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In our line of work, we see a lot of watches. And almost every time we encounter a skeletonized dial automatic, we can rightfully assume that it’s well over the $1,000 mark. However, the latest release from Chinese brand CIGA design might very well be the first time we’ve seen an openworked automatic timepiece for $500 — let alone one that looks this good. Let’s take a closer look at the Round Automatic Falcon Skeleton Watch.
CIGA Is the One the Beat
CIGA’s history dates back to 2016 but it was 2021 when the world was put on notice. For the first time ever, it wasn’t a Swiss or Japanese brand that won the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, but this up-and-coming Shenzhen-based watchmaker.
Its category-bending Blue Planet model still holds as one of the most unique pieces on the market, but CIGA hasn’t rested on its laurels. Lately, the brand has put out some of its best ever, with the lunar-inspired Moon Walker or the Year of the Horse Tourbillon that uses literal floating diamonds as hands. By comparison, the Falcon Skeleton is actually surprisingly straightforward.
The Falcon Automatic Skeleton
Available in either carbon- or silver-colored 316L stainless steel, the Falcon sports a 43.5mm classic round case with a graduated 60-minute bezel and mere 9.5mm thickness, but gets its aggressive, angular aesthetic from the bold lugs. Taking the skeleton concept even further, these lugs are also openworked for a cohesive look. Likewise, the hour and minute hands feature a skeletonized design, with green-glowing Super-LumiNova tips at night.
Not only can you see the self-developed Caliber CD-02 automatic movement from the front of the watch, underneath the anti-reflective mineral crystal, but you’re able to see all the way through for 100% transparency as though time itself is being suspended.
Boasting a 4Hz beat rate and 40 hours of power reserve, the movement’s interior components, along with the dial, have been micro-sandblasted and chamfered to match the color of the respective case as well. Meanwhile, certain elements like the balance wheel and second hand are gold-plated.
Lastly, the matching stainless steel bracelet sports the same handsome micro-sandblasting finish. Given a quick-release mechanism, the band gets a hidden push-button clasp to improve comfort and versatility to the wearer.
Spec Sheet
Model: Round Automatic Skeleton Watch Falcon
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Case Size: 43.5mm
Case Thickness: 9.5mm
Movement: CIGA Caliber CD-02 automatic
Water Resistance: 50m
Bracelet: Stainless steel
Price: $499
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $499, the Round Automatic Skeleton Watch Falcon is now available from CIGA design’s website.
Recap
CIGA design Round Automatic Skeleton Watch Falcon
CIGA design takes its unorthodox watchmaking expertise and applies it to a rare skeletonized automatic model that’s one of the best we’ve seen, let alone for just $500.
