Ciga Design Blue Planet II came to improve on the first model, it’s also the watch that I wanted for a long time. More exactly from 2021 when they won the GPHG award for Challenge Watch Price. I don’t like the watch because of the award, but because it combines two things that I’m most passionate about: Watches and Maps!
After their success at GPHG with the first model, they launched Blue Planet II, and it is better in any way than the first generation, but still not a watch for anyone.
And we will see why! If you are interested in luxury watches but you are having problem on choosing the perfect one, we have put together this Luxury Buying Guide that will help you.
Design and Aesthetics
The combination between a map/globe and a watch is the perfect combination to me, that’s why I love Omega Worldtimer that much.
Dial
Ciga Design Blue Planet II is nothing like your ordinary watch, it shows you almost the entire globe and the continents are carved with CNC precision into three-dimensional forms that sit under a curved sapphire crystal.
Regarding the crystal, when I showed the watch to some of my friends and watch enthusiasts they didn’t like the doomed sapphire crystal which has 25% more curvature than the first generation.
I don’t have a problem with it, I actually like it because it feels like I have an entire planet (well half of it) at my wrist. Which by the way measures 17.9 centimeters.
And also when I have a dispute with some flat earth believer I can show him the watch that is a representation of the earth on an accurate scale.
So Ciga Design Blue Planet II doesn’t look bad on my wrist at all, but I get you small wrist people.
On the Ciga Design Blue Planet II that I have, we see the Asian Continent, a big part of Africa, Australia and some parts of Europe. Of course if you prefer to see the other part of the world, they have the Atlantic Version.
And I must say, the dial is breathtaking, because on that globe you can actually see every coastline, every geographic detail, mountains rendered with great accuracy that makes me look at the dial for minutes forgetting to check the time. It’s not as beautiful like Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5555 when it comes to dial, but it’s still one of the best looking dials out there.
White markers from the dial are 105% bigger now than the markers from its predecessor and I appreciate their dedication to improve the legibility on the watch, which is still hard, until you get used to it.
It took me 3 days, but now I’m a master, I know the time with a simple glance at the watch.
You can tell time with the compass that you have placed beautifully into the ocean, then the inner ring shows you the minutes. The 46 mm model has Lume applied on indexes and also to the compass, but it’s not a very strong lume.
For example, if I wear any other watch from my collection, even though it is snowing outside, when the Lume is exposed to light, it will charge. Unfortunately not for Ciga Design Blue Planet II, after a week with the watch I still couldn’t see the lume, so I had to use a UV flashlight to see it. It looks ok, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Also, when it comes to hour markers, I don’t get why they didn’t use some distinctive marks for the hours? For example at 1 o’clock is just a line, even though they had the space to add the number.
I understand the 4 and 5 hour markers are missing because they added a logo on that area, which is also painted with lume, by the way, and I like the choice they made with positioning the logo, but I don’t understand why 1 o clock is missing?
And why they didn’t add something different there to know that is the hour marker. Yes it’s white, but I had to analyze it really well to differentiate it from the silverish indices that are between the hour marks, which is another thing I don’t get.
Maybe I’m missing something?
How to tell time
Either way, to read the time of the watch, you have to look where the compass is pointing, the outer ring tells you the hour, and the inner ring the minutes. Easy, right? Well. The minutes ring rotates counterclockwise which can be very confusing, at least until you get used to it.
The colors are the same, blue for the ocean, silver for the continents and white for all the markers. Simple, clean and pure geometric beauty.
Case
The case measures 46mm wide and 17.05mm thick. For me it’s perfect, and because of the UFO shape you don’t feel it like a 46mm watch. It actually wears pretty good because of their lugless design also which means that this watch wears actually smaller than its specifications suggested
And I feel the Omega Seamaster 300 professional wears slightly bigger than Blue Planet II even though it has only a 42 mm case.
Either way, Blue Planet II comes in two size options, 46mm which I’m reviewing today, and the 43mm version. Keep in mind that the one in 43 mm doesn’t have lume.
The case is made from recycled Titanium which makes the watch feel lighter than it looks. Also you can get the watch in 316L stainless steel if you want, but both feature polished finishing and the Titanium case has the appearance of stainless steel due to polish, it looks nothing like Bel Canto I have that comes in Titanium as well.
The crown has a deep-grooved texture, and it feels ok, but it gives me a feeling of exposure because it’s not screw-down. That is just me, I’m a little crazy that way.
Overall is a well built case, titanium is excellent, it’s very shiny. One thing I don’t like and it was the first thing I noticed, the edges where the strap is anchored are very sharp, it doesn’t feel good at all if you touch them.
Caseback
You do have an open caseback which allows you to see the movement, which is not really beautiful, but it doesn’t have to be, it is supposed to keep time, not looking gorgeous. On the caseback we also have imprinted the GPHG mention of the award they won. Good for you guys !
Bracelet or Strap ?
The model I have comes with a rubber strap, which feels ok. I love rubber straps since I bought the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur which is a monster when it comes to straps. For Ciga Design Blue Planet II the rubber comes naturally , I can’t imagine any other strap that will go with this watch. Sure, they have the Blue Planet II- GIlded Age, which comes with a ceramic strap which looks pretty good.
But that’s it, you go rubber, or maybe in the future they will make a strap that will look like the ceramic one for the normal Blue Planet II.
The rubber bracelet feels highly qualitative, really easy and comfortable to wear until now. It has a quick release system, which means you can easily swap bracelets. The rubber they used is called fluororubber which means it is a high-grade rubber that resists heat, chemicals and is aging better than silicone.
The clasp is also made from titanium, is not that shiny and it has a hidden release buttons that looks just like 2 screws. It took me a while to figure this out honestly. It doesn’t have quick adjustment but you can adjust it very quickly. Always wanted to say that!
Build Quality and Durability
Titanium speaks quality, and you can feel it. The watch with the band weighs 127 grams, the titanium model feels a little more good than the stainless steel one, it’s lighter and easier to wear. CIGA Design used recycled titanium to create the case so it’s a plus on their side when it comes to protect the environment.
The sapphire crystal is present on both sides, the one that covers the dial has a dome shape with 25% more curvature than the first edition of Blue Planet. Both sides of the sapphire crystal are treated with anti reflective coating and it’s doing its job, no big reflections in daylight.
One of the things I heard when I asked my community what they want to know about the watch, is the fact that the domed crystal seems to scratch easily and it’s prone to be hit because of the curved shape.
I can tell you all that it’s not the case here. In one week with the watch, and it was on my wrist daily, I have never hit it, and if I did, it has zero scratches. Sapphire crystal is very resistant and I wouldn’t worry about this.
Water resistance is unfortunately only 30 meters. It’s enough for the rainy season, actually I tested it because this week it was raining almost each day, so the watch was exposed accidentally to rain. It still works perfectly.
The case backs screws down tight, and it showcases the movement through the sapphire window. But as I said before, it is not much of a beauty. Every edge has proper finishing, the exception is the space where you have the cuts for the bracelet. I feel like I can peel a potato with those. You will not feel those edges, only if you grab them intentionally.
Overall, based on the materials, I can bet it is a durable watch, very good finishing and a great shape, round, shiny, and beautiful!
Very easy to wear, after I wore it everyday, when I got home, I never felt the need to take it down, which usually happens with a lot of watches that I own. The only moment when CIGA Design Blue Planet II left my wrist was when I was showering or during the night.
Movement And Functionality
The caliber they used is called CD-04-E, CIGA Design doesn’t give us more information on what is this one based, but given the fact that they didn’t hide it from Time Chiper and looks like one, probably it’s a Miyota movement which they modified.
The CD-04-E movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, a standard for mostly all automatic watches. The power reserve is 40 hours, low for my standards, but not really a thing to complain about.
The accuracy is not the best on this planet, it sits at -15 to +30 Seconds per day. I wore daily and also have a Galaxy FIt Strap with me each day, so I always checked to see if there are differences between the time I read on the watch and on the band.
Keeps good time, the only time when I thought it shows a different time was when I was reading it wrong.
CIGA Design calls their time-reading system Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology. And I will explain again how it works:
The hour rings stay fixed on the outer edge. The minute ring rotates beneath it. Then you look for the compass rose which points simultaneously to the hour and minute marking.
When the hour gears move 30 degrees, the minute ring completes a full 390-degree rotation. It’s not hard to read time, but it does require a small learning curve. It’s not instant like a traditional watch, but it is a cool way to tell time.
I asked all of my friends, one of them has watches that together are valued at millions of dollars, and they all had difficulties to read the time. It was hard for me as well at the beginning. It takes a day to adapt to it, in 3 days I guarantee you will read the watch instantly.
Also, it’s really funny to see how people struggle to understand what is happening on the dial. The most common question I got was does the globe rotate? I loved to see their excitement when I told them it does!
From my understanding and from the research I did, CIGA Design tested the movements really thoroughly, by running them for 14 days in two testing periods during and after production.
There are no other complications beyond the unique time display. And you don’t need it, maybe a date, but where to put it. Here is an idea. A watch like this, but a world timer. Now that would have been my favourite watch.
Anyway, Ciga Design Blue Planet II does one thing, and it’s doing it in a very beautiful way.
Comfort and Wearability
In order to test the CIGA Design Blue Planet II properly, I wore the watch for one week. As I mentioned before, it only left my wrist when I was showering and when I was sleeping. Otherwise, no matter what I did, the watch was with me.
In terms of wearability, the watch is perfect. My wrist wasn’t tired at the end of the day, I never felt the need to take it down. Having the case made of titanium, it is lighter than other watches, just imagine a 46 mm watch made from stainless steel, it would have been a nightmare to wear it honestly.
The rubber strap is comfortable as well, the clasp is not getting in your way, so you won’t see any marks at the end of the day on your skin, like I have when I wear the Omega Seamaster for example.
The watch hugs your wrist better than the specs are suggesting, the 46mm sounds like it’s a lot, but it’s not , due to the lugless design you might see it on your hand like a 42mm watch. Indeed, the thickness is 17mm, but I might say that you won’t feel that as well, the case sits low because most of the height comes from the domed crystal, not from the case.
The fluororubber strap is comfortable enough, you don’t feel it on your hand at all, at least in my case, it also flexes comfortably, it’s not stiff like other rubber straps that feel more like plastic.
The butterfly clasp is worth mentioning as well, the “micro-adjustments” holes let you fit the watch on your wrist perfectly. Weight distribution feels balanced, nothing pulls forward or backwards, the watch just sits on the wrist looking good.
I can tell you for sure that CIGA Design Blue Planet II turns heads. Almost all the people I got in contact with in the week I wore the watch, asked me about it. At some point it became a burden, because each time I had to explain how to read time. But if you want a watch that will get you attention, then this is the one.
Brand and Heritage
By all standards CIGA Design is a new brand, a baby in the world of watches, but we have to admit that they took the industry by storm. Who would have thought 10 years ago that a Chinese brand would win a prize at GPHG?
The brand was launched in 2016, so in only 5 years they won, by making a watch so beautiful and so different for the mainstream market that we couldn’t ignore them.
And they don’t seem to stop here, Time Chiper is a new model that they launched, and it looks crazy as well. I only saw it in pictures, but soon I can review it as well.
The point is, even though the brand is new and lacks history, we can consider ourselves lucky that we witness what they are doing in real time. My opinion is that if they continue down this road, keep innovating and launch new models, with new complications and maintain the quality at this affordable price… I can see a bright future for them.
Price and Value for Money
Let’s get it out of the way. The Stainless Steel model costs $1199 and the Titanium One costs $1399 , a fair price if you ask me. I know, watch enthusiasts prefer Swiss Made pieces, I like them too, but it’s all in our head. Germans make exceptional watches, and now Chinese watches are exceptional too.
I think the price point for a watch that is recognized by the best voices in the watch industry it’s fair. Not crazy expensive.
For what you are getting this is exceptional value. What other watch offers originality at this price point? The majority of the watches under $1500 either copy Swiss design or replicate vintage aesthetics. As much as I’m concerned, Blue Planet II looks like nothing else in any price bracket.
You have unique design and mechanical innovation under $1500, that just screams value for money to be honest. You also get 2 year warranty, which is not perfect in my book, i would prefer at least 5 years warranty for each watch.
It’s not very expensive, and it does a lot for this money.
PROS and CONS
- Original Design, recognized and awarded at GPHG in 2021.
- Build quality exceeded the price point. Titanium case, sapphire crystal domed on the dial, present also on the caseback.
- Movement innovation. They didn’t just take an existing movement, they modified it with proprietary technology, making it a great hearth for a timepiece that steals your eyes.
- Very comfortable, even though the size is really high on paper.
CONS
- It takes time to learn and get used to reading on this dial. But once you get the hang of it, it’s all good.
- You don’t have much options if you don’t like the rubber strap.
- Hour and minute markers too small, also the painted lume is not very bright
Box and Packaging
Since I made my first review on this website, I said that the standard for me are the Omega’s boxes. Ulysse Nardine Marine Torpilleur, which was more expensive than the Omega Seamaster, disappointed a lot. But, as I said, whenever I speak about the boxes, my reference is the one from the Omega.
With that being said. We have no box here. If you don’t have a watch box, and rely on the boxes that came with your watch, you will have a surprise here.
No box, that’s it.
But, I really love what they did with the packaging. Cica Design Blue Planet II arrived in a bookshaped box made from recycled materials. You open it and turn pages, each one teaching you something about CIGA Design and the watch development.
On the final page you will find the watch itself. I like that it is very theatrical. The experience of receiving the watch feels special, you are not just opening a box, you are being inducted into a story.
Also, my wife said that the quality of the box is really good. I never took notice of these things, but she worked in the paper industry, where they make boxes and so on and she always looks at any envelope or box that I receive and she immediately knows if they put an effort on the box and if it’s expensive to make.
So she confirmed the box is good, and she loves the box because it’s embossed. I don’t know what that means but I trust her…it’s not like I have a choice.
Also on the package you can see the GPHG award logo, made from metal , which looks good. Overall it’s not a box that you just throw it away, NO, this box is worth being displayed on a shelf. And I mean it, and I will do it as well.
Would I buy CIGA Design Blue Planet II? My final toughts
I spent one week with CIGA Design Blue Planet II, wore it daily to see how it fits in my life. If you want a different watch, this is for you. The price $1399 is competitive and you get a watch that won GPHG, an improved one. I wish that this model had a little more water resistance, at least 100m, I feel like 30m is not enough because you always have to be careful when it’s raining outside.
Other than that, I wish it had a nice box, maybe something in the shape of the planet. You get used to reading the time fast, it’s different and fun to use, also it’s fun to see how other people are struggling to tell time when you show them the watch. Design wise, 10 out of 10, love what they did with the continents and how you can see every detail. I found myself looking at the dial for a couple of minutes forgetting to check the time, just admiring the craftsmanship.
Would I buy it? Yes! It has been on my list since the first model. I think the price is correct and you get the quality you pay for.
DIsclosure: The watch was sent to us by CIGA Design, however, they had zero input on how we review or present the watch. Opinions expressed are our own and have not been influenced by CIGA Design in any way, shape, or form.
The watch can be bought from the official website
Thank you all for reading and supporting TickingTales
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | CIGA Design Blue Planet II |
| Reference | Z031-SISI-A23B / Z031-TITI-A23B |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel or Recycled Titanium |
| Case Diameter | 46mm |
| Case Thickness | 17.05mm |
| Case Design | Lugless construction, polished finish |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal (front and back) with anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 3ATM (30 meters) |
| Movement | CIGA Design Caliber CD-04-E (Automatic) |
| Movement Type | Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology |
| Frequency | 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Accuracy | -15 to +30 seconds per day |
| Complications | Unique rotating globe time display |
| Dial | 3D CNC-engraved topographic Earth globe |
| Dial Colors | Blue oceans, silver continents |
| Markers | White luminous hour/minute markers (105% larger than original) |
| Hands | Compass rose center indicator with luminous paint |
| Lume | Yes (compass rose and markers) |
| Strap Width | 22mm |
| Strap Material | Blue fluororubber (high-grade rubber) |
| Strap Type | Tapered design with quick-release spring bars |
| Clasp | Butterfly deployant with hidden pushers and micro-adjustments |
| Weight (Steel) | Approximately 120-130g (estimated) |
| Weight (Titanium) | Approximately 85-95g (estimated) |
| Awards | GPHG Challenge Watch Prize 2021 |
| Box | Book-style presentation box with recycled materials |
| Warranty | 2 years international warranty |
| Price (Steel) | $1,199 USD |
| Price (Titanium) | $1,399 USD |
| Production | Available |
CIGA Design Blue Planet II – Frequently Asked Questions
Reading the Blue Planet II takes a learning curve. The compass rose points to both hours and minutes simultaneously on two separate rings. First, check where the compass points on the outer hour ring. Then, look at where it intersects the rotating minute ring. Most people adapt within a day or two of wearing it. After three days, you read it as naturally as any traditional watch. The enlarged markers on the II model help significantly compared to the original.
At $1,199 for steel and $1,399 for titanium, the Blue Planet II delivers exceptional value. You get sapphire crystal on both sides, award-winning design, mechanical innovation, and build quality that competes with watches costing twice as much. Nothing else offers this combination of originality and quality under $1,500. Swiss watches with comparable uniqueness start around $5,000.
No. The Blue Planet II has 3ATM water resistance, which covers handwashing, rain, and accidental splashes. Do not swim, shower, or do water sports with it. The dramatic domed crystal and innovative time display required design compromises that limit water resistance. If you need a swimming watch, look elsewhere.
The Caliber CD-04-E runs at -15 to +30 seconds per day. That’s honest performance for this price point, though not chronometer level. CIGA Design tests each movement through two 14-day periods during and after production. In real-world use, you’ll need to adjust time once every week or two.
The lugless design makes this watch wear smaller than its specs suggest. Most people find it fits like a traditional 44mm watch. The case sits low on the wrist despite the 17mm thickness. The titanium version weighs significantly less than steel, making it comfortable for all-day wear. If you typically wear 40mm watches, try it before buying.
CIGA Design launched in 2016 and won the GPHG Challenge Watch Prize in 2021, beating established brands like Oris and Doxa. The Blue Planet I sits in the permanent collection of the Geneva Museum of Art and History. They provide a two-year international warranty and respond to customer service inquiries within 24 hours. Quality control meets or exceeds watches in this price range.
The Blue Planet II uses the Caliber CD-04-E, which appears to be based on a Miyota 8000-series movement modified with CIGA’s proprietary Asynchronous-Follow technology. Previous versions used Seagull movements. CIGA Design tested over 100 movements across three years to find the best base for their complication. The movement provides 40 hours of power reserve and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Yes. Quick-release spring bars let you swap straps in seconds without tools. The 22mm lug width gives you endless aftermarket options. You can use leather, metal bracelets, or different rubber straps. The included blue fluororubber strap works well for casual wear, but professional contexts might call for leather.
The standard Blue Planet II centers on the Indian Ocean, showing Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. This reflects the brand’s Chinese heritage and the historical Silk Road. The Atlantic version shows North and South America, Europe, and Africa instead. Both versions tell time identically. The geography is decorative and doesn’t affect function.
The automatic movement runs for 40 hours when fully wound. Wind it Sunday night, and it keeps ticking through Monday into Tuesday morning. The automatic rotor keeps it charged during normal wear. If the watch stops, manually wind it about 30 times using the crown to restart it.
Yes. Expect compliments from strangers. Friends will want to try it on. Co-workers will lean in for closer looks. The most common question you’ll hear is “How do you read the time?” If you prefer watches that blend in, this isn’t for you. The Blue Planet II gets noticed every time you wear it.
The titanium version weighs about 30% less than steel, making it more comfortable for extended wear. Titanium also comes from recycled sources, adding environmental value. The weight difference is noticeable and appreciated during all-day wear. If budget allows, titanium is the better choice for most people.
CIGA Design offers a two-year international warranty on all watches. You get 15 days from receiving the package to return it for a full refund or exchange. The watch and packaging must return in good condition and unused. Customers cover return shipping costs if there’s no quality issue. Contact [email protected] with questions.
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève is the watch industry’s highest honor. Winning validates that experts from around the world recognized genuine innovation and quality. CIGA Design beat Swiss brands with centuries of history based purely on merit. It proves Chinese watchmaking can lead, not just follow. The award appears engraved on every Blue Planet II case back.
Yes. The transparent sapphire case back shows the automatic movement in full detail. You can watch the rotor spin, see gears engage, and appreciate the mechanical complexity. The case back also displays the GPHG award engraving. It’s a nice touch that reminds you this is a proper automatic watch, not battery-powered.
I usually dont leave feedback, but I wanted to thank you for the review. It’s the first one I’m reading or watching about this model that explains in detail what is good or bad with this watch. I wanted the watch for a long time but I wasn’t sure about it. I can say you convinced me and I order it! Not one reviewer mentioned the sharp lugs, which makes me think they are not completely honest.
Anyway, keep up the good job and I hope to see more reviews from you in the future. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your feedback!