Some watches are designed to blend in. Others make their presence known the moment they hit your wrist.

CIGA Design has never been afraid to make mechanical watches that stand out, and the Hunter Steel is no exception.

With its fully open worked movement, sharply faceted tonneau case, and bold architectural design, the Hunter delivers something that many watch enthusiasts look for: mechanical drama without the luxury price tag.

And after getting my hands on this timepiece, I can see why its distinctive design deserves attention.

A Different Approach to Skeleton Watchmaking

Skeleton watches have always fascinated me because they allow you to appreciate what's happening beneath the dial. Instead of hiding the movement, they turn the mechanics into part of the overall design.

But there's a fine line between creating an interesting skeleton watch and making something unnecessarily complicated.

With the Hunter, CIGA Design takes a particularly bold approach.

The watch features a fully skeletonized architecture that reveals the movement from both the front and back. According to CIGA Design, the redesigned bridges and baseplate increase the visibility of the mechanical components by 200% compared with conventional skeleton designs.

The result is a watch that feels almost architectural, with gears, bridges, and mechanical components becoming the main attraction.

And that's exactly where the Hunter gets its personality.

Dial & Case: Built to Stand Out

The first thing that caught my attention was the case.

Rather than choosing a traditional round design, CIGA Design went with a three-layered octagonal tonneau case, combining sharp angles with flowing lines.

Measuring 43 mm by 48 mm, with a thickness of 12.1 mm, the Hunter certainly has wrist presence.

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, with a combination of micro-sandblasted surfaces and polished chamfered edges. This contrast in finishing creates visual depth and highlights the geometric structure.

The open worked dial is equally interesting.

Instead of relying on conventional dial decoration, the Hunter lets its mechanical architecture do the talking. The visible bridges and components create an industrial, almost futuristic appearance, while the sapphire crystal protects the intricate design.

It's bold, modern, and unmistakably different from traditional dress watches.

Movement: Mechanical Drama at the Heart

Inside the Hunter beats CIGA Design's in-house-developed CD-07 automatic calibre.

The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 24 jewels, and delivers a 40-hour power reserve.

What makes this calibre interesting isn't simply its specifications, but how prominently it contributes to the watch's appearance.

The skeletonized bridges reveal the inner workings, while polished chamfered edges and satin-like finishing add visual interest.

Turning the watch around reveals another distinctive feature: the anchor-shaped automatic rotor. It's an interesting design choice that transforms a functional component into something worth admiring.

For anyone who enjoys watching a mechanical movement in action, the Hunter offers plenty to appreciate.

Bracelet & Wearability

Completing the watch is a tapered H-link stainless steel bracelet that complements the angular case design.

The bracelet features a hidden push-button clasp for a clean appearance, along with quick-release spring bars that make changing straps more convenient.

I particularly like how the bracelet continues the overall design language of the case rather than feeling like an afterthought.

And while the Hunter is certainly not a subtle watch, the integrated visual flow between the case and bracelet gives it a cohesive appearance.

Illumination

Despite its highly open worked design, CIGA Design hasn't forgotten about everyday practicality.

The Hunter features Nemoto LumiNova®  luminous hands and markers to improve visibility in low-light conditions. As a side note, Nemoto LumiNova® is a non-radioactive, strontium aluminate-based phosphorescent pigment invented in 1993 by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan

The illumination helps maintain a balance between visual complexity and functionality.

A Watch That Makes a Statement

The Hunter isn't trying to be a traditional everyday watch that disappears beneath your shirt cuff.

And honestly, that's part of its appeal.

The faceted case, exposed movement, and geometric construction give it a distinctive personality. It's the kind of watch that naturally attracts attention and invites a closer look.

For collectors who enjoy unconventional designs, that can be just as important as the movement itself.

There's something enjoyable about wearing a watch that makes you stop and appreciate the mechanical details every time you check the time.

Final Thoughts

The CIGA Design Hunter Steel is a reminder that interesting mechanical watchmaking doesn't always require a luxury price tag.

With its fully skeletonized CD-07 movement, distinctive tonneau case, and contemporary design, it offers a compelling combination of mechanical character and visual presence.

Of course, this isn't a watch for someone looking for understated elegance or a conventional dress watch.

But that's not what CIGA Design is trying to achieve.

If you want mechanical drama without the luxury price tag, the Hunter Steel delivers.

It's bold, expressive, and designed for collectors who appreciate watches that refuse to blend in.

And sometimes, that's exactly what makes a timepiece worth exploring.

Time is more than seconds ticking away. It is a catalyst for transformation. Stay tuned for more of my watch reviews, coming soon to WatchDNA.