CIGA Design BLUE PLANET IIvsGeckota Pioneer Automatic

Owners and reviewers widely praise the CIGA Design BLUE PLANET II for its unique, detailed Earth dial design, which is considered well-executed for its price point and frequently garners compliments and sparks conversations. The watch is noted for its comfort, particularly with the soft rubber strap, and its titanium variant is praised for lightness. The dial's three-dimensional Earth map, created with a CNC process for exaggerated topography, is a significant aesthetic feature, with some models including micro-engraved details. The watch utilizes a Miyota 8000-series movement, with one source stating a stated accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day, while another mentions a Swiss-made CD-04-E automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. However, legibility remains a consistent challenge for the CIGA Design BLUE PLANET II, with owners finding it difficult to read the time despite dial improvements and larger, luminescent indices on the hour and minute rings.

Owners widely praise the Geckota Pioneer Automatic for its retro-futuristic design, impressive lume, and unique dial finishing. The red dial variants are particularly favored for their brushed fumee appearance and vintage feel. Accuracy is noted as surprisingly good for an NH35 movement, though one owner reports +/- 20 seconds per day. The watch is considered a bargain by some at $259, while others find the $519 price for the NH35 movement in a 14mm thick case excessive. The 42mm cushion case is noted to wear large due to its lack of a prominent bezel. A minor phantom date position on the crown is reported, and the crystal is very reflective despite an anti-reflective coating. Some find the gold accents look a bit cheap, and one instance of a loose fleck of lume was observed. Overall, owners rate the Geckota Pioneer Automatic highly for its distinctive vintage aesthetic and value, particularly on sale.