![]() ![]() I'd say it feels reasonable, if not like a strong value, given all it delivers. Ciga Blue Planet: The Verdictįor a price of over $1,000, depending on the exact model, some might feel this watch is comparatively expensive considering its Chinese origin - but that notion is feeling increasingly outmoded. In other words, although it's far from the most brash design you can find in watches, you need either the mood or the overall personality to wear a Ciga Blue Planet. Again, its 46mm width doesn't compromise wearing comfort or practicality, but it does have a big visual presence. It's a conversation topic for that reason (and those mentioned above), but for my tastes it felt a bit over-the-top at times. ![]() ![]() So perhaps it's not necessarily a drawback for you that it can elicit a response along the lines of "What the heck is that?" or "Is that even a watch?" Despite its prominent globe motif, it's also kind of got an extraterrestrial, flying-saucer-like vibe to it. If this design speaks to you, you're presumably open to something a bit unconventional and attention-grabbing, anyway. Purpose is always a good look, in my opinion, and these elements could (theoretically) also be integrated in an attractive way (using color, perhaps). However, making the numerals and indicator (here, the compass rose) stand out more would lend the watch not only usefulness but purpose. ![]() The designers worked hard to get the aesthetic balance of elements just right - and did a pretty good job, in my opinion. Watches such as this are more about art than pragmatism, of course. Further, that compass rose doesn't exactly stand out and orient the user's gaze when checking the time at a glance. Due to the nature of this time display, it's necessary to read the minute track numerals, rather than see where they're pointing on the dial - and their size makes that particularly difficult most of the time. It's not the "asynchronous" method of time-telling that makes this watch hard to read but, rather, basic principles of legibility. That case is - despite its 46mm diameter - surprisingly comfortable, thanks to its lugless design, soft silicon strap and (in the case of the tested model) lightweight titanium construction. The sapphire crystal's curve blends perfectly into that of the rounded (Ikepod-like) and brushed case. Still, step back, and the globe motif is recognizable even from a distance.Īnother design element Ciga got right is pairing this visual centerpiece to an otherwise minimal design. The indices on the hour and minute tracks are also raised. You want to look closely at details like this - and when you do (such as with a loupe or macro lens) you find that they're not sloppily rendered. The aluminum globe itself is domed, its continents are in a silver tone with realistic topographic details, and its oceans are in a tastefully deep matte blue. It has a striking design, impressive details and solid buildĪ lot of watchmakers want to achieve visual interest through three-dimensional elements, and this is one area where Ciga shines. It's a simple-sounding solution, but much more modification than what most brands do when customizing and claiming a third-party watch movement. This means the movement (made by Chinese company Seagull) had to be customized in order for the minute track to rotate 190 degrees per hour. Unlike a regular minute hand, which rotates 160 degrees every hour, this one has to adjust to keep up with the hour hand that rotates 30 degrees. While the outer hour track is stationary, however, the inner track for the minutes rotates - and here's where some technical tweaking comes in. The compass rose nestled between Madagascar and Antarctica points to the current hour and the minutes on their respective tracks. Here's how to read the time: The globe itself rotates just like an hour hand. It displays only the hours and the minutes - but it does so with discs instead of hands. The three-dimensional globe motif at the center of the Ciga Blue Planet might suggest a world timer or GMT, but this is a functionally simple watch. ![]()
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