CIGA Design Sequence Z Evaluate: The Skeleton Watch That Modified My Thoughts | FashionBeans

Why I Was Skeptical of a Finances Skeleton Watch

An reasonably priced skeleton watch from a Chinese language watchmaking model wasn’t precisely on my radar this 12 months, however to be truthful, I’ve by no means been a giant fan of skeleton watches within the first place, not to mention one from the decrease finish of the pricing tier.

Skeleton watches are horological masterpieces, usually with open work dials that showcase the mechanics of the caliber onerous at work contained in the case.

As a result of they’re so complicated, skeleton watches aren’t usually related to entry-level manufacturers, however when they’re, they’re cheaply made and don’t usually have spectacular mechanics to point out off within the first place. Let’s dive into my CIGA Design Sequence Z overview.

 

Meet the CIGA Design Sequence Z

Enter CIGA Design. Collect your ideas on what a skeleton watch made in China would possibly appear like and throw it out the window. The GPHG award-winning Chinese language model is difficult the trade’s standpoint on finances skeleton watches with the polarizing Sequence Z.

In doing so, they’ve managed to tug off the unimaginable: efficiently executing the skeleton idea for underneath $500.

First Impressions: Weight, Dimension, and Construct High quality

So what had been my first impressions as somebody who isn’t actually a skeleton watch type of man? Nicely, for starters, the images don’t do the watch justice.

The smooth case design components and complicated skeleton dial are definitely eye-catching – plenty of wow issue, that’s for positive – however what actually caught my consideration was the selection of titanium for the case.

Titanium watches are normally light-weight, which is why most collectors purchase titanium watches within the first place, however that isn’t the case right here with the CIGA Design Sequence Z.

It really has a pleasant heft to it, which I respect as a result of many of the titanium watches I’ve worn really feel just a little bit too gentle, and I wish to really feel one thing on my wrist.

I used to be additionally apprehensive that the watch can be too huge for my wrist at a whopping 48mm alongside the size of the case. Nonetheless, CIGA Design saved the profile comparatively smooth at simply over 12mm thick, which helps the case sit properly on the wrist.

Total, the match and end had been far more exact than I assumed for a watch at this value level.

Unboxing Expertise

I’ve already had the pleasure of reviewing and unboxing two different CIGA Design watches, and I’ve received to say the Sequence Z didn’t disappoint. The field opens up like a ebook, instantly drawing your eyes to the principle attraction – that outstanding skeleton dial.

Simply from the packaging alone, I might inform that CIGA Design was happy with what they’ve achieved right here with the Sequence Z. It needed to create a memorable expertise for the wearer.

Specs and Model: The Richard Mille Comparability

This wouldn’t be a whole CIGA Design Sequence Z overview with out specs. As beautiful because the packaging was, it was much more thrilling to look at the Sequence Z intimately.

The overall specs embody a strong 48mm by 40.8mm case, water resistance as much as 30m, and the celebrated Seagull self-winding mechanical motion with a handy 40-hour energy reserve.

With its lengthy case and uncovered motion, the watch-collecting neighborhood is already abuzz with comparisons of the Sequence Z with, after all, Richard Mille – even going so far as calling it “The Poor Man’s Richard Mille.”

Whereas I see the connection and I feel CIGA Design has completed an ideal job creating a singular identification for the Sequence Z, it’s not an RM.

Nonetheless, when you love the daring aesthetic of an RM however don’t have a millionaire’s watch finances per se, effectively, the CIGA Design mannequin is a wonderful method to dip your toes into the skeleton watch pool.

Design Particulars That Stand Out

Moreover, the way in which the Sequence Z performs with shapes and features all through the case units this mannequin aside from different choices available on the market.

For instance, lengthy slots run down both sides of the case, mirroring the skeleton design of the dial.

Hexagonal screws that seem purely beauty are positioned alongside the slots on the 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock positions to probably assist the wearer discover the hour markers, which I need to say camouflage fairly a bit with the dial.

The crown guards observe the form of the curved case and are so smooth that they nearly resemble chronograph pushers. Whereas eye-catching, this design makes it onerous to get to the small crown.

Nonetheless, the crown itself is knurled – it’s straightforward to show when you get a superb grip on it.

Strap Choices and Wearability

I additionally must commend CIGA Design for the design of lugs and straps. They made it straightforward to swap the straps and make this watch your personal with 22mm lugs and quick-release spring bars – huge thumbs up there.

I’m not a fan of the leather-based strap and really feel like a watch with this a lot persona shines on the sportier orange choice.

Proper out of the field, the orange silicon strap feels supple, and a humorous little tidbit: the keepers on this strap have little pips on the underside that match into the strap holes to maintain them in place.

I actually respect that element.

The Motion: Seagull’s Customized Caliber

The Sequence Z is powered by a customized Seagull self-winding mechanical caliber. The corporate knew all eyes can be on this motion, and it exhibits.

The elements are properly completed for a watch at this value level and are skeletonized to make sure a transparent view of the intricate dance of the gears, coils, and the opposite elements contained in the case.

I like that I can observe the seen launch catch and watch the mainspring coil when the crown is wound. It’s mesmerizing simply to take a seat and watch the Sequence Z Seagull motion do its factor.

Dial Legibility and Design

After all, the Sequence Z additionally sports activities an distinctive skeleton dial. As one would anticipate, legibility is a priority with this watch, nevertheless it will get simpler to learn over time as soon as your eyes get used to the structure.

CIGA Design employs high-precision laser engraving to create the hour markers and locations them on a better aircraft within the dial for higher legibility.

And it wouldn’t be a correct skeleton watch if the palms weren’t additionally skeletonized – they can be tough to see, however the crimson bits and small lumed inserts on the tip of the hour and minute palms assist treatment this concern.

Who Ought to Purchase This Watch?

So who is that this look ahead to? The Sequence Z assortment is on model for CIGA Design, an organization that usually pushes the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. For those who respect the corporate’s distinctive design method, this watch is certainly for you.

This watch can be for anybody who appreciates a properly executed skeleton dial or the finer workings of a mechanical motion, for that matter.

After all, I might be remiss if I forgot to say the insanely engaging value level for the extent of workmanship concerned within the Sequence Z.

Skeleton dials are a comparatively new phenomenon in fashionable watchmaking, although the idea technically dates again to the mid-1700s.

Watch This Evaluate

Ultimate Ideas

That’s it for my CIGA Design Sequence Z overview. So what are your ideas on skeleton watches? Are they too busy and illegible, or do you respect the depth of an open work model? I feel it’s secure to say that CIGA Design has modified my thoughts about what a finances skeleton watch could be.

After all, I might like to personal a better horology skeleton watch just like the Grand Seiko Fixed Power, however with choices just like the Sequence Z now out there, I can respect a well-made skeleton watch with out shelling out a whole lot of hundreds of {dollars}. That’s definitely a pattern I can get behind.

I’m Chris from Cookie Buzzle. Thanks for becoming a member of me, and I’ll see you on the subsequent one.