Versatility That Isn't A Magic Trick: Hands-On with the Ciga Design Magician

While Ciga Design made headlines with its famed Blue Planet, a watch that won the Challenge Watch Prize at the 2021 edition of the GPHG, they are also synonymous with skeleton watches. An interesting member of this family is the Magician, which comes with an ingenious system in which the case can be swapped in a matter of seconds. Ciga Design offers the Magician in stainless steel ($499) and titanium ($599), both with an automatic movement, as well as a black DLC version ($799) with a hand-wound movement. All come with three distinct case shapes: round, square, and tonneau, along with a central container that contains the movement.

That movement is caliber CD-02, which is significantly skeletonized with the prominent X-shaped bridge, which we also see in other Ciga Design watches. The level of detail is pleasing, although the number is sometimes distracting from the hands themselves. While these are skeletonized as well, they are highlighted by a luminous material that doesn't need much light to light up. A centrally placed gear has gotten the same treatment and acts as the seconds hand. As Ciga Design placed the movement between two pieces of sapphire, the only visible connection with the rest of the watch is the stem that leads to the crown. This most certainly adds to the magic offered by this model. As for the oscillating weight, I would have expected Ciga Design to make that one a bit more skeletonized, as that would further add to the transparency of the movement. To get the full effect of that, you now have to opt for the hand-wound movement.

With the automatic titanium version that is reviewed in this article, it is immediately evident how well the case containers are manufactured. They are rich in detail and show a variety of different finished surfaces. As is common for Ciga Design, their look is quite futuristic. The same can be said of the 60-minute layout on the central movement container. The relief of the engraving is very finely machined, and it gives the Magician a high-end look and a sporty touch. The same can be said of the fluro-rubber strap, which we already know from the Ciga Design Blue Planet. The wearing comfort remains remarkable, and the strap can easily be switched from one case to another without tools, thanks to the quick-release push pins. The fact that Ciga Design opts for a simple yet beautifully designed pin buckle is an advantage in my opinion, as it goes better with the strap than a more complex folding buckle, further increasing the wearing comfort.

The strap normally also hides the buttons to release the case from its container. This is a clever safety feature. Once the strap is removed, pressing on each button is enough to switch out the case. While all the cases share the typical Ciga Design style, their difference in shape makes them distinctly different. They are quite generous in size, but that only adds to the fun as the design is clever enough to still make it enjoyable to wear for nearly everybody. The use of titanium keeps the weight down to a pleasant level, while the short lugs help the watch sit comfortably on even thinner wrists. Another important aspect is that the height of the watch is relatively slender, at 10.8mm, enabling it to even be tucked under a sleeve.

Ciga Design is currently not the only brand that offers a watch that allows you to change the case. Hegrid and Certina are two other brands that come to mind, yet you have to be ready to spend at least twice the amount Ciga Design is charging for the Magician. That being said, it makes the Magician a very interesting value proposition, especially as the quality is more than up to par. The system of changing out the cases is very user-friendly, and the skeletonized movement remains captivating. It is the perfect watch for when you want to travel with only one timepiece, but still enjoy several different looks. Any watch enthusiast will also find joy in the process of switching out the cases, and when you add some straps of your own, the variety in different looks is near endless, making this Ciga Design do justice to its name, Magician.

For more info, visit Ciga Design, here.