CIGA Design Vector Brings a Floating Skeleton Movement to the Wrist

CIGA Design has built its reputation on watches that don’t look like conservative Swiss fare, and the new Vector keeps that streak intact.

This is an automatic skeleton watch with a movement that appears to float inside the case, framed by a broad 44.5mm profile and a design language that leans more futuristic than traditionally sporty.

It’s also priced with unusual aggression for a watch using carbon fibre, titanium and an in-house automatic calibre.

At a glance

A broad case that wears lighter than expected

The Vector measures 44.5mm across, which puts it firmly in statement-watch territory on paper.

Its saving grace is proportion.

The lugs are short, so the effective lug-to-lug span stays close to the case diameter rather than stretching awkwardly across the wrist.

That matters on a watch this visually open, because bulk would quickly turn the concept from architectural to cumbersome.

The carbon fibre version uses a carbon fibre case middle held between a titanium bezel and titanium caseback, keeping weight down while giving the case its striated technical texture.

For buyers who prefer a more conventional finish, CIGA Design is also offering the Vector in full titanium and steel.

The floating skeleton display

The defining feature is the open-worked construction, with more than half of the movement skeletonised to create a clear line of sight through the watch.

Rather than being mounted in a conventional visible carrier, the calibre is held by a transparent support, making it look detached from the case except for the crown stem at 3 o’clock.

That floating effect gives the Vector much of its character.

It also forces the time display to work differently from a standard dial.

The gear-like ring around the movement is not just decoration, as its 60 teeth function as the minute track.

A slim white ring with periodic notches serves as the hour scale, giving the watch enough structure to remain readable without compromising the mechanical theatre.

Skeleton watches often suffer when the hands disappear into the bridges, wheels and barrel below them.

CIGA Design has avoided that problem with bright lime green hands, a simple choice that makes a big difference on such a busy display.

The CD-02X automatic movement

Inside the Vector is the CIGA Design CD-02X, an automatic calibre designed in-house by the brand.

It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a 38-hour power reserve.

The reserve isn’t especially long by current standards, but the movement is clearly being used as part of the visual composition rather than hidden beneath a dial.

The rotor is skeletonised as well, and it takes an anchor-like form rather than the familiar half-disc shape found in many automatic watches.

Its smaller 120-degree sweep is designed for efficient winding while preserving the openness of the movement architecture.

Details & Specifications

The Vector is likely to appeal to collectors who enjoy independent design, open mechanics and a wrist presence that doesn’t follow the usual integrated-bracelet or vintage-diver playbook.

It’s not trying to be discreet, but its materials, proportions and price make the experiment feel considered rather than merely theatrical.