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ReviewHow CIGA Design Series X Watches Offer An X-Ray View Of Good Design

With its square case, bold X-shaped bridge and movement visible through the skeleton dial, the CIGA Design Series X offers more than what meets the eye, and it comes with a reasonable price tag

Geetanjali Jhala February 21, 2025

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CIGA Design have established that there are products that come out of China that aren’t necessarily of low quality. About a year after winning a GPHG for their Series U Blue Planet watch in 2021, Chinese watch brand CIGA Design released the Series X collection. Named for a distinct X-shaped bridge that connected the four corners of a perfectly squared case, the Series X stood out for its robust aesthetic and a build quality that defied its price point. This line has since grown to include other square shaped watches with the X bridge, each with subtle design tweaks. In using new age materials and colour, the CIGA Design Series X stands out as a contemporary collection of timepieces. From the robust Gorilla, to the Eye of Horus, and the futuristic Machina, the CIGA Design Series X offers a versatile mix of square-shaped watches with open-worked dials.

CIGA Design Series X Eye of Horus cushion watch skeleton dial — In using new age materials and colour, the CIGA Design Series X line stands out as a contemporary collection of timepieces. Seen here is the CIGA Design Series X Eye of Horus watch in a robust cushion shaped case

The X Factor For CIGA Design

Watches by CIGA Design—an acronym for China International Great Art—come with an affordable price tag, like most things made in China. Designer Zhang Jianming, who established the brand in 2012, wanted to keep the pricing accessible. Even after winning multiple awards, and despite using quality materials, the brand strive to keep the pricing competitive.

Ape Watch: CIGA Design Series X Gorilla

With a muscular square case and multi-level construction, the 44mm CIGA Design Series X Gorilla watches are sturdy. Still, their height of only 11.8mm makes the watches wear smaller than their sizeable dimensions. And there’s substance behind the muscle too. On the four corners of the case, a spring suspension system makes the watch resilient to the odd shock. Constructed from either steel, with or without a black PVD coating, or a titanium alloy that enhances its robustness, the case is water-resistant to a depth of 30m. While this takes care of minimal daily splashes a watch is subjected to, the watch can’t be taken into the shower or a pool. A dual-hued crown at three is balanced by a coloured strip at nine with an etching of a gorilla’s face. These colours match the four blued screws on what the brand calls a ‘3D cyberpunk-style’ square case.

Not only does the skeletal construction of the dial give the watch a fantastic shadow, it also offers a multi-dimensional view of the CD-01 calibre developed for the CIGA Design Series X watches. The X bridge is filled with Super-LumiNova, as are arrowhead pointers on the semi-skeletonised hands. This enhances legibility in dim lighting conditions. Barring the brand logo at three, there are no other markings on the dial. This means that the movement is displayed prominently. Sans hour markers, time is read through strategically-placed notches on the case. The watches are paired with a textured and perforated rubber strap and come with an additional nylon strap. A quick-release lever facilitates the easy exchange on straps, offering greater versatility.

CIGA Design Series X Gorilla In A Nutshell

Case: 44mm; titanium alloy or steel with/without black PVD
Glass and caseback: Sapphire crystal
Dial: Skeleton; X-shaped bridge filled with Super-LumiNova; lume-filled arrow-tipped skeleton hands
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement: CD-01 automatic calibre; power reserve of 40 hours
Strap: Textured, perforated, rubber strap; additional nylon strap

CIGA Design Series X Gorilla titanium watches square watches skeleton dials — The X bridge on the CIGA Design Series X Gorilla watch is filled with Super-LumiNova, as are the arrowhead pointers on the semi-skeletonised hands. This enhances legibility in dim lighting conditions

All-Seeing Eye On The Mechanical Dial: CIGA Design Series X Eye Of Horus

An ancient Egyptian symbol that invokes good health and protection from evil features prominently on the skeletonised dial of the CIGA Design Series X Eye of Horus watch. Depicted as a stylised triangular symbol on the dial, the Eye of Horus serves as a seconds indicator. The full mystical impact of the watch is best felt in darkened conditions. Filled with Super-LumiNova, this powerful symbol stands out best in the dark, against the X-shaped skeletonised CD-01 self-winding movement. Hour markers on the flange and arrowhead tips of the skeleton hands are also filled with Super-LumiNova.

Sized at 47.30mm, the cushion-shaped case of the CIGA Design Series X Eye of Horus timepiece is crafted from bio-ceramic (a material made famous by Swatch and the MoonSwatch watches). This new-age, eco-friendly material, along with a case height of 12.10mm, makes the watch wearable despite its robust dimensions. The eye of Horus symbol, an eye within a triangle, is etched on the left of the case. The watch is paired with a perforated black rubber strap.

CIGA Design Series X Eye Of Horus In A Nutshell

Case: 48mm; cushion-shaped; bioceramic
Glass and caseback: Mineral crystal
Dial: Skeleton; X-shaped bridge with eye within a triangle symbol on a 60-second rotating wheel
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement: CD-01 automatic calibre; power reserve of 40 hours
Strap: Rubber strap

Rise Of The Machines: CIGA Design Series X Machina

With its hollows and grooves, the square case of the CIGA Design Series X Machina watches seem are almost exactly like the CIGA Design Series X Gorilla watches. Only, in Series X Machina watches, cases are crafted from super-hard ceramic in pastel shades that symbolise a generational shift. Matching the hue of the case are the X bridge of the CD-01 calibre displayed on the dial, and the rubber strap. Like the Gorilla watches, the Machina too features notches on the case that suggest the hour. The dial itself is devoid of markers, barring the brand logo at three o’clock. Timekeeping hands feature a lume-tipped skeleton hands, and the focus of the timepiece is clearly on the movement within.

CIGA Design Series X Machina In A Nutshell

Case: 44mm; square; ceramic; pastel hues
Glass and caseback: Sapphire crystal
Dial: Skeleton; X-shaped bridge; lume-tipped timekeeping hands
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement: CD-01 automatic calibre; power reserve of 40 hours
Strap: Rubber strap

CIGA Design Series X Machina Ceramic watches skeleton watches — In CIGA Design Series X Machina watches, cases are crafted from super-hard ceramic in pastel shades that symbolise a generational shift

With its competitive pricing, use of new-age materials, interesting shapes, and open-worked view of the movement, the CIGA Design Series X is a good option when transitioning from a smartwatch to the wonderful world of mechanical watches. They are also good timepieces that can start conversations, and can even be an accessible addition to a seasoned collector’s repertoire.

CIGA Design Series X SHOP THE COLLECTION

FAQs

What is the purpose of a skeleton dial?

The skeletonised dial offers a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the movement, celebrating the art of watchmaking and adding visual depth.
What are the advantages of using a steel case in luxury watches?

Using a steel case in luxury watches ensures durability and high resistance to scratches and corrosion. Stainless steel requires minimal maintenance and is more reasonably priced than precious metals like gold or platinum, providing a luxurious feel for the wrist at a lower price. With polishes and finishes, the improved aesthetics make the steel case suitable for various styles and occasions.
Why is titanium a good choice for a watch case?

Titanium is an excellent choice for luxury watch cases, as it is lightweight but also durable and highly scratch-resistant. The matt grey aesthetic makes titanium a high-performance, high-end timepiece, offering both quality and a visual appeal.
What is so special about skeleton watches?

Skeleton watches are special timepieces because of their see-through design, which highlights the intricate movements inside. Often featuring various functions, they attract collectors and enthusiasts, given their meticulous engineering focusing on transparency. Their artistic appeal often makes them a stylish statement piece.
Is ceramic lighter than metal?

Ceramic is certainly lighter than steel and heavier precious metals such as gold and platinum. However, it is not lighter than titanium, which is known for its durability, despite its lightweight property.
Is ceramic durable?

While ceramic is generally scratch-resistant and robust, owing to the hardness of the substance, it is still vulnerable to breakage and shattering. However, that will happen only if it faces estremely strong impact, from it being hit on a hard surface, or falling onto the floor with force. If you are reasonably careful with your ceramic watch, just as you must be with your cell phone, then the risk of damage is less.