Presented by
Each year around this time, we’re greeted with a wave of products across all industries to honor the zodiac animal that represents the current Chinese New Year. But among the seemingly endless offerings, from sneakers to clothing to everything in between, very few come from a Chinese brand itself, let alone one as impressive as CIGA design.
Just in time for the 2026 Lunar New Year, CIGA takes its Central Tourbillon Watch and implements design elements for the Year of the Horse.
Who Is CIGA?
Founded a decade ago, CIGA design has come to revolutionize the watch industry simply by thinking outside of the box. Proving that quality timepieces don’t just have to come from Switzerland, Japan, or Germany, the Shenzhen-based firm already raked in well over a dozen awards before it became the first Chinese watchmaker to win the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève back in 2021 with its category-bending Blue Planet watch.
Showing no signs of slowing down since, it continues to wow enthusiasts with its thoughtfully-designed homages and approachable unorthodoxy, such as the lunar-inspired Moon Walker or the tribute to its minimal Time Cipher with its wandering hours display. With the Year of the Horse watch, it further shows us how superb its designs can be.
Horses and Diamonds
While other brands simply throw red colors at their products, CIGA gives its watch more meaningful elements. Starting with the Central Tourbillon Watch as its base, the Year of the Horse edition is a “composed scene rather than a simple symbol.” Sporting a minimalist design, the dial prominently features a sculpted 24K gilded horse at the bottom as the visual focal point. Shaped through traditional Chinese line engraving, the visage is inspired from Clerical Script calligraphy that dates back over 2,000 years.
Under the sapphire crystal, the hour and minutes are read via the Dual Diamond Hands, which are literal floating diamonds that glide along their respective orbits above the grooved dial. Indices are subtly placed on an outer chapter ring to preserve the minimalist aesthetic.
It’s all housed inside a 45.5 grade 5 titanium case that’s been black DLC coated and mirror polished. Titanium is preferred by countless watchmakers like CIGA for its lightweight build and corrosion resistance. Lastly, a black shell cordovan strap, known for its denseness and sheen, is affixed to the timepiece with a hidden butterfly clasp.
Tourbillon Technique
Powering the watch is the self-developed Caliber CD12-SI, a manual-winding tourbillon with over 38 hours of power reserve. It can be viewed through the exhibition caseback, around which is the engraved edition number of this timepiece out of 199. Unlike your standard tourbillon, which places the regulator at the bottom of the dial, CIGA’s version showcases the mechanism at the center, finished with a micro-sandblasted base plate, chamfered edges, and sunray-brushed gears.
Spec Sheet
Model: Central Tourbillon Watch: Year of the Horse
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium (black DLC + mirror polish)
Case Size: 45.5mm
Case Thickness: 13.35mm
Movement: In-house Caliber CD-12-SI manual-winding
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap: Shell cordovan with hidden butterfly clasp
Limited Edition?: Yes, 199
Price: $2,699
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $2,699, the Central Tourbillon Watch Year of the Horse is now available from CIGA design’s website. It’s limited to just 199 pieces.
Recap
CIGA design Central Tourbillon Year of the Horse Watch
CIGA Design, the first Chinese watchmaker to win the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, just dropped a Lunar New Year limited edition of their Central Tourbillon Watch featuring a 24K gold sculpted horse, floating diamond hands, and a black titanium case.
