Emerging from Shenzhen in 2016, CIGA Design has rapidly ascended in the watchmaking world, notably after its Blue Planet model secured the Challenge Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2021. The brand now boasts a diverse portfolio, featuring collections like Aventur, Everest, Zodiac, and Edge, all while consistently innovating with proprietary calibers. Within the esteemed Edge series, which also includes the original Edge, Falcon, and Vector, the CIGA Hunter Tourbillon stands out as a pinnacle of intricate watchmaking.
The CIGA Hunter Tourbillon distinguishes itself with a refined skeleton architecture and represents the most sophisticated offering in the redesigned Hunter collection. Priced at approximately €2,199 / US$1,999, it is available in Carbon, Silver, and a captivating Blue. A closer inspection reveals the timepiece's Grade 5 titanium case, measuring 41.5 mm in width, 47.45 mm in length, and 12.4 mm in thickness. Its lugless design means the case length doubles as the lug-to-lug dimension. The flanks are adorned with stepped cutouts, and the corners expose Y-grooved bezel screws, contributing to a lighter, more integrated aesthetic that complements the skeleton dial. The watch features a curved sapphire crystal on the front and a flat one on the back.
Weighing 94.6 grams with the fluororubber strap and its push-button butterfly clasp, the watch offers a comfortable fit despite the strap's generous length. The package includes both the fluororubber strap and a Grade 2 titanium H-link bracelet, similar to that found on the automatic Hunter Titanium. The heart of this watch is the CD-011, a 26-jewel, hand-wound skeleton movement developed in-house by CIGA. It boasts twin barrels, providing a 72-hour power reserve, and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). The "flying" tourbillon mechanism, a more complex design where the cage appears to float, is positioned at 6 o'clock and completes one rotation per minute. On the Blue variant, the semi-matte blue bridges, chamfers, and polished jewel-mounting holes enhance its visual depth. While the movement appears more intricate than its automatic counterpart, reflecting its advanced mechanical nature, winding it manually is a smooth and enjoyable process, though it requires numerous turns after a full discharge. The watch’s legibility is maintained through applied, Super-LumiNova-coated indexes (with the 6 o'clock marker absent for the tourbillon) and polished hands with luminous tips. Accuracy is stated at -10/+20 seconds per day. Historically, the tourbillon, invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, aimed to counteract gravity's effects on pocket watch accuracy. In modern wristwatches, where movement constant changes position, its primary appeal lies in demonstrating horological mastery and offering a captivating visual spectacle, rather than solely improving precision.
Considering its price point, the Hunter Tourbillon presents a compelling proposition for enthusiasts seeking the exclusivity of a flying tourbillon, a hand-wound movement, and an extended power reserve. While it may not directly rival Swiss tourbillons in all aspects of finishing or movement construction, CIGA Design delivers a well-executed and visually stunning timepiece. The choice between the automatic and tourbillon versions ultimately depends on individual appreciation for mechanical complexity and visual artistry. This watch is a testament to CIGA Design’s commitment to offering high-value, intricate horology to a discerning audience.
