CIGA Design

Overview

CIGA Design is a Chinese watch brand founded in 2016, known for original designer wristwatches that emphasize innovative aesthetics and mechanical art targeted at younger generations.¹²³ The brand positions itself as the first original designer watch brand from China, focusing on combining perceptual and rational design elements to create statement timepieces.¹³ It has gained media coverage from outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, and HODINKEE.²

History

CIGA Design was founded in 2016 by Zhang Jianmin (also referred to as Zhang Jianming or hang Jianming), a recognized Chinese industrial designer with over twenty years of experience in urban and public transport design.¹⁶ The brand, standing for China International Great Art, launched as China's first original designer wristwatch brand, redefining watches through modern mechanical art and avant-garde skeleton designs.¹⁵⁶ It has grown to produce 200,000 units annually from its base in Shenzhen and attracted international media attention.²⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Watches are assembled in China using premium components sourced for efficiency.²⁴ Production is based in Shenzhen, with an annual output of 200,000 units.⁶

Notable Products

• Blue Planet - Award-winning watch featuring a globe-shaped sapphire crystal and tourbillon movement.
• Series X - Skeletonized model with transparent mechanics and bold geometric case.
• Series Z - Architectural design mimicking building structures in watch form.
• Pilot - Functional pilot watch with high legibility and mechanical movement.

Reputation

CIGA Design is recognized by watch enthusiasts for its bold, innovative designs and value in the affordable mechanical segment, particularly skeleton watches.⁵ Professionals note its role in advancing Chinese original watchmaking, with media coverage from reputable sources like HODINKEE and Forbes.² Criticisms center on inconsistent finishing quality relative to higher-end brands, though it is praised for creativity at its price point.⁵