CIGA Design Blue Planet II Atlantic Edition

In 2021, CIGA Design became the first Chinese brand to win at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. The Blue Planet took the Challenge Watch Prize—watchmaking's equivalent of an Oscar—and put Chinese independent horology on the global stage. This Atlantic edition shifts the dial's focus from the Pacific to the ocean that connected continents and sparked the Age of Discovery.

The dial is CNC-engraved topography showing the Atlantic Ocean with surrounding landmasses: North America, South America, Europe, Africa. The Rocky Mountains, Andes, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean—each feature precisely rendered with geographical accuracy. The centre globe is three-dimensional, rotating to indicate hours whilst a luminous compass marker points to time on fixed outer rings. CIGA's Asynchronous-Follow Technology means the hour disc rotates 30 degrees whilst the minute ring spins 390 degrees. When the compass aligns with an hour marker, the minute track reads "00." Unconventional but surprisingly intuitive.

Forty-six millimetres with no traditional lugs—the strap attaches directly to the case creating a UFO-like silhouette. Titanium construction keeps weight manageable despite 17.05mm thickness (mostly from the dramatically domed sapphire crystal). The case curves follow the crystal, creating immersive depth when viewing the dial. Display caseback shows the CD-04-E automatic movement: 21,600 vph, 40 hours power reserve, 21 jewels. Accuracy rated -15/+30 seconds daily.

Blue fluororubber strap with butterfly clasp. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Thirty metres water resistance—adequate for splashes, insufficient for swimming. The luminous markers and compass ensure legibility in darkness. The packaging arrives as a recycled paper book—turn the pages to learn CIGA's story before reaching the watch itself. Environmental consciousness built into presentation.

The Blue Planet II proves Chinese watchmaking isn't about copying Swiss designs at lower prices. It's about creating concepts that couldn't come from anywhere else. The Atlantic edition makes the watch more relevant to Western markets—previous versions centred on Asia and the Pacific. Now everyone can wear their part of the world. Award-winning design, innovative timekeeping, legitimate mechanical interest. Sometimes that's enough.