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If you ever thought that watchmaking has turned into a never-ending cycle of incremental updates and vintage reissues, then just take a look at CIGA design. One of the most forward-thinking watch brands on Earth (no pun intended), the Shenzhen-based firm not only became the first Chinese brand to win the Geneva Grand Prix back in 2021 but it did so with a timepiece unlike any we’d seen before. Making jaws drop with its literal interpretation of the world’s map for its dial, the Blue Planet is about as stunning as you can get. However, we also appreciate that CIGA has continued to evolve this concept considerably. In fact, the Moon Walker edition might be our favorite the brand has released so far.
While past CIGA models featured continents and oceans, the Moon Walker showcases a miniature version of the Moon that orbits our beautiful planet. Faithfully recreating the topography of the lunar surface by looking at NASA’s ultra-high-resolution imagery, the brand used 0.03mm CNC micro-engraving to include with incredible detail every crater, ridge, and sea.
Specifically inspired by the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the Moon Walker includes specific design cues both obvious and subtle. Instead of a traditional hand, CIGA opts for a miniature astronaut appearing to float along the hour and minute tracks underneath the domed sapphire crystal. There’s also a cool hidden footprint that pays homage to Armstrong’s first step on the Sea of Tranquility. Achieved through ultra-fine 0.01mm Nano Laser Micro-engraving, this footprint can only be seen under 10x magnification. Lastly, Armstrong’s iconic words can be found etched on the caseback: “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Like the Blue Planet models, the Moon Walker also sports a single-hand display that moves along the stationary hour ring while the inner minute ring rotates clockwise to match up. Housed in a lug-less high-gloss titanium case measuring 46mm across, it’s powered by the Swiss-made CD-09 automatic caliber that’s been modified with CIGA’s Asynchronous-Follow Tech. Lastly, the watch is adorned with a black fluororubber strap.
Priced at $1,699, the Moon Walker is currently available from CIGA design’s website.
