CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon Blends Chinese Watchmaking With Thoughtful Bauhaus Conception

Table of contents:

Chinese watchmaking meets Bauhaus design: Receiving a host of awards and recognised by GPHG in 2021 for the Blue Planet II Atlantic, it’s time to deep dive into our review of the CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon.

Summary

Challenging conventional watchmaking, the brand has received 16 international awards and countless German Red Dot Design awards.
Founded in 2016 by Zhang Jianmin, their unconventional, stripped back approach has paid dividends, culminating in taking home the GPHG Challenge Watch Prize, among more than 200 entrants, previously won by Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.
Based in Shenzhen, they can be found across 104 different countries with a customer base of more than 200,000; this follows on from the original Z Hunter collection, launched in 2025.
With identity, perspective and character a driving force behind each model, there’s a tonneau-shaped case which frames an open-worked movement, placing intricate mechanics at the heart of the design with the tourbillon adding technical intrigue.
Catapulting Chinese craftsmanship to the fore, other highlights include 316L stainless steel, grade 5 titanium case, 72 hours of power reserve, twin mainspring barrels and a hand-wound in-house movement.

It may be the end of summer. And with the UK experiencing a sixth heatwave this year, there’s no time to waste when it comes to new releases.

Turning up the heat is not the usual suspects from Geneva, like Vacheron Constantin or the beast from Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet. Rather, we are heading to China to examine to see if they can cut their timekeeping teeth with the best.

And you may be pleasantly surprised.

With dedicated in-house calibre, conceptualised skeletonisation and Bauhaus inspiration, here’s our review of the CIGA Design Hunter Tourbillon. Only a decade since their inception and with a GPHG award under their belt, how do they stack up?

It’s time to find out…

Hunter Series - Everything You Need To Know

Michael Rosen may have written the iconic tale “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” in 1989. But this is an altogether different story. In fact, there’s something refreshingly unapologetic about the CIGA Design Hunter range.

Part of the Edge Collection, the philosophy is simple but effective.

Nothing To Hide

Their objective, as explained in their slogan “Stand Out By Design” is to stand out rather than follow the familiar language of traditional watchmaking; they take a more architectural approach, treating the mechanical movement as an essential part of the design rather than something to be concealed.

Placing mechanical creativity at its core, it does not conceal or concern itself with anything. All the gears and layers expose what lies beneath, something that goes deeper than a Rolex Sea-Dweller (well, almost)

PEOPLE ALSO READ: Should You Still Buy A Rolex Sea-Dweller In 2026?

Transcending time and structure, it is a no-nonsense approach to craftsmanship, full of honesty and to the point. It goes against the horological grain to a certain degree, not chasing symbols of timekeeping status like a Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Rather, it is held aloft as a symbol for those enthusiasts who appreciate and are fascinated by structure, functionality, wrist presence and, most importantly, exposed structure. This is what the brand wants to instil, ensuring maximum impactfulness and an entry point into Ciga design.

Look, it may have a slight whiff of Richard Mille about its framework, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The model’s distinctive tonneau-shaped case immediately sets it apart. Its sculptural proportions, sharp lines and open-worked construction create a sense of movement even when the timepiece is standing still.

Through the skeletonised dial, bridges, gears and other components are placed on display, transforming the passage of time into a visual performance. This emphasis on transparency is central to the Hunter’s character. It feels less like a conventional timepiece and more like a piece of contemporary mechanical sculpture.

Falcon series

We like their willingness to experiment with form, materials and movement, demonstrating a broader philosophy of challenging established ideas about what a modern timepiece should represent.

For enthusiasts accustomed to traditional round cases and understated dials, the Hunter offers a striking alternative for less, akin to my review of the Blackout XP1 Tourbillon. It is expressive without relying on excessive ornamentation, allowing its engineering and structure to become the principal decoration.

Vector collection

Ultimately, the Hunter collection captures the modern zeitgeist of contemporary independent watchmaking: technically ambitious, visually daring, and designed for those who want a wrist-worthy statement piece.

Here’s what to expect below in this particular series. Perhaps like Lady Gaga’s infamous song, the brand might just be on the “Edge Of Glory”.

Hunter Steel

Presented in Silver, Carbon, Gold and Black, cutting edge mechanics combine with refined sophistication, resulting in a bold execution that evokes the hunter-like spirit.

There’s a three-layered octagonal case, 316L stainless steel with DLC coating that has corrosion resistance. Home to CD-07, every movement takes 90 days to manufacture with a 30 day wrist simulation to ensure precision and 200% more clarity, compared to normal skeleton watches.

Other highlights include an H-link bracelet with quick release spring bars, scratch resistant sapphire crystal and double-push button clasp for optimal discretion

Hunter Vintage

Presented in Sand, Rose and Brown Gold, warm tones dominate throughout with nods to the lustrous clock dials of times gone by.

Open work visual architecture takes centre stage again while there’s 50 metres of water resistance, three layer tonneau case, polished chamfers and a lugless form.

Not just a special occasion watch, it’s composed of 316L stainless steel. There’s a slim profile with a compact rotor in 120°, micro-sandblasted surfaces, emanating rich metallic accents and a grooved crown, delivering added depth and rich tones, stretching from the case to the clasp.

Hunter Automatic Titanium

Retaining its skeletonised layout, calibre CD-07 and three layered octagonal shape, this version is a more refined version by way of its material. Clean and made from grade 5 titanium, it is robust, versatile and has a lugless appearance for a truly ergonomic experience.

This variation has a blend of micro-blasted surfaces and polished chamfers, enhancing a defined look, with curved sapphire crystal allowing an even closer gaze into the openworked structure.

Pulsating at 4Hz, there is a 40 hour power reserve, polished bridge edges and signature KE-efficient rotor.

Vector

Brimming with energetic adventure, this is their equivalent of the TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton. Introduced in May 2026, it is embedded with avant-garde influences and composed of titanium, carbon fibre and steel.

Housing calibre CD-02X, there are blasted plates, layered bezels and chamfered bridges. Presented on a fluororubber strap, there is domed sapphire crystal, 50 metres of water resistance and an openworked back to front case encompassing more than 50%.

With gentle interplay of light and shadow alongside nods to speedometers around the bezel, the unique circular base plate has inherent scale, carrying sixty gear-shaped teeth mark minute and second positions.

Falcon

Soaring in to complete this series, this execution is on full display, thanks to its front to back case design with Micro-sandblasted surfaces, polished accents, and chamfered surfaces providing contrast and stealth-like accuracy.

Measuring 43.5mm, there are openworked lugs that go hand in hand with symmetrical crown guards in a vertical satin grain, offering balance and interest.

Sharper and more exposed, it is a tactile piece with raised, heat hardened mineral glass, polished numerals and selected markers in bold

Hunter Collection - At A Glance

Personality Of The CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon

There are those that follow trends…and then there are some who set them.

Personally, we may have found a rare trend setter in an ever increasingly packed horological landscape. Why do I say that? Well, the Chinese are stepping out of the shadow cast by the Swiss, resulting in what might possibly be one of the boldest tourbillon watches in its category.

With high-end case construction, made from grade 5 titanium, with its tantalising shifts between restraint and mechanical depth, there’s much to admire from this brand that was only founded ten years previous.

Measuring 47.45mm x 12.4mm, in terms of size, this may be bordering on Panerai territory. Yet what it lacks in subtlety is counterbalanced by its slimness.

For some perspective, although it is 0.45mm thinner than a 2026 Longines Legend Diver in stainless steel (L3.795.4.59.9) it is 0.95mm bigger than an IWC Big Pilot Ref. 52110

PEOPLE ALSO READ: Top IWC Watches To Buy And Invest in 2026

Mind you, it is one complex beauty. That goes without saying.

There’s more drama going on than a Donald Trump press conference. But who is going to front them now after Karoline Leavitt left the White House? That being said, we don’t deal in fake news. The facts are, this is a far cry from the archetypal stereotypes associated with Chinese watchmaking.

With a lug to lug of 47.5mm, the silhouette is striking, accompanied by polished facets, micro-sandblasted surfaces, restrained chamfers and matt blue accents on the bridges, showing dynamism and modernity.

There are three variations to choose from, namely Blue, Carbon and Silver with a choice of a fluoroubber strap or titanium bracelet, offering versatility. There is lots of definition from the hooded lugs while the lack of rotor means both front and back are fully on view.

Polished chamfers outline the inner and outer bridge edges, not to mention the jewels and cutouts with a higher contrast. Strong and light, there are polished ridges and a lugless profile, which is a big tick for many wearers looking for something different.

Not quite as shiny to end up in Jake Paul’s collection, or as reflective as the Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror, but nonetheless, still imposing.

There are eight openworked cutouts which divide the case up nicely that blend into the 60 second tourbillon located at 6. This has been framed carefully, adding spatial property in abundance with excellent visibility given this a complete skeleton framework.

We like the transparent, syringe shaped hands, again giving clarity and readability that can also be seen via the minutes scale. Angular markers have been given the polished treatment, found at 12, 3 and 9 respectively.

Other points to note include;

Eleven polished hour markers
Dark green Swiss Super-Luminova enhancing legibility
50 metres of water resistance
H-link bracelet (Grade 2 titanium) with quick-release fluororubber strap
Double push butterfly clasp

Official Specs - CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon

Did You Know?

They utilise a market-leading Super Black Coating light-absorbing pigment that achieves a 99% plus absorption rate, seen on the CIGA design x Label Noir Black Star with its non-reflective central dial.

Caliber CD-011

Inside the CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon beats Calibre CD-011, specifically developed by the brand in-house.

This manual-winding skeleton tourbillon has a number of advantages. Firstly, there are twin barrels, designed to improve power delivery and extend or stabilise the available power reserve.

Instead of relying on a single mainspring barrel, these types of watches use two barrels, working together to store and release energy. Next up is the visual theatre on display that can be viewed throughout the entire case.

Its drama, worthy of a William Shakespeare play.

Note the half dozen skeletonized bridges that form the backbone of this timepiece with their cutouts bearing resemblance to hunting style blades. And it’s here where they have left their mark.

Beating at 4Hz, this is a dedicated movement that has been created by the brand with 26 jewels, a daily accuracy of -10 to +20 s/day and 72 hours power reserve. Sure. it’s not COSC certification by any means, which you would normally find from Rolex or Breitling.

PEOPLE ALSO READ: The Top 12 Most Popular Breitling Watches For Men

However, it is a self-developed movement both on the front and back with an organised way of showcasing the tourbillon. Everything is well-positioned with an insightful look into the inner workings, whether viewed from the front or back with brushed skeleton bridges, acting as an ideal outline for essential gear train elements.

If you want a focal point, this is it.

Official Movement Specs

Where Can You Buy A CIGA Design Hunter Tourbillon?

Presented in Blue, Carbon and Silver on a grade 2 titanium bracelet, you can purchase one for;

1,999 USD
1,480 GBP (Approximately)
1730 EUR (Approximately)

Further details can be found on their official website. Alternatively, if you want to discuss owning one, do not hesitate to contact us

Prices correct August 2026

What’s Our View?

First off, a fully in-house tourbillon movement that’s skeletonised is no mean feat to pull off. And for only around £1,500. There’s no denying that Chinese watchmaking is on the up and up.

Take for example Atelier Wen who I have covered in depth. A Sino-French brand who have taken the independent scene by storm, focusing on China's heritage and architecture, encapsulated in their scintillating dials, from the Inflection to the Millesime Mu, with hand-turned guilloché dials and Grand Feu enamel.

And they’ve teamed up with major Swiss brands for their movements including Pequignet and Girard Perregaux. And although Seagull developed the first mechanical watch from China in 1955, it does not detract from their effort to enhance their country's technical prowess and Haute Horlogerie.

To be frank, this brand here is not riding on the coattails of others.

In our humble view, the CIGA Design Hunter Tourbillon has plenty to excite modern enthusiasts. They may be disruptors in a somewhat crowded space. But a distinctive collection identity, openworked mechanics, signature tonneau case and weekend-proof power reserve make this an excellent proposition.

Plus, they have been endorsed by Nico Leonard. What more do you want? And yes, their watches are a proper conversation starter! The Moonwalker and Blue Planet speak volumes. This is someone to be taken seriously, especially when they have been bestowed a prestigious GPHG honour by the industry creme de la creme.

They appeal to those who want an alternative to traditional Swiss luxury timepieces. Their combination of artistic design, mechanical engineering, tangibility and innovation does make them an interesting alternative in what’s fast becoming a crowded microbrand watch market.

Conclusion

If you know your beans, there now appears to be a growing tide of craftsmanship, quality and complications, hailing from China. And they are bringing it to the table.

And at a far more accessible price point when looking to buy a watch with a tourbillon, compared to the likes of Jaeger Le Coultre or perpetual calendars from A. Lange & Söhne. Unlike the 2026 UK drought, there doesn’t seem to be any shortage of talent coming from the Orient.

This is precisely what makes the CIGA design Hunter Tourbillon so enticing.

Besides, their creative timekeeping juices are making the Swiss stand up and take notice…at least for a fraction of a second anyway. When many are turning back the clock to reinvent the wheel, this brand has originality at its core.

While they are not quite making a dent into usual consumer spending towards top Swiss luxury watch brands, the horological tides are turning with an all-encompassing package, award-winning reputation, “Nothing to Hide” brand ethos and forward thinking design language that’s definitely worth a second look.

The hunt is very much on…

Discover, hunt, buy, sell

Images: Unless otherwise specified

CIGA Design

Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter

If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

Compare Offers from the world's most reputable luxury watch retailers.

Save Time.

Save Money.

Personalised Service.

Hassle-Free.

Looking To Buy A Watch?

Looking To Sell A Watch?