Out of this world - CIGA Design Gilding Version

Today we're having a closer look at CIGA Design's Gilding Version of their award-winning Blue Planet watch. This version has a 24K gilded dial and a black ceramic case while otherwise retaining the overall design of the Blue Planet. Join me for an honest and transparent review as we bring in an expert on shiny objects for their verdict!
Discounted link: bit.ly/3lcYMoM
Discount code: CIGA2023
Discount: $100
Time: Valid until April 15th
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[@tomholloway7566]

Definitely seeing this doing the rounds in reviews recently

[@rf159a]

The Nekkid Watchmaker received one of these too. He just did a review on it. They must want to get it out there so people buy it.

[@deaddave2170]

Forget the watch for a moment - you never said you had secured the next James Bond role!

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@matthewmctaff2022]

Evening Stian, for £1800 I wouldn’t expect the balance to wobble so much. I’m amazed the time Grapher gave such good results. M

[@VintageWatchServices]

Hello Matthew, yep, that balance wobbles quite a lot. These are close-ups but it's still too much. The timekeeping was actually very, very good, with three positions all maintaining the same rate and beat error. But if you're buying this watch you're not doing it for the movement, for sure. It's all about the design :)

[@gregcapella5941]

THANKS FOR THE INFO

[@cliffmolz8719]

Hello Stian, honestly, the size of the wrist watch is such that it looks like someone decided to take a pocket watch and place a wrist strap on it. I'm not trying to be mean, but if you ever want an expensive hockey puck to play with, CIGA has you covered with a watch that is not designed to be repaired by a professional Horologist outside their company. I'll pass. Cheers

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂

[@ianmedium]

Interesting but I honestly thought before you said the price it was going to be a Chinese made kickstarter design for four or five hundred bucks. Looking at the fairly pedestrian finish of the movement I could easily see it being made by seagull. I could not see myself spending that much on a “fun/toy” style watch, but like spending over a couple of grand on a plastic breit long and being a lover of vintage my first thought is to the quality of vintage watch one could get for the same price, a nice Longines or Omega or newer, a nice hardly used grand Seiko quartz. Pretty watch though, but at my age almost impossible to read the time quickly.

[@endy_fx]

I wasn't a fan of the previous version, and I don't think adding gold to it and making it harder to service has changed that opinion. Still, I appreciate the thoughtful review as always.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks! This is certainly not a watch for everyone, but for those who like that style it's pretty unique :)

[@mikebruegger8654]

Seems as though taping the crystal and bezel to the case could force the back to be dispatched or if needed the same in reverse for crystal ejection.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Hello Mike, that's indeed what I tried for the crystal but it is too tight. I also tried placing a piece of solid plastic under the back and using compressed air, but the back still popped and not the crystal...

[@allanrichards3752]

I've seen another watchmaker here on YT review this watch so clearly CIGA are handing them out to get them seen. Like you I am not really into that design, or for that matter the modern heavy watches. I really like the classic elegant designs. Looking at that watch rotating I presume that the point of the star, the minute ring and the marks on the hour ring should all align at, say 9:30 but it didn't look like they did very well unless this was the camera and angles.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yep, they went the rounds :) The alignment wasn't quite what I would expect at this price point, to be honest.

[@paulpietruszewski4226]

I have seen another review of this watch and the blue one but always interested in what you have to say. If it has the western hemisphere displayed more prominently, I might be interested.

[@VintageWatchServices]

👍

[@simonsallen]

For me it fails form follows function test. I want to know the time at a glance. Here I would need to see the star pointer and cross reference the two scales. The lack of seconds also puts me off. However I have to applaud innovation and I have no doubt many will get one but not me.

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much Stian for this review. Ever since this watch won a prestigious award, albeit in the blue planet version, I have followed its development and pricing. If I came across a good deal, I might buy one. However, since it is not serviceable by an expert like you, it has become a total no-go: anything produced nowadays should be repairable and consumer-friendly. At this price particularly so. Though I very much like the look, design and uniqueness of these watches, I will not go for them: too expensive and too particular when it comes to servicing. Which begs the question: Why did CIGA turn a winner into a total loser? I so much love your videos on watches from the 50s and 60s, which you restore - albeit with parts that are difficult to come by. However they usually come back to life and spectacularly so. These CIGA watches come around like beautiful toys that have a very, very short life, which is a great pity. In these days, it is also completely unforgivable.

[@VintageWatchServices]

I think the watch should not be a problem to service per se, but they need to figure out a way to easily remove the crystal. With the crystal off it should be a breeze to service but it's very odd they replaced the screw down back on the Blue Planet with this snap-on given the issues that creates...

[@ygrbooks]

@@VintageWatchServices Thank you for gracing me with an answer to my comment, for your expertise and for you most instructive videos. What still bothers me is that CIGA produced a watch that is not consumer friendly at a rather high price. It somehow reminds me of the latest Moonswatch with the golden seconds hand that people go nuts for. Again: a totally not serviceable watch. Why don't these watch manufacturers see the light and produce something for the ages? Please send my greetings to your lovely daughter, though: her contribution to the video is greatly appreciated! The watch still sucks and I do wonder why CIGA went this way. And at that price ... Sustainability? That has gone out of the window as well.

[@gerryforand9932]

FYI The Nekkid Watchmaker used compressed air on the blue model to remove the crystal and get the movement out. Stated it should be the same with the gold which he also received. It didn't take much at all for the crystal to pop off.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yes, as I mentioned in this video, the blue planet has a screw down back, and then the crystal will pop off with compressed air. This watch has a snap on back and then the back will always come off before the crystal. I had a long discussion with CIGA Design about this and their statement was that the watch has to be sent to them if work needs to be done.

[@gerryforand1617]

@@VintageWatchServices Thanks. I missed that part on the different backs.

[@VintageWatchServices]

@@gerryforand1617 👍 It seems like a very short sighted decision of them...

[@stableianF1oracle]

I saw a guy blow the crystal off the blue version with compressed air. 😊 Good review thank you

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yes, I mentioned that in the video while discussing why this one cannot be opened the same way 😉

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

Those watches are homages of a seiko watch from the 90s, just found out about it today from another channel.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Really? Where did you hear that? Would be interesting to see that Seiko!

[@johnhannon]

I wonder if Ciga has a special clamp that holds the case back in place and allows the crystal to be removed with compressed air. They must have some way of servicing it at the factory.

[@VintageWatchServices]

That would indeed seem logical. I tried quite a few improvised ways to hold the case back in place but none worked.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Yeah that's that watch you can't really tell the time with..

[@R.Daneel]

I would be nice to be able to select a hemisphere. I live on the back of this watch ;-)

[@petercampbell3828]

Sir! No Sir!

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@donnyboon2896]

I don't want a watch that excludes me. If they come up with a watch dial that has North America in the center, I'll consider it.

[@pawelkempinski4634]

it has something :) i like the dial.

[@mickboakes7023]

Hi Stian. When is a watch not a watch, but over the top fashion statement. Not my cup of tea I’m afraid. Still enjoying catching up with all your previous videos . All the best. Mick🇬🇧

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks Mick and I agree with you there. I think it's a wonderfully executed design but it's certainly not for everyone :)

[@adrianbirkett594]

Ah no thanks, prefer the old works of art!. Adrian.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Hey I've seen that before but the movement makes it a novelty to my eyes, I have to praise that design nonetheless, I'd say it's a better novelty than some Swatches. nuff said, shush, oops.

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

It is absolutely unique, and I really like gold, but I think I like the greater luridness of the earlier model; I mean if you are going for zany, why add elegance? That being said I paid that much for a solid gold Seamaster De Ville, and it is really more my speed. I’m an 18k vph kind of speed guy.

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

@Kevin Bell the watch I’m referring to happens to 18k gold, it also happens to be on a Vostok (yes that Vostok) leather Bundt strap. But my 18k vph joke/comment was a reference to the beat rate of Omegas 550 series of movements, and vintage movements in general; 90ish percent of my collection is vintage.

[@fionalang2700]

Thank you for the review, but honestly, I do not like this kind of watch.

[@bullnose01]

I knew that the franchise wasn't going to end with No Time to Die. So which watch does your daughter prefer, the CIGA or the Waltham?

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍 The CIGA is way too big for her and I have just ordered a chain for her Waltham :)

[@bullnose01]

@@VintageWatchServices I have a Hamilton Railway Special as a birth year watch, and I can attest that considering the weight of the watch and the absence of shock settings, having the watch secured on a chain is essential for its survival. 👍

[@michaellawrence6677]

That’s a beautiful watch. I love the mechanics involved in making these machines work.

[@Mike_Hoffmann]

Who knew polished crap could be so shiny.

[@Aco747lyte]

This is either a watch you like, or dislike. Personally I prefer my lovely old GMT Master II for when I'm not working and for my present and often dangerous work, the Breitling Emergency 2 of which is the 2nd in my lifetime and has saved my life - twice. I prefer watches that suit one's lifestyle, but this ceramic monstrosity resembles an expensive hockey puck. I wouldn't be seen dead with it! 🤣 Very good review, Stian. But no thanks and jolly good luck - and patience - in putting it back together again. ~Wendi 🌻

[@SopwithTheCamel]

It’s always about function.

[@andyhansen3117]

Quite the busy looking watch, not sure I like it. The price settles it for me ! Good review on it thou!

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks for watching!

[@medgasguy]

Very beautiful design but not for me especially after seeing how the hour and 00 rings do not line up exactly.

[@catherinewhite2943]

It is very striking in its looks, and that seems to be its only real draw. Too big, can't be serviced, display for current time doesn't quite line up... what were they thinking? An albatross should at least fly.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yeah... it's indeed a fabulous looking watch but there were some very odd decisions being made

[@endospores]

Is every watchmaker on youtube getting one of these to make a review? Oddly similar to another one i saw a few days ago.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Not everyone but certainly a few 😁

[@coopoylozenge5964]

Great to have choice in this world. However, this watch is not for me, neither in function nor form, although price manageable.

[@nawazboss5079]

I really like this watch. How much price it. Can you send me ? How can I purchase it. Please tell me I'm waiting your reply sir.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Thanks for watching! You can buy the watch here: cigadesign.com/products/ciga-design-mechanical-watch-series-u-blue-planet-gilding-version Or if you want to buy the one I showed in this video you can send me a mail at [e-mail]

[@pippomai9559]

Ciao Stian. The main function of a wrist watch is to show the time, in a fast , easy , blink of the eye way. When a watch steels more than 5 second of your time to tell you the time , it is not a watch , is a Complicated thing on your wrist . Beside , as I understand , if it develop a problem , it has to be sent to the factory for repair , even if it is a small issue . Not convenient for today’s life . For me it is a piece of metal, built only for the pleasure of the case , so nice, I have to admit , but useless for the time keeping of a watch itself .

[@VintageWatchServices]

Ciao Luca, I think it can be argued that wristwatches aren't first and foremost timekeepers anymore but rather luxury items that we wear to make us feel good. That said, I personally also feel that this watch is a bit over the top, but for those who like that it is certainly very special.

[@pippomai9559]

@@VintageWatchServices yes of course Stian. But I have expressed my point of view. Watches has to show time , precisely, quickly , accurately . If we want a piece of luxury on our wrists , let’s buy ourselves a gold bar and strap it on out wrist. 😂😂😂😂

[@VintageWatchServices]

@@pippomai9559😂👍

[@Alex-px2mb]

I honestly don't understand why so many people gush over this "watch." After the first ten minutes I would be bored to tears with it while feeling for the hole in my wallet, and I think it's far too expensive even for a very limited production "one-off" type of boutique haute watch. It's boring! Not having a Western Hemisphere model to sell in this part of the world is a huge mistake - I don't want to spend this kind of money to look at a whirring piece of gold foil that doesn't even display the world where I live. No second hand is a huge mistake, too. I'm not impressed with their total abandonment of function in favor of "style" - I'll just emboss a photo of Asia and make a framed version of it.

[@Alex-px2mb]

PS --> And the words "Award Winning" have come to mean about as much to me as "Nobel Peace Prize Winner."

[@stavros_katsopr]

Every time CIGA starts promoting, it's ALL over YT... At the end, all keep the packaging (nice book...) and the watches move around again, for someone trying to read the time... (with not much success indeed!). Cheers Stian, be well mate. PS Steel, titanium, silver, ceramic, gold... what's next? bronze with enamel i guess...🤪[copy of my comment in another review of this] PS2 "Oh, it looks like the world!" .... Bingo, but kind of flat earth themed! 🤪

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yep, they do ask a lot of KZbinrs to review their watches... I actually get to keep the watch, which is pretty cool. I don't think I'll be wearing it, but perhaps my wife will like it :)

[@stavros_katsopr]

@@VintageWatchServices Make it a necklace for the "young lady", she'll love it... totally! Cheers!

[@slashdotism]

@@VintageWatchServices Did you ever find out what kind of movement was used? To my eyes it looks like a Seagull ST2130 which is a 2824 clone, and if it is they could have swapped just the setting lever jumper from an ETA 2801 to get rid of that ghost date setting.

[@VintageWatchServices]

Never really tried finding out exactly :)

[@brunotulliani]

Not my cup of tea at all. It's a giant black squid ink pasta ravioli.......okay time for supper!

[@seanharding8951]

The marketing wank on the watch is pretty bad. The price point is way out of bed for what you get IMO. The movement looks like an ETA 2824. They probably have some add on module to provide the minute ring movement. Can you tell if it is a legit ETA movement? If it is a Seagull, then that just proves it is wildly overpriced.

[@VintageWatchServices]

It's a Seagull movement. Overpriced is somewhat subjective I'd say; in terms of pure production costs it's certainly vastly overpriced, but if you like the style it is quite unique and not extremely expensive.

[@dianeswift]

Fails in that it doesn’t conveniently tell time

[@VintageWatchServices]

Yeah, but then again one don't really need a wristwatch for that anymore 😁

[@alainmoimeme5222]

Laide, chère, massive, illisible. Non merci.

[@bk210]

very sustainable with a watch you cant service...

[@steveblake8766]

425 thumbs up

[@greggc.touftree5936]

TAKE IT THE EFF APART THEN EAT IT RAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEE

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂

[@greggc.touftree5936]

@@VintageWatchServices mmm delicious

[@Annoyedsince1986]

Ciga really paying the premium to get KZbin spokespeople to talk about their piece. Still looks cheap.

[@VintageWatchServices]

It actually looks very good and it's well made. The design is obviously not for everyone though. I don't think I'll be wearing it, but maybe my wife will :)

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's a commendable design and marketing effort, I personally think it's not half as gaudy as Jules audemars Piguet year of the dragon. for 148000$ dollars less I guess it makes it less offensive.

[@andrewwilliston5798]

Can't say that I'm a fan of the style, but then again, I'm a confirmed grumpy old fart.. ...

[@VintageWatchServices]

😂👍

[@jianyang6281]

another chinese watch I can afford.