CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – For many years, I have been a watch collector, with mechanical automatic watches being my preference and dominating my collection with the exception of my smartwatches. Earlier this year, CIGA Design sent me their Z-Series Mechanical Titanium Watch and I loved it, so I am so happy that they have now followed up by sending me this CIGA Design J Series Zen Karesansui Mechanical Timepiece to test and review.
What is it?
The CIGA Design J Series Zen Karesansui Mechanical Timepiece is designed to enhance the experience of flowing time, meditation, and Zen. It features three clock hands that cross in a countless number of permutations to form various captivating visual effects. The long minute and second hands are equal in length and span across the entire dial. Together, they cross at varying times to form different visual patterns and symmetrical X-shapes.
What’s in the box
1 x CIGA Design J Series Zen Karesansui Mechanical Timepiece
1 x Stainless Steel Watch Band
1 x Silicone Watch Band
I x Presentation box with Printed Instructions
1 x Watch Band Adjustment Tool
Design and features
Specifications
Features:
On the front of the watch, there is an all-silver face with watch hands that extend to almost the entire diameter of the watch. The inner mechanical design is visible in the center, and there is a red reflective material on the edges of the minute and hour watch hands. CIGA Provides two watch bands. (The Stainless Steel band is shown below)
This next photo shows the watch’s exposed mechanical design from the back.
The watch bands come with a spring clip for easy installation and removal.
Performance
The intention Zen of CIGA’s design:
CIGA J Series consists of three layers which can be interpreted in many ways, each one making us feel at peace and with greater purpose through the course of time.
The Physical Design Concept:
“The three clock hands cross in a countless number of permutations to form various captivating visual effects.
The long minute and second hands are equal in length and span across the entire dial. Together, they cross at varying times to form different visual patterns and symmetrical X-shapes that are a joy to behold and are highly recognizable at a glance.
The red hour hand is a representation of ‘I’ – it is symbolic of the individual’s presence in the external world, while simultaneously pursuing deeper internal meaning. The ‘I’ hand floats gracefully above the core layer of the CIGA J Series, completely in tune with its essential self.“
The Stainless Steel watchband is easy to adjust using the included tool, and whichever band you decided to use, it easily clips into place via the included spring-loaded watch pins.
The following is a video of the watch movement from the back and the front:
What I like
- The build quality including the weight
- The design and look
- The included watch bands
What I’d change
- Make the effective color on the watch hands a bit brighter for eyes that are getting older 🙂
Final thoughts
Ever since I received my first CIGA Design watch, I have been a fan. While every watch design is subject to personal preference, those who like the sleek, edgy look and the automatic mechanical functionality, will love this watch. I think the look is timeless, and once again I give CIGA a well done and two thumbs up!!
Price: $369 (Super Early Bird Special), $399 (Early Bird Special), $429 (Kickstarter Price), $529 (MSRP)
Where to buy: CIGA Design Kickstarter Page
Source: The sample for this review was provided by CIGA Design.
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Looks really cool. I also have an old model from CIGA. Works great.