by Tyler Frederick
Black on gold
Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this. I’m such a big fan of CIGA design, and having the chance to check out their previous Eye of Horus, Magician, and the recent review of the Edge Exploration, I’m always stoked to get their watches to see what “weird” they’re bringing to the table. I mean weird in the best way. Fun fact, they didn’t tell me they shipped the watch, so I just received a random DHL notification one day and sat eagerly waiting for this to arrive.
My last review for CIGA design was the Edge Exploration, a watch that I loved for its more “luxury” aesthetic, which was a nod to a luxury brand that has an extremely high price tag. The price vs. watch you get with the Edge Exploration is much, much better. I know it’s not about the price; it’s about the journey and how a watch makes you feel, but if we’re being honest, finding a great watch that doesn’t cost a lot is a part of the hobby too, which leads me to my next point.
On my wrist, literally as I speak (type, whatever), is the new CIGA design Hunter; the newest watch in their collection that features a skeleton dial with a similar vibe to the Edge Exploration, but with a more modern look, a more subtle use of gold, and a watch I deem the Edge Exploration’s newest evolution or bigger brother. So, let’s check out the Hunter.
Check out the Sheffield Allsport 1A 38 Pink Steel
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Check out the CIGA design Edge Exploration
A match made in metal heaven
As a metalhead, my closet consists mostly of black clothes with some colour in there, but it’s mainly darker shades of burgundy, navy, and grey. Basically, everything is dark in some way. I’ve spent so long trying to find that perfect blacked-out watch, but I’ve often found they look tacky, cheap, and just not good.
Now that I’ve had a chance to experience the Hunter, I’ve found not only a fantastic blacked-out watch but one that implements the use of gold so subtly. I just did the chef’s kiss gesture. I bought gold earrings just to pair with this watch. I’m serious. It’s true love.
Key Features of the CIGA design Hunter
Edge Exploration Evolution
As much as I loved the Edge Exploration, I found the all-gold crown guard and extension off the side of the case a bit much. Not so much gaudy, just a whole lot of gold that was a bit much for my overall tastes.
The Hunter feels like an evolution and a more refined take on the Edge Exploration that looks better, thinner, and sits so nicely on the wrist. It looks really damn good in photos and even better in person. I was actually expecting the silver variant, but they just released the “gold” version and sent it over, which is even cooler.
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The story you’re about to hear…
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, but shorter: comfort zone for sizing 36-38 mm. I couldn’t help but laugh typing that. Have you heard that audio on Instagram, “The story you’re about to hear has been told before…a lot. And now I’m going to tell it again…but different”? So dumb and funny, but it definitely sums up my rambling in my write-ups.
Anywho, the Hunter measures 43 mm in diameter with a 48 mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of 12.1 mm. This watch is a great example of “don’t judge a piece based on the spec sheet.” When the Hunter was released, I took the time to check out its specs and found the size to be a bit daunting, but it was still a watch I wanted to check out. When it arrived and I sized it for my 6.5-inch wrist, I was pleasantly surprised.
Yes, there is definitely some stature and presence on my wrist, but not in a negative way. The construction of the watch compensates for the overall sizing, and having the watch with tighter diameter to lug-to-lug tolerances makes this very wearable. It doesn’t feel that large at all. It feels balanced, not top-heavy; the 22mm bracelet adds more structure. It’s just a great watch to wear. Does it go with everything in my closet? Yes. Yes, it does. Which makes it more intriguing to just grab and go.
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A look inside
I don’t think I can express how much I love this dial. Say what you want about skeletonized dials; of course, there are some really bad ones, but the dial on the Hunter is mesmerizing. Just look at it. CIGA design has constructed a dial that not only shows their in-house calibre CD-07 movement beautifully, but in a way that looks like art.
The accents of gold and white contrasting on the matte black bridges and chamfers are a sight to behold, and the silver of the movement glistening through creates a spectacle of glistening goodness that makes my heart light up. I truly love this dial, and I think CIGA design does a phenomenal job with their skeleton dials, and all is encapsulated beneath this curved arch of sapphire crystal.
The back of the watch is an even better view of the CD-07, featuring its engraved anchor rotor and an even better view of the movement construction. I know many aren’t fans of open case backs, but with a watch like this, it’s a part of the show. It’s so cool to see each component moving and doing its job, and the anchor rotor allows for more to be seen and admired.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 43mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 12.1mm Thick 22mm Lug Width 30m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Arched Sapphire Crystal Black Skeletonized |
| Movement | CIGA design in-house CD-07 Automatic 24-jewel 28,800vph/3hz 40-hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Steel Bracelet |
CIGA design Hunter
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Quibbles
The most obvious issue I have is the size, but that’s been a trend across most of the CIGA design watches I’ve reviewed. If it were in my 36-38 range, that would be sweet, but that wouldn’t happen. If it were 40-41, I feel this would be even more comfortable and probably suit more collectors, but at the same time, I feel that would take away from the overall aesthetic of the Hunter, so this “quibble” is kind of redundant.
On another note, the lack of water resistance isn’t much of a surprise, but at the same time, I would really appreciate it if that 30m rating went up to 50m or even 100m. I’d probably wear this even more if that were the case.
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Final Thoughts
The CIGA design Hunter is probably the most complete watch I’ve experienced from the brand. It’s an evolution of an already iconic design that makes it more approachable and has a very luxurious feel to it.
If it were smaller, I think I would love it even more, but since that wouldn’t be possible based on its overall premise and construction, the Hunter is a great watch. Automatic, unique design that’s reminiscent of a certain high-end brand without the high-end price tag, and it’s just fun to wear; it doesn’t get more simple than that. For more information, please check out CIGA design.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts and opinions on another watch! Have a fantastic morning, afternoon or evening, wherever you’re reading from, and I’ll see you in the next one!
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About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
Check out these other articles from Tyler:
Tone & Time – The Misha Mansoor Interview
Pulsar P2 2900 vs Hamilton PRS
30th Anniversary Casio G-SHOCK DW-6900TR
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.