CIGA Design Michael Young Owner Review : Different, chic and completed

This watch was purchased to complete a versatile collection, and I was looking for a skeleton watch… but I don't buy a watch if I can't tell the time! Anyway, it took me a while to find one. Being generally drawn to design, I liked Ciga Design and took the plunge without trying it on (at that time, distribution was mainly online). I must admit that the customer service was very good… or almost: after placing the order, I heard nothing more. Being busy with other things, I confess I let things drag on a bit, with a kind of "Kickstarter" waiting period. I even made the mistake of thinking I hadn't ordered it (payment error). So, I ordered a second one! This time, they responded immediately, asking if it was a mistake, and refunded the amount that hadn't yet been debited, since it hadn't been shipped. In short, they were very professional. Let's talk about the watch. The watch came with a nice quality rubber strap, but I would have preferred a Milanese mesh. Both straps are very well made, no complaints there. The case is imposing, measuring 45 mm without the crown and 12 mm thick. And it certainly makes a statement, even on a 19.5 cm wrist! However, it's very comfortable to wear thanks to the case curving towards the back, reducing its thickness to 33 mm. This is often effective with these large watches, like the Laco Atacama. The semi-skeletonized dial design is just right, keeping the hands clear while still allowing you to appreciate the smooth-running Chinese movement. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the curved shape of the flange, which curves upwards towards the bezel and is stopped by the flat sapphire crystal, further enhancing the design. The case back features a small chamfer that frames the crystal, a bit like a bezel, allowing you to observe the movement. It's truly a watch designed with meticulous attention to detail (Michael Young) and gives a genuine impression of quality. This is commendable, and one understands why it won an award at the 2017 IFA. The movement inside the watch is a Seagull. It's pleasing to the eye, and the rate of deviation is acceptable (+20 seconds/day) for this level of movement. Its only major drawback is the noise of the mechanism: the winding, the oscillating weight being quite noticeable on the wrist, the ticking… In short, not something to wear in a monastery. Otherwise, it perfectly meets my needs, and I wear it occasionally as a dress watch. It always attracts the attention of a curious onlooker who thinks it cost thousands of euros. Let's just say they think so…