A Chinese independence brand is creating waves
Over the last decade or so, we have seen China come fast and furious with its timepieces, both innovative and with aesthetics that are redefining themselves as watchmakers to be taken seriously. One of the premier brands is, of course, the GPHG winner CIGA Design, and though only 10 years young, it has proven itself a force to reckon with among young and beginner mechanical watch enthusiasts and collectors. This is mainly thanks to its founder, an industrial designer, Zhang Jianming, who believes that a watch is more than merely a time-telling device; it has to have a reason for being, its own character that deeply reflects itself, and, finally, an identity all its own. And CIGA Design’s philosophy? Stand out by Design.
The latest addition to the family of outstanding members is the Hunter of the EDGE collection, which was launched recently. It has an edgy look, like its namesake, in its design that is futuristic and unmistakably nodding towards the application of high watchmaking with its skeletonised movement. The tonneau-shaped case architecture consists of three layers of construction, with the outer octagonal skeleton brackets which frame the bezel, and the open-worked skeletonised dial with contrasting bridges forming a series of steel braces holding the components of the mechanism below. The hour, minute and second hands are skeletonised with green-tipped SuperLuminova, and ditto on the hour markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12-hour intervals.
This marvel is housed in two variations of metal case of your choice, micro-sandblasted stainless steel and micro-sandblasted titanium. The stainless-steel Skeleton Automatic Hunter Vintage watch is powered by an automatic Calibre CD-07, developed in-house, which emits 28,800 Vph and has a 40-hour power reserve. The stainless steel 43mm X 48mm version comes in blue, carbon or silver; and the Advanced Skeleton Complication Hunter -Tourbillon is powered by a hand-wound skeleton Calibre CD-011 with Tourbillon and twin barrels with 72 hours of power reserve. It’s housed in a 47.5mm x 41.5mm grade 5 titanium case and bracelet, plus an extra fluororubber strap for contrast. And it comes in blue, carbon or silver aesthetic treatments.
These 2026 additions to the Hunter series complement the existing siblings beautifully. If you are in the market for something that looks a million and without breaking your bank account, they are it. They have everything you want: looks, price and reliability. A great way to begin your collection or add to your existing ones.
Automatic Hunter (Silver) worn on the wrist. Futuristic and yet versatile for the casual weekend
