CIGA Design Races Forward with the Vector

With the Vector, CIGA Design continues its passion for skeleton watches while further refining the concept. The first thing that stands out is the very high level of sophistication. While the watch is race-inspired, CIGA Design refrained from any obvious links. Instead, they build a watch like a race car, fluid and powerful. The fixed bezel is deeply engraved, offering a visually appealing frame for the skeletonized movement. 

That movement is CIGA Design's self-developed automatic Caliber CD-02X. It is beautifully skeletonized, featuring a single mainspring barrel and running at 4Hz/28,800 VpH. The only downside would be the 38-hour power reserve, which is on par with what Sellita movements offer but would ideally be longer. The finishing of the movement is impressive at this price point, with its sandblasted surfaces and very reflective chamfered bridges. It not only adds to the watch's racing vibe but also makes it very attractive to look at. The movement itself is surrounded by a gear-shaped ring, held in a transparent support, making it seem to float inside the case. 

The watch is large but thin, and it is probably the forged-carbon middle segment of the case that makes it wear significantly smaller than it actually is. While the case measures 44mm in diameter, on the wrist it looks more like 41mm. The wearing comfort is superb, not only because of the case design but also because of the smooth finish of all the parts. CIGA Design also paid close attention to the hands, which are highly legible thanks to the bright green Super-LumiNova used. The crown is easy to grasp and makes setting and winding the watch quite a pleasure, also because the resistance and the sound are on par with what you expect from a well-made watch.

A comfortable fluororubber strap secured the Vector on the wrist. Its design suits the watch, yet it is remarkably long. Not bothersome, but it should fit over a race overall. The clasp is also where the Vector shows its sophistication. It has an attractive, compact design, sitting smoothly against the inside of the wrist and adding little bulk. Two push buttons open the clasp.

The bottom of the watch also showcases another aspect of the Vector's sophistication. The back has lugs integrated, allowing them to be placed much closer to the case. A subtle detail to some, but one that oozes quality. While CIGA Design is one of the trailblazers of Chinese watchmaking, the Vector shows once again how fast they move. Priced at $1099, it is not a cheap watch until you experience it on your wrist. Then you realize that it offers much more than what you expect at this price range. 

For more info, visit CIGA Design, here.