8 Key Questions to Discover the Essence of CIGA design
Introduction：
In the global watch market, CIGA design has rapidly risen to prominence with its bold innovation and exquisite craftsmanship. This article delves into how the brand maintains a harmonious blend of design, quality, and sustainability, earning international acclaim as a pioneer in contemporary watch.
1. Innovation and Design
1.1 How does CIGA design balance innovation with customer appeal?
CIGA design has found a unique balance between innovation and customer appeal. We deeply cherish the mechanical artistry that has been refined over 200 years of watchmaking history, and while we do not wish to abandon its essence, we also strive to go beyond mere tradition. Our aesthetic philosophy merges contemporary minimalist design with mechanical aesthetics, continuously pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design with avant-garde concepts. At the same time, we uphold the universal value of "design equality," making mechanical watches accessible as artful accessories for everyone, not just a privileged few.
In our view, the essence of a watch in today's world is that of a fashion accessory, rather than a simple timekeeping tool. As advocates of mechanical artistry and aesthetics, CIGA design is dedicated to creating a third category of watches that blend fashion, personality, and professionalism through original design. The path of innovation is undoubtedly an adventure filled with courage and imagination. However, through thorough market research and customer feedback, we understand consumer needs and preferences, enabling us to strike the optimal balance between innovation and customer appeal.
Our goal is to attract forward-thinking customers with our continuous design innovation while maintaining a perfect blend of high-quality and affordable pricing. We firmly believe that design is a sharp blade that can overcome obstacles and drive the brand forward.
1.2 How does CIGA design approach watch design and aesthetics for a global market?
CIGA design consistently adheres to original design as its driving force, standing out in the market with a minimalist yet aesthetically pleasing design language. Our design team, composed of internationally renowned designers, is dedicated to seamlessly integrating cutting-edge design concepts with traditional craftsmanship. To ensure our products meet the aesthetic preferences of consumers in different regions, we conduct in-depth market research and cultural studies.
Globally, we have participated in major watch exhibitions and design competitions, earning 17 international awards and enhancing our brand's influence. Influenced by Bauhaus principles, our designs follow "less is more" and "form follows function," redefining watch design with a minimalist contemporary style. We transcend traditional watchmaking constraints, focusing on watches as artistic accessories for personal expression and unique style.
We strive for "design equality," making high-end watches accessible to all, allowing everyone to appreciate the mechanical artistry developed over centuries. Believing in the beauty of mechanical art, our dual-side skeleton design is a core aesthetic feature, with our Series R, Series Z, and Series X receiving high market recognition.
Meanwhile, we continuously refine our movement technology to ensure our products are impeccable in appearance, performance, and quality. The evolution of CIGA design's movements from CD01 to CD08 represents significant technological advancements and innovative breakthroughs. Each generation enhances watch performance and showcases our exceptional capabilities in mechanical design and watchmaking craftsmanship. These movements undergo rigorous quality inspections, including extended timekeeping tests and stability tests under various extreme conditions, ensuring each watch withstands the test of time.
Our goal is to establish a unique position in the global market through relentless innovation and superior quality, demonstrating the true power of Chinese creativity. With our distinctive design philosophy and superb craftsmanship, CIGA design has successfully captured the attention of the global market.
1.3 How does Ciga prioritize and invest in R&D? What innovations may be coming next?
CIGA design places a high priority on R&D investment, with a dedicated team driving innovation. We believe that continuous R&D is key to standing out in a competitive market and meeting evolving consumer needs.
A prime example of our R&D commitment is the creation of the "Blue Planet." We began with a bold question: "Why must a watch have three hands? Can it be simplified to two, or even one?" This question sparked the concept design of the "Blue Planet" and initiated a lengthy exploration process.Throughout this journey, we went through multiple R&D stages and countless improvements. Ultimately, we revolutionized the escapement structure principles of Swiss watches, creating the unique [Asynchronous Follow-up Technology]. This innovation not only won us the 2021 GPHG Award but also earned the "Blue Planet" a place in the permanent collection of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva. This achievement showcases our exceptional capabilities in R&D and design.
Looking ahead, CIGA design will continue to explore innovative designs and new materials in mechanical watches. We plan to collaborate with renowned international studios and designers to launch groundbreaking products that push the boundaries of aesthetics and technology. Our goal is to integrate cutting-edge materials and techniques from various industries, including aerospace technology, into watchmaking. Through ongoing R&D investment and innovative exploration, CIGA design is committed to establishing a unique and leading brand image in the global market.
2. Branding and Communication
2.1 How does CIGA design approach marketing and branding to communicate its unique selling points?
CIGA design actively leverages social media platforms, particularly collaborating with renowned influencers and media. For instance, our partnership with Nico Leonard, a major YouTube influencer with nearly 2 million followers, helps us precisely reach our target audience and enhance brand influence. Collaborations with well-known brands, such as Japan's TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE and the upcoming co-branded series with Black Label, further highlight our artistic value and fashion sense.
Offline, we partner with strong local distributors to host experiential events, building brand image and enhancing customer experience to promote localization. Collaborations with international designers and studios continuously introduce products with artistic value and innovative design, boosting our global influence. We integrate online promotion with offline activities, forming a comprehensive marketing network. Online, we conduct new product launches and crowdfunding campaigns; offline, we host experiential events and customer meetups to enhance engagement and interaction. We prioritize customer experience by offering excellent after-sales service and interaction, increasing brand loyalty through regular follow-ups and satisfaction surveys to continuously optimize our products and services.
Through precise market positioning and diverse marketing strategies, CIGA design effectively communicates our unique selling points and value propositions, winning widespread consumer recognition and affection.
Looking ahead, CIGA design will continue advancing our global strategy, deepening market penetration, and exploring new market opportunities. We will persist in original design and exceptional craftsmanship to meet global consumer expectations, establishing a unique and leading brand image.
2.2 Can you provide insights into CIGA design's growth both domestically and internationally?
CIGA design has harnessed the power of original design to transition from a domestic success story to a prominent player on the international stage. Domestically, we rank first in sales on e-commerce platforms, and we have also achieved significant growth in international markets. By establishing an extensive global sales network and actively participating in international exhibitions and design competitions, we have continuously enhanced our brand's visibility and influence. Our multi-channel promotion efforts, both online and offline, have successfully attracted a large and loyal customer base.
In 2024, we successfully implemented our Global 100-Country Strategy. This strategic expansion has been met with overwhelming success, as evidenced by our achievement of serving over 500,000 satisfied customers worldwide. CIGA design has gained popularity and recognition among consumers for its unique artistic design and exceptional craftsmanship. Our dedication to showcasing the beauty of mechanics has resonated globally, reinforcing our commitment to delivering outstanding value and service across diverse markets.
Whether in domestic or international markets, we remain committed to innovation and quality. By continually optimizing customer experience, we strengthen our brand's leadership position and ensure that we meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.
3. Quality and Sustainability
3.1 What steps does CIGA design take to ensure quality?
CIGA design implements a series of stringent quality control measures to ensure each product meets high-quality standards. From the selection of raw materials to every step of the production process, we rigorously monitor each watch to guarantee exceptional performance and durability. Our quality control process is divided into three main stages:
Incoming Quality Control (IQC): We conduct thorough inspections of all components to ensure each part meets our standards.
In-Process Quality Control (QC): We test the movements to standards no less stringent than those of Swiss watchmakers. This includes a four-sided static timekeeping test (4x48h) to ensure timekeeping stability and assembly precision. Additional tests include waterproofing, corrosion resistance, a 48-hour wear test, and high and low-temperature tests (-40°C to +70°C) to ensure the watch operates reliably in various environments.
Final Quality Control (QA): Before leaving the factory, each watch undergoes a final inspection, including movement tests and packaging checks, to ensure the final product is flawless.
Regarding materials and craftsmanship, most of our products use the same luminous coating as Swiss watches, ensuring clear readability in low-light conditions. The watch surfaces are coated with DLC plating, achieving a Vickers hardness of 600 for superior wear resistance. Most models feature sapphire glass, akin to Swiss watches, providing excellent scratch resistance. Notably, many of our case, surface, hand, and strap suppliers are also partners of Swiss watch brands, ensuring high standards of materials and craftsmanship. We collaborate with industry-leading suppliers to ensure all materials meet the highest quality and environmental standards.
Through these rigorous quality control measures, CIGA design ensures that each watch is not only visually striking but also impeccable in performance and durability.
3.2 How important is sustainability and ethical sourcing to Ciga's manufacturing process?
CIGA design places a high priority on sustainability and ethical sourcing, implementing measures to minimize environmental impact and ensure supply chain transparency and integrity. We work closely with suppliers to ensure their production processes meet our ethical standards, including fair labor conditions and environmental practices. All suppliers sign anti-bribery agreements to ensure transparency and integrity in our collaborations.
In product design, we uphold sustainable development principles. For instance, our Series U Blue Planet features cases made from recycled titanium, a more costly but environmentally friendly material that reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, packaging is a crucial part of our production process and a significant area where we can contribute to sustainability. All our product packaging materials are made from recycled or recyclable materials, with designs that are both minimalist and elegant, reflecting a premium feel while protecting the environment.
We are committed to extending the lifespan of our watches to reduce resource waste and environmental impact. By providing high-quality products and comprehensive after-sales services, CIGA design encourages consumers to use their watches for longer periods instead of frequently replacing them. Our repair and maintenance services not only prolong the lifespan of our watches but also enhance consumer loyalty to our brand.
Our watch strap materials are RoHS certified, and nearly all product materials are recyclable, further demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability. We believe that true corporate sustainability can only be achieved by fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities.
3.3 Can you discuss CIGA design's commitment to social responsibility and initiatives for the community and work culture?
CIGA design deeply understands the importance of corporate social responsibility and actively fulfills this duty in various ways. We are committed to reducing environmental impact through sustainable production methods, choosing eco-friendly materials, and ensuring that all supply chain processes meet ethical standards.
Our "Blue Planet" series was created to promote green design and environmental awareness in the face of global warming. The series advocates the message, "Care for our blue planet, from now on," urging everyone to protect our shared home. On the 52nd Earth Day, we partnered with the Earth Day Organization to launch an eco-friendly watch set, emphasizing our commitment to investing in the planet's protection.
For every Earth Day edition Blue Planet watch sold, we donate $25 to support their efforts in protecting our planet. At CIGA, we are dedicated to promoting green design and environmental protection through our actions.
At CIGA design, we believe that excellent design can shape our consciousness. By showcasing unique designs and inspirations, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and caring for our planet. Our contributions to sustainability are evident not only in our production and material choices but also in our commitment to promoting sustainable development.
Looking ahead, as technology advances and environmental awareness grows, CIGA design is determined to continue on the path of sustainability with even greater resolve.
