For nicely over a millennium, from the second century BCE till the mid-Fifteenth century, the Silk Highway related the lands of East and West. Commerce alongside this 6,400km route stretched from the Arabian Peninsula to jap Ch, branching alongside myriad secondary corridors, and aided by maritime routes that related bustling coastal ports from the Chinese language coast to the Mediterranean. The Silk Highway, whether or not traversed by land or sea, allowed for financial, cultural, political, and non secular change that might assist form the fashionable world. In its newest launch, the Collection U — Blue Planet II, CIGA Design emphasizes the lands related by this instrumental commerce route, executing the earth’s topography with a degree of element by no means seen earlier than, luminous markers and compass rose, and providing the choice of a brand new case crafted from recycled titanium.
Initially launched in 2019, the CIGA Design Blue Planet showcased a design and time-telling system in contrast to something seen earlier than. The idea itself appears easy — place a rotating mannequin of the earth on the heart of the dial so it might rotate all through the day as a relentless reminder of our place on this pale blue dot. A easy idea, however integrating a time-telling operate that avoids using conventional arms and depends solely on the compass rose to point each hours and minutes—now that’s a problem. Recognizing the audacity of this problem, in 2021 the Blue Planet I gained the Le Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Problem Prize. Whereas this award could be a significant coup for any model contemplating that GPHG is usually known as the Oscars of watchmaking, it was particularly candy for CIGA Design, because it represented the primary time in historical past a Chinese language watch model had gained the award.
The Blue Planet II is an evolution, moderately than a revolution, within the mannequin’s design. Although the visible affect of the watch stays the identical, CIGA Design has made various enhancements, each aesthetic and purposeful, that improve the sporting expertise, together with an improved motion, much more detailed topographic aid on the earth’s landmasses, and adjustments to the case to enhance performance and luxury.
On the coronary heart of the Blue Planet II is the earth itself, the azure seas of the Indian Ocean surrounded by silvery landmasses, the continents displayed in all their topographical selection — from low-lying forests to the towering spires of the Himalayas. The superior CNC micro-engraving methods required to signify the earth in its gorgeous glory take a whole lot of hours of machining work however in the end produce micro-sculpture artwork. Enhanced visibility of Blue Planet II’s artistry is made doable by an optimized curvature between the Earth’s sphere and the sapphire crystal, which itself transitions seamlessly into the case.
The spherical earth on the dial, whereas eye-catching, is rather more than only a ornamental component, it’s a part of the timekeeping itself. Because the earth rotates, its compass rose acts as each an hour and minutes arms, a feat made doable by CIGA Design’s groundbreaking Asynchronous Comply with-up Know-how, whereby the outer hour disc stays static whereas the minutes disc rotates 390 levels for each 30 levels of motion of the hours/minutes hand on the compass rose. It’s a wild technique to inform the time, however surprisingly intuitive. For this up to date launch, CIGA Design has enlarged the indices by 105% and added luminescent materials to the Arabic numerals on the hour and minutes ring, together with a luminous compass rose.
Although the dial and time-telling mechanism are the eye grabbers, the identical care and a spotlight have been put into crafting a case that might be comfy and ergonomic. The Blue Planet II is obtainable in each metal and a brand new case crafted, appropriately, from recycled titanium and polished to an unbelievable high-luminosity end. The sleek curves of the strains and lug-less design permit the blue fluoro rubber strap to combine seamlessly into the case. The strap is versatile, antibacterial, extremely sturdy, and is provided with a butterfly double-push clasp.
The motion on the Blue Planet II has obtained no much less consideration, with CIGA Design spending three years in analysis and growth, evaluating over 100 motion designs, to lastly arrive on the high-stability gear prepare that drives the watch’s asynchronous-follow motion. To make sure that every watch that’s shipped to its new proprietor is working flawlessly, the actions are subjected to 2 14-day simulated put on assessments, one earlier than meeting and one after manufacturing. His consideration to element and exacting regulation signifies that you’ll get correct, high-precision time-keeping. The motion stays seen behind a show caseback that contains a commemorative GPHG engraving that acknowledges the watch’s achievement.
The Blue Planet II is available in an upgraded e-book field that not solely homes the watch but in addition a curated e-book detailing the last decade of growth of the Blue Planet and the message of “Solely One Earth” repeated in 100 languages. CIGA Design describes it as a name to motion for our shared residence. The Blue Planet II Luminous Version is accessible for $1,199 USD in metal and $1,399 USD in titanium and $1,999 USD within the gilding model. To study extra in regards to the CIGA Design and the Blue Planet II, please go to the model’s web site and Amazon retailer.
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