CIGA Design has released its first automaton watch, the Everest China 65th Anniversary, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the first Chinese ascent of Mount Everest. The watch features a unique automaton depicting the "human ladder" moment from the 1960 expedition and a dial crafted from Mt. Everest bedrock.
- Price: US$1,699
- 45mm Grade 5 titanium case
- 13.6mm thickness
- 50m water resistance
- 42-hour power reserve
The automaton depicts Liu Lianman acting as a "human ladder" to allow teammates to ascend the "Second Step" on Mt. Everest during the 1960 expedition.
The dial is carved from Mt. Everest bedrock, hand-collected by the CIGA Design team, with each piece undergoing 30 days of cutting, laser shaping, and CNC engraving to enhance its natural grain.
The watch features signature ice-axe-shaped hands for hours and minutes, with tips treated with Super-LumiNova.
The CD-10 caliber operates at 21,600 vph.
The case back includes an engraving of Liu Lianman's words: "No matter how hard it is, keep going! Step on my shoulders!"
The fluororubber strap has the historic climbing route embossed on the underside and the 65th-anniversary emblem on the outside.
The automaton scene on the dial cycles every five minutes, with the climber reaching the top at 12:00 and 0:00.
The dial features an outline of Mt. Everest with a 65th-anniversary emblem at twelve o'clock, treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova C1.