CIGA Design Hunter Vintage: A New Warm Chapter for the Award-Winning Skeleton Watch

In the world of skeleton watches, it's rare to find a piece that balances technical spectacle with truly original design. CIGA Design has consistently proven that Chinese watchmaking goes far beyond budget alternatives, and its latest release, the Skeleton Automatic Hunter Vintage, continues that legacy with three warm metallic finishes that transform the character of one of its boldest collections. While the original Hunter leaned heavily into an industrial, futuristic aesthetic, the Hunter Vintage softens the look without sacrificing the aggressive architecture that made the collection stand out. The result is a timepiece that feels equally inspired by modern engineering and vintage machinery.

Three Colourways, Three Personalities

The Hunter Vintage arrives in three distinct finishes, each giving the skeletonised design its own identity. The Sand Gold is the brightest of the trio, pairing the openworked movement with a muted champagne tone that feels refined without becoming flashy. The Rose Gold offers the warmest appearance, adding an elegant edge to the sharply angular tonneau case. Finally, the Brown Gold delivers perhaps the strongest vintage feel, with earthy metallic tones contrasting beautifully against the exposed mechanics and green Super LumiNova accents. Despite their different personalities, all three retain the same sculptural design language that has become synonymous with the Hunter collection.

Skeletonisation Done Properly

Unlike many skeleton watches that simply remove material from a standard movement, the Hunter Vintage has been designed from the inside out around CIGA Design's self-developed CD07 automatic calibre. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement places its bridges in a distinctive X-shaped layout, allowing every wheel, jewel, and gear to become part of the visual experience. An efficient rotor system requires only a 120-degree swing to wind the movement, helping maximise energy within the compact architecture. The bridges receive a micro-blasted finish with polished chamfered edges, giving the watch an impressive interplay of textures that catches the light from almost every angle.

Modern Engineering Meets Everyday Wearability

Although visually dramatic, the Hunter Vintage has clearly been designed to be worn daily. The 43mm by 48mm three-layer tonneau case is crafted from micro-blasted 316L stainless steel, topped with a curved sapphire crystal and rated to 5 ATM water resistance. Four corner mounting points help absorb shocks, while the integrated H-link bracelet features a quick-release system for easier strap changes. Swiss Super LumiNova ensures the watch remains surprisingly legible once daylight disappears. It is an unapologetically modern watch, but one that appears considerably more wearable than many skeleton pieces attempting similar levels of visual impact.

Design Has Always Been CIGA Design's Calling Card

While some collectors still associate Chinese watchmaking primarily with affordability, CIGA Design has spent the last decade building a reputation around industrial design rather than price. The brand has amassed 17 international design awards, including Red Dot, iF Design, and German Design Awards. Perhaps most significantly, its groundbreaking Blue Planet won the Challenge Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2021, one of the industry's most prestigious accolades. The brand has also received multiple GPHG nominations across its collections, placing it alongside many of Switzerland's most respected manufacturers on the world's biggest stage for watchmaking design. That kind of recognition is difficult to dismiss as novelty. It reflects a brand that has consistently prioritised originality over imitation.

Specifications

Case: 316L Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 43mm × 48mm
Crystal: Curved Sapphire
Movement: CIGA Design CD07 Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 24
Power Reserve: 40 Hours
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Bracelet: 316L Stainless Steel H-Link
Colours: Sand Gold, Rose Gold, Brown Gold
Price: Around £450.00

Winding Things Up

Not long ago, Chinese watch brands were largely judged on how closely they could emulate Swiss icons at a fraction of the price. Today, brands like CIGA Design are carving out an entirely different reputation. Original design, proprietary movements, and international recognition are becoming the norm rather than the exception. The Hunter Vintage is another reminder that innovation does not have to come with a five-figure price tag. So here's the question: are Chinese watch brands beginning to overtake the Swiss not just on value for money, but on genuine design innovation? For an increasing number of collectors, the answer may no longer be as controversial as it once seemed. The CIGA Design Skeleton Automatic Hunter Vintage is available now in Sand Gold, Rose Gold, and Brown Gold directly from the brand.