Lately in the news, there has been a lot more discourse about climate change. None of it has been good of course, as we (as a species) increasingly break more and more records each year: The Atlantic Ocean shattering projected temperature models, cities and countries around the world reaching scorching high temperatures, flooding, fires…. It can be a lot.
Because of our current climate situation, many companies and brands are trying to be more eco-friendly and sustainability focused, saying they wish to lessen their contributions towards the climate crisis. Is it just pandering and virtue signaling- a cheap attempt to capitalize off of the situation? Possibly. But continuing the conversation about climate change and listening to the experts and the scientists, even if it is surface level, is a net benefit.
The watch pictured above is made by Ciga Design. They created it solely to continue the conversation about climate change, specifically how climate change will impact Asian and Eastern African countries. Their packaging is minimal, and comes with a poignant poem about our planet inscribed on the first page. But again, is it just virtue signaling? Do they actually stand behind the message they promote? I don’t know. From an outside perspective the message behind the Blue Planet seems to be just a marketing ploy designed to capitalize off people’s desire to support companies that align with their morals. Chinese based companies overall don’t have a great history when it comes to their care for the environment, so I had hoped Ciga was different, but their website makes no indications as to how they are actually making a difference to be eco-friendly- be it using recycled materials for their cases or boxes/paper products, or making sure their metals are sourced sustainably. So sadly, this watch just seems like a hollow marketing ploy.
At the very least though, I do really love the watch and it’s incredibly unique design. I have never owned a watch like this before, and it surely does not disappoint. Immediately my eye is drawn to the micro engraved relief of the Indian Ocean and its surrounding continents. It is so striking, especially against the bright blue of the ocean surfaces. Every mountain range feels properly proportioned and scaled properly too, with the Himalayas standing proudest in Central Asia. The watch, despite its 46mm case size, wears incredibly well due to its hidden lugs, and also it’s titanium case construction lends it to almost be forgotten about when wearing due to how lightweight it is. And I’m usually not a huge fan of rubber straps, but the strap they supplied for this watch is incredibly soft, supple and extremely comfortable, and I was able to easily find a perfect fit for my wrist. I would’ve loved to see Ciga use a Swiss made movement, but the ETA 2824 clone that is utilized instead seems to be running well so far. They even took care to provide decoration to the movement, something that too many manufacturers sadly overlook.
Overall, I love the watch, and I appreciate Ciga for continuing the conversation about climate change, but ultimately would have loved to see actual action behind their words.