Story Highlight
– CIGA Design is a leading modern Chinese watch brand.
– Founded by designer Zhang Jianmin focusing on affordability.
– Gained recognition after winning GPHG Challenge Prize in 2021.
– Collaborated with Eddie Jordan for limited edition timepieces.
– Introduced two exclusive watches supporting Jordan’s charity foundation.
Full Story
CIGA Design has emerged as a prominent player in modern Chinese watchmaking, evolving from a design-focused start-up into an internationally recognized independent watch brand within a decade.
Founded in the early 2010s by industrial designer Zhang Jianmin, CIGA Design has emphasised innovative industrial design and unique watch displays while maintaining affordability, differentiating itself from traditional Swiss high horology.
The brand initially gained traction through strategic collaborations and distribution channels supported by the technology giant Xiaomi, facilitating swift growth and a broader customer base.
CIGA Design’s profile dramatically increased in 2021 when it controversially secured the Challenge Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) for its Blue Planet II watch. This timepiece, featuring a striking image of Earth from space, resonated with the growing emphasis on sustainability, achieving considerable attention with its pricing just exceeding $1,000.
Since receiving this accolade, CIGA Design has broadened its international presence, creating a diverse range of design-led watches that straddle the line between microbrand and industrial design firm, thereby validating China’s position in modern mechanical watchmaking.
Collaborative ventures have played a vital role in entering new markets. Recently, CIGA Design introduced two limited edition pieces crafted for the charity foundation of renowned Formula 1 figure Eddie Jordan. A long-time admirer of the brand, Mr. Jordan often sported one of CIGA’s Edge watches.
Recognising this connection, the company approached him with the idea of designing exclusive timepieces for his foundation. The first is the Hunter watch, featuring a three-hand automatic mechanism and a fully skeletonized design, limited to just 191 pieces. Its innovative multi-part case is emblazoned with Mr. Jordan’s signature, complemented by a vibrant yellow rubber strap adorned with the initials “FTB,” representing his mantra, “F*** the Begrudgers,” a testament to his enduring spirit in motorsport.
Pre-orders for this piece are currently available on the Eddie Jordan Foundation website at £654.
The second, rarer offering is the Eddie Jordan Hunter Tourbillon, limited to merely 15 units, corresponding to the number of Formula 1 cars developed by Jordan Grand Prix. This watch features the same striking case design but elevates the experience with a tourbillon showcased at the 6 o’clock position on a skeletonized black dial.
Though available exclusively through the Eddie Jordan Foundation, details regarding its pricing and availability have not yet been disclosed to the public.
