CIGA Design - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

CIGA Design is a Chinese watch brand founded in 2016 in Shenzhen by industrial designer Zhang Jianmin. Its positioning is clear: watches with a strong aesthetic identity, accessible and designed “Design-First”.

Origins and design direction

Zhang Jianmin comes from an industrial design background and claims a Bauhaus influence (function and form are inseparable). This culture translates into watches designed as everyday design objects, rather than a traditional craft approach.

Aesthetic signature and reading of time

The brand became known for its openwork dials and visible architectures (X-shaped structures, superimposed volumes), as well as for original displays such as the “asynchronous” indication of the Blue Planet, where a raised globe serves as a time marker.

Featured collections and models

Among the iconic references are the CIGA Design U Series Blue Planet (winner of the GPHG 2021, Challenge category), the X Series (X-shaped structure, CD-01 movement) and the Z Series (openworked barrel). The C Series popularizes the double-sided skeleton in an entry-level price range.

Movements and materials

Depending on the model, CIGA Design uses custom Chinese automatic movements (including Sea-Gull bases) and in-house calibers like the CD-01, housed in steel or titanium cases with sapphire crystal. The Blue Planet is available in titanium and uses a proprietary display.

International distinctions

CIGA Design is the first Chinese brand to win an award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2021). It has also won numerous design awards (Red Dot, iF, German Design Award), including several “Best of the Best” titles.

Distribution et perception

The brand sells directly through its online store and targets an international audience sensitive to design and value for money. Its recognition has been strengthened by the coverage of specialist media following the Blue Planet.

Conclusion

CIGA Design offers a Chinese design-driven approach: visual, playful, and accessible watches, more focused on design and user experience than on traditional craftsmanship. Prioritize the authenticity of Dialicious owner reviews to choose the CIGA Design model that best suits your needs by exploring all our reviews on CIGA Design.

(Updated August 2025)