides exceptional accuracy for an automatic mechanical watch.
4. Self-Winding Mechanism
If left unused, the watch can be manually wound by rotating the crown approximately 30 times, ensuring it continues functioning smoothly.
How to Read the Time on Ciga Design Blue Planet II
Reading time on the Ciga Design Blue Planet II requires a new approach:
- The compass at the center indicates the hour
- The rotating circular plate represents the minutes
- The hour remains fixed while the minute ring rotates backward
For example:
- If the compass aligns with 10 and the minute plate is at 20, the time is 10:20.
- If the compass is at 3 and the minute plate is at 45, the time is 3:45.
Additional Features
1. Water Resistance
The Ciga Design Blue Planet II Mechanical watch has a 3ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes and rain but is not recommended for swimming or diving.
2. Luminescent Indices for Night Visibility
The hour and minute markers feature a luminous coating, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.
3. Award-Winning Design
This watch has won multiple prestigious awards, including:
- Red Dot Design Award (2013)
- Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Awards (2019, 2021, 2022)
These accolades reaffirm its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in watchmaking.
Price and Availability
The Ciga Design Blue Planet II is positioned as a premium timepiece with a starting price of $1,199. The titanium alloy variant is priced at $1,399. Given its artistic appeal and mechanical precision, this watch is a valuable collector’s item and a statement piece for watch enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Ciga Design Blue Planet II?
The Ciga Design Blue Planet II is more than just a watch—it is a work of art, an innovation in mechanical timekeeping, and a symbol of craftsmanship. With its unique planetary design, premium titanium build, and award-winning status, this timepiece is ideal for those who appreciate cutting-edge horology and artistic expression.