CIGA Design’s newly unveiled Blue Planet II Atlantic immediately turns heads—not just for its striking dial, but for the quietly inventive way it rethinks time-telling. Rooted in the brand’s forward-thinking DNA, this edition offers both mechanical intrigue and globe-spanning aesthetic appeal.
A Brand That Designs to Be Different
Since its debut, CIGA Design has pursued a singular principle: stand out, by design. This ethos earned them a GPHG Challenge Watch Prize in 2021 for the original Blue Planet, and they continue to iterate thoughtfully within that same framework. The Blue Planet II Atlantic joins a lineage that translates planetary motifs into wearable art, now centering on the Atlantic Ocean—a region loaded with historical and cultural resonance.
Technical Poetry in Motion
At the heart of the Atlantic edition is CIGA’s Asynchronous-Follow Movement, a homage to sundials reinterpreted through modern watchmaking. The fixed compass rose on the dial remains stationary, while a rotating minute ring completes a 390° sweep and the hour ring moves just 30°, both meeting at the reference point to register the time. The proprietary Calibre CD-04-E automatic runs at 21,600 vph, delivers a 40-hour power reserve and keeps time within –15/+30 s/day. Encased in either 46 mm of polished stainless steel or recycled titanium, and housed under a curved sapphire crystal, the watch measures a robust 17.05 mm thick and offers 3 ATM water resistance. It arrives on a 22 mm blue fluororubber strap with a butterfly clasp—practical, sporty, and coherent with the dial’s oceanic theme.
A Timepiece That Speaks to the Explorer in You
This watch isn’t for the stealth collector—it’s for the wearer who embraces stories. The dial’s CNC-engraved landmasses—the Rockies, Andes, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean—are rendered with topographical detail and a strong sense of place. It suits a curious wearer—someone with a passport, an appreciation for design, and a penchant for mechanical conversation pieces. While telling time is not instantaneous, the learning curve adds to its charm. The lumed compass and minute/hour tracks offer low-light legibility, reinforcing the sense that this is an object both beautiful and usable.
Closing Thought—A Watch with Depth and Intention
The Blue Planet II Atlantic may not redefine watchmaking, but it deepens it—melding narrative, craft, and concept into something earnest and intriguing. Pricing starts at US $1,199 for stainless steel and US $1,399 for titanium. It’s available now through CIGA Design’s official channels. In a landscape often crowded by homage, this one offers authenticity—a gentle reminder that timepieces can still surprise.
And honestly, seeing the world turning on your wrist is the kind of poetry that only a true watch enthusiast can fully appreciate. If you are looking for something that bold, check out Tusenö’s SuperVintage as well as MING’s 37.02 Monolith !
