Introducing: The Captivating CIGA Design Time Cipher

We have come to know CIGA Design for its original takes on classic watches. In particular, the Blue Planet series has received much praise from critics and fans alike. Late last year, the brand treated us to its Everest Summit Central Tourbillon, the second iteration of CIGA Design’s most ambitious release to date. For this new year, the brand introduces an entirely new model, the Time Cipher, featuring a novel case and dial design. But most importantly, the watch displays the time using a wandering hours display. It’s time to find out more!

Just one glance will tell you that the CIGA Design Time Cipher is a remarkable new creation from the Chinese brand. It’s impossible to miss the wandering hours display. This specific way of displaying the time dates back to 1656. That’s when the Campani brothers created a night clock for Pope Alexander VII using the mechanism. Later on, various pocket watches and wristwatches also adopted this display. In modern times, it’s mostly seen in watches from smaller, independent brands. Wandering hours make for an intriguing departure from a traditional hour hand by indicating the hours on a disc (or set of discs) that travels in sync with the minute hand/indicator. This brings a sense of constant motion to the face of the watch. Not only is it fun to look at, but it’s also easier to read than you might initially think.

The story of the CIGA Design Time Cipher

There’s not just one to display the time with a wandering hours display. Nowadays, though, most brands use a complex system of three satellites that take turns displaying the hours along one 120° arc for the minutes. A great and popular example that shows the great possibilities of a wandering hours display is the Urwerk UR-100.

CIGA Design decided to keep things simpler, at least conceptually. The brand set out to distill the wandering hours display into one single, minimalist gesture. On top of that, the team at CIGA Design wanted to make it slim so that the watch would be super wearable. Usually, watches with wandering hours are rather large and thick because of the complex construction of these displays. With this Time Cipher, CIGA Design shows that a slimmer display is indeed possible.

The details of the CIGA Design Time Cipher

It all starts with a beautifully sculpted 316L stainless steel case. This circular exterior has a 45mm diameter and an 11.8mm profile. On the right side sits a 6.5mm crown, and shallow capsule recesses at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock provide extra depth and detail. The case is available in regular stainless steel or with a black carbon coating. In addition, it features a mix of sandblasted and mirror-polished parts to add extra depth and contrast.

Underneath the domed sapphire crystal, you will find the Super Black dial that absorbs 99.3% of light. It is similar to the famous Vantablack dials that also absorb most of the light that touches them. The Super Black dial is the perfect backdrop for the wandering hours display. At the center is the large arrow-shaped indicator that rotates around the dial to display the minutes. Set on top of the minute arm is the slowly rotating hour disc, which indicates the hours via the centrally mounted indicator.

Details and finishing of the wandering hours display

The large minute arm is partly skeletonized and decorated with Côtes de Genève and polished chamfers. Sitting on top of it, the open-worked hour disc features a predominantly satin-brushed finish with some nice polished accents. The numerals on the hour disc are bright green, as are the indicators for the hours and minutes. Thanks to Super-LumiNova, these numerals and indicators all light up brightly in the dark. Lastly, the micro-sandblasted counterweight balances the axis and adds elegance to the arm’s overall shape.

The Super Black dial is not just a black disc. It also features raised CNC-engraved minute markers that encircle the shadows and catch the light that hits them. Additionally, the minute scale frames the large arm nicely, so it is not floating in nothingness. Overall, I love how CIGA Design has tackled the challenge of creating a simpler wandering hours display. Reading the time on the Time Cipher is easy and, thanks to its remarkable design, quite good fun.

The CD-08 caliber

Making all the magic possible is the newly developed CD-08 movement, based on the Miyota 9015. This automatic caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 24 jewels, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. The base movement is heavily customized before it gets the CD-08 designation. Most importantly, the team at CIGA Design reworked the caliber’s structure to support the wandering hours display. After extensive testing, the team found the proper structure to deliver stable performance that enables the unique rhythm of the display.

Final details and pricing

The two available versions of the CIGA Design Time Cipher both come with a black 22mm rubber strap that tucks nicely into cut-outs in the underside of the case. Additionally, it tapers to 20mm at the butterfly clasp and comes equipped with quick-release spring bars. From trying previous CIGA Design models, I know the straps are super flexible yet balance the watches nicely on the wrist, so I expect nothing less this time.

The two Time Cipher models are available now for US$899 on CIGA Design’s official website. Considering the work that the brand’s team must have put into developing the watch, that seems like a very fair price. I can’t wait to take the Time Cipher for a spin soon because I love how CIGA Design keeps pushing the boundaries of affordable watchmaking.

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