CIGA Design Z Series

Homage watches are not new. Indeed, every second day, a new wannabe Royal Oak cum Nautilus chimera graces the internet. This makes CIGA design’s Z series all the more interesting. CIGA Design’s own advertising acknowledges the similarity to Richard Mille design language. But, how much of a homage is it really? And, regardless, is it any good?

Who are CIGA Design?

CIGA Design are a relatively small indie watch maker. However, they have had several successful crowdunding campaigns on Indigogo. This includes the Z series (under discussion now) and the X series. Both handily reached their goal. CIGA design itself appears to operate a supplier in the UK. However, the main business is from China and was established in 2012. This is not a negative. Chinese companies produce many high quality goods. And, indeed, the Seagull movement is one of the most common workhouse movements in production.

Ciga Z Series Design and Materials

Design is where the Z Series mostly excels. There are several things to like.

1. The skeletonized movement is attractive front on. The design creates significant interest. It looks textural but not too busy. The fully open case-back also allows light and background colors to play through the dial.

2. Indeed, the sides of the case are themselves “skeletonized”. This is a rather unique look. It accentuates the red crown stem, which is visible through cut-outs on the right side of the case.

3. The vaguely rectangular case shape has resonances of Richard Mille. However, the watch is different enough to stand on its own. The shape is similar. However, the details on that shape are not. The main similarity stems from the choice to leave screws exposed either side of the dial.

4. The hands are attractively finished and have appropriate looking red accents. But, there are downsides in terms of legibility.

5. The case is well finished and made from quality materials. My copy – which I purchased rather than was given – had no visible blemishes. There were no visible scuffs or other sediment in the watch. This can all too often be an issue with watches at this price point. The case is titanium. This appears to convey little tangible benefit for most (other than the ‘cool’ factor). Though, their ‘grade 2’ titanium is supposed to be 40% stronger and 30% lighter than stainless steel. It certainly is novel. And, the interesting use of materials is something that larger watch manufacturers themselves should pay attention to. For some, titanium can cause fewer irritations than steel. The case surface as an attractive combination of brushed and polished metal.

Negatives:

There are two main downsides aethetically:

1. First, the movement is not decorated. This is not a big issue. However, it does slightly diminish an otherwise attractive package.

2. Second, the dial is not very legible. It is difficult to read during the day. It is nigh impossible to read in the dark. The hands simply have too little contrast. Even the red second hand is difficult to spot. This is not an issue if one treats the watch as a fashion piece. It is an issue if it is to be useable.

Movement

The movemntt is both a positive and a negative. The movement is attractive from the front. However, as indicated, it is not decorated. One wonders if the aesthetics stem mainly from the case more than from the movement. Otherwise, the watch uses a Seagul AAA quality movement (ST2553JK). These AAA quality movements purport to have gone through greater quality controls than most. They are certainly a workhorse movement. They purport to have around 40 hours power reserve and to have 21,600 bph. These are respectible figures. The watch also claims 30 m water resistance. Movement error is supposed to ben acceptable -15 to +30 seconds/ 24 hours.

Straps

The straps are quick-release and there is plenty of variety. By default, the Series Z comes with both a rubber strap and a leather strap. The rubber strap is available in several colors. Mine is in black. However, vibrant colors, such as orange, are available. The rubber strap seems to suit the watch more than the leather one, but the variety is nice.

Additional straps are available. This includes straps in other colors. It also includes a metal mesh bracelet. The mesh bracelet is pleasant. However, the contrast between the black strap and the metal case creates more eye-interest than the full metal look.

Packaging

The Series Z comes with professional packaging. My order had both the watch and an additional strap. Both warrant attention.

The watch packaging: The watch came in an elegant book-style box. This is a flat A4 sized box. The watch came with the strap disattached. Botht he watch and the strap sit in dedicated slots. The straps are quick-release, so this is not an issue. The cover has a pleasant silver diagram of the Series Z. The back section has cardboard “pages” that contain basic instructions. The packaging is relatively unique: few other manufacturers shape boxes in this manner.

The strap packaging: I ordered an additional strap: a metal mesh bracelet. This came in its own aluminium box. This is impressive. The box would not fit a watch. But, The quality rivals that of some watch boxes. This is impressive for a small brand.

Overall thoughts

The CIGA Series Z is an interesting option. It is relatively inexpensive. It is available from Amazon for around $300. This is a good price for an automatic watch with a skeletonized movement and a case made from (relatively) uncommon titanium. This is an impressive package. The main dowside is that the watch is not practical: it can be difficult to read. This might create issues in situations where legibility is a requirement or if you will wear it in the dark. Overall, for this price point, this watch is definitely one to consider.