Side by side

CIGA Design TIME CIPHERvsOrient Helios

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CIGA Design TIME CIPHER

The CIGA Design TIME CIPHER is praised for its fun and conceptual execution of a wandering hours display, offering a unique spectacle in a slim and wearable 45mm case. Reviewers highlight its intuitive complication, comfortable strap, and the striking "Super Black" dial designed to make the moving elements appear to float. The CD-08 automatic movement, based on the Miyota 9015, provides a 42-hour power reserve, with stated accuracy of -10 to +20 seconds per day. Some legibility challenges are noted due to the stencil-style numerals between 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Overall, reviewers consider the CIGA Design TIME CIPHER a compelling and well-executed conceptual watch offering a good balance of spectacle and wearability at its $899 price point.

Orient Helios

The Orient Helios is widely praised for its vibrant dial, open-heart design, and excellent value for money, with owners noting its great finish and quality that exceeds its price point. The watch is described as attractive and stylish, with a thin profile that wears comfortably, though some owners wish it were smaller. Accuracy figures vary, with one owner reporting it consistently runs 5-6 seconds fast per day, while another sees it at 1-2 seconds fast. Opinions are split on the inclusion of a date window, with some finding it desirable for practicality and aesthetic balance, while others prefer its absence. The stock bracelet receives mixed reviews, with one owner finding it awkward and upgrading to a strap, while another considers it nice with a smooth finish and solid links. Overall, owners rate the Orient Helios highly for its mesmerizing open-heart dial and impressive quality at an attainable price.

At a glance

17 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
TIME CIPHER45mm
Helios40.5mm
Power Reserve
TIME CIPHER42h
Helios40h
Water Resistance
TIME CIPHER50m
Helios30m
MSRP
TIME CIPHER$899
Helios$335

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Skeleton
Diameter
45mm
40.5mm
Thickness
11.8mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
Lug Width
22mm
21mm
Water Resistance
50m
30m
Caseback
Display

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Mineral
Dial Color
Carbon
Green
Lume
Swiss Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
CD-08
FT622
Beat Rate
0 vph
21,600 vph
Power Reserve
42h
40h
Jewels
24
22
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$899
$335
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