Side by side

CIGA Design TIME CIPHERvsTissot Telemeter 1938

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.

Tissot Telemeter 1938

The Tissot Telemeter 1938 is widely praised for its vintage-inspired aesthetic, handsome dial finishing, and value as a mechanical chronograph. Owners and reviewers highlight its balanced dial, the "old-looking" vintage logo, and the attractive two-tone dial variations. The Valjoux A05.231 movement is noted for its 68-hour power reserve, though one owner describes its feel as "alive" and "like its engine." The double-sided anti-reflective coating and the way sunlight interacts with the hands are also appreciated. However, the 42mm case size is frequently cited as being too large for a retro-inspired watch, with many wishing for a smaller option, and its 30-meter water resistance is considered poor. The pusher feel is described as sharp, though slightly stiff, and one reviewer found the Tissot branding on the dial and crown excessive.

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
TIME CIPHER45mm
Telemeter 193842mm
Power Reserve
TIME CIPHER42h
Telemeter 193868h
Water Resistance
TIME CIPHER50m
Telemeter 193830m
MSRP
TIME CIPHER$899
Telemeter 1938$2,400

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Skeleton
Chronograph
Diameter
45mm
42mm
Thickness
11.8mm
13.85mm
Lug-to-Lug
42mm
Water Resistance
50m
30m

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Domed
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Carbon
Silver
Indices
Arabic
Lume
Swiss Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
CD-08
Valjoux A05.231
Power Reserve
42h
68h
Jewels
24
0

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$899
$2,400
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