CIGA Design is a Shenzhen-based watch brand that has established a significant presence in the global horological market since its founding in 2016. The brand was established by Zhang Jianmin, a prominent Chinese industrial designer with over two decades of experience in graphic and architectural design. Zhang’s transition into watchmaking was driven by a desire to bring original, contemporary design to an industry he felt was often dominated by traditional and repetitive aesthetics.
The brand’s identity is rooted in the philosophy of “mechanical art,” blending industrial design with Bauhaus-inspired minimalist principles. Unlike many traditional manufacturers that focus on heritage, CIGA Design emphasizes visible mechanics and architectural structures, often utilizing skeletonized movements to showcase the internal workings of the timepiece. This focus on transparency and innovation has led the company to become the first Chinese watch brand to win the Challenge Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2021.
Enthusiasts are drawn to CIGA Design for its ability to offer avant-garde, award-winning aesthetics at an accessible price point. The brand has secured numerous international accolades, including Red Dot, iF, and German Design Awards, positioning itself as a leader in original Chinese design. Consumers appreciate the brand’s use of high-quality materials such as 316L stainless steel, titanium, and sapphire crystals, combined with technical innovations like patented shock-absorption systems.
A cornerstone of the brand’s success is the Series U Blue Planet, the award-winning model that features a unique asynchronous tracking technology. Instead of traditional hands, it uses a rotating 3-D micro-carved globe to indicate hours and minutes. Other key collections include the Z-Series, which features signature tonneau-shaped skeletonized cases, and the Series X Gorilla, known for its rugged industrial look and multi-point shock-absorption mechanism. Through these pieces, CIGA Design continues to challenge conventional watchmaking by treating the wristwatch as a piece of wearable mechanical art.
