How exactly did CIGA Design improve the Blue Planet II after years of GPHG praise?
Buffy AcaciaStep aside David Attenborough, CIGA Design has finally released its sequel to one of the world’s most lauded microbrand watches. The original inspiration for the Blue Planet even won a RedDot award back in 2013, six years before the planet dial took the place of the single-handed display. Garnering multiple recognitions from the GPHG awards is no small feat, and in 2022, the Blue Planet was even included in the Geneva Museum of Art and History — a huge accomplishment for a young Chinese brand. The CIGA Design Blue Planet II makes some substantial tweaks to the formula, proving that the brand isn’t just resting on its laurels.
The case
At first glance, the case is one thing that has remained reasonably consistent between the models. But when held side by side, the differences between the first proper CIGA Design Blue Planet from 2019 and the Blue Planet II become clear. This time it’s a true pebble shape, meaning that its curvature is intentionally smooth and uniform across the whole case like a river stone. Even the sapphire crystal is double-domed specifically to match the case’s compound radii. The only exception to the case’s smoothness is the hooded lugs that house the strap. The change that makes the most visual difference is the choice of a high-polished finish rather than a brushed one.
46mm is quite a big diameter, but the lack of lugs means that there’s no need to consider a separate lug-to-lug length. It’s definitely a large watch, and thicker than the older Blue Planet at 17.05mm, but the case’s shape keeps it comfortable to wear. It’s also not the kind of watch you can be subtle with, so sliding it under a cuff isn’t the most important consideration. In terms of materials, CIGA Design uses recycled titanium. That aids environmental concerns while keeping the watch lightweight and resistant to corrosion. However, there is also a stainless steel version available at a slightly lower price point, or a ceramic Gilding Version with a matching black ceramic bracelet.
The dial
The instant impact of the Blue Planet II’s dial is staggering. Sure, the original was gorgeous enough to win multiple awards, but the new version has been given an incredible amount of detail thanks to a fresh CNC process. The topography is more exaggerated, while the Earth’s curvature increased by 36% (the crystal’s curvature has also been increased by 25%), creating a sense of depth and scale that actually looks like you’re staring down at a planet. It takes after the first CIGA Design Blue Planet Gilding Version from 2023 but without the 24k gold plating. The map itself is largely focused on the lower parts of Eurasia and Africa surrounding the Indian Ocean, evoking the ancient Silk Road trade route that was pivotal to human history for almost two millennia.
Don’t let the appearance of a globe fool you, because the Blue Planet II isn’t a world timer. It may just be decorative, but there is a deeper genius at work. The compass rose on the dial acts as a pointer for the time that can be read on the two concentric rings. With the hours fixed on the outer ring, the minutes scale rotates accordingly, so that South on the compass is always pointing to the correct time. It may take some getting used to, but it makes reading the time particularly easy because all of the relevant information is clustered together. Compared to the previous iteration, the indices have been enlarged slightly, while the hour and minute numerals are now luminous, improving legibility further.
The movement
CIGA Design seems hesitant to reveal too much about the new movement for the Blue Planet II, which does feel a bit strange considering that a brand-new movement is a big deal. But, it isn’t too difficult to figure out what has changed and why. Previous versions of the Blue Planet have used Seagull movements that were clones of ETA calibres. In search of a new supplier, CIGA Design claims to have trialled in excess of 100 movements over three years to determine the best ébauche for its proprietary asynchronous-follow complication. By the look of the movement through the sapphire display caseback and the technical specifications, the Blue Planet II uses an 8000-series movement from Miyota as its base.
There’s nothing wrong with Miyota movements – in fact, they’re a staple of the Japanese workhorse movement world. However, it’s understandable that CIGA Design is being coy about the swap while also justifying a price jump since 2022. As far as performance and utility are concerned, there shouldn’t be much change to the wearing experience at all, as the 21,600vph beat rate has no seconds hand to witness and the 40-hour power reserve is more than adequate with automatic winding. CIGA Design states an average accuracy range of -15/+30 seconds per day with strict quality control methods in place.
The strap
CIGA Design’s fluororubber is essentially another kind of FKM rubber, one that has better resistance to extreme heat, degrading oils and harsh chemicals than standard silicone or natural rubber straps. It’s soft to the touch, not overly thick, and not too flimsy either. The butterfly double-push clasp is adjustable and convenient for putting it on quickly, heightening its luxurious quality above a typical pin buckle strap. The ridges on the front of the navy blue strap give it a bit of extra character too, and the quick-release spring bars offer plenty of opportunity for experimentation with any straight-end 22mm straps.
Although some people may consider the movement change a downgrade, I have trust in CIGA Design to have ensured its flagship model is powered by the best available calibre no matter who its supplier is. The Blue Planet II is a visual masterpiece and a great example of how there are always improvements to be found, even if the old version was already universally loved. Annual price increases should be expected in the current climate, so considering the improved dial depth and additional R&D required to adapt a new movement, its price still feels like a solid deal.
CIGA Design Blue Planet II price and availability
The CIGA Design Blue Planet II is available now directly from CIGA Design. Price: US$1,199 (steel), US$1,399 (titanium), US$1,999 (Gilding Version)
Brand | CIGA Design |
Model | Blue Planet II |
Case Dimensions | 46mm (D) x 17.05mm (T) |
Case Material | Stainless steel Titanium Ceramic (Gilding Version) |
Water Resistance | 30 metres |
Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
Dial | Blue planet |
Strap | Blue fluororubber, double-folding clasp |
Movement | Miyota 8000 with CIGA Design proprietary asynchronous-follow technology, automatic |
Power Reserve | 40 hours |
Functions | Planet as the hour hand, rotating minute track |
Availability | Available now |
Price | US$1,199 (steel) US$1,399 (titanium) US$1,999 (Gilding Version) |
Made in partnership with CIGA Design. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.