About this episode

Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design discusses the evolution of modern watchmaking and the importance of storytelling in design.

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design to explore how a modern watch brand can stand out in a crowded global market. Cornelius explains his role as a “go to market manager”, acting as the bridge between design, production, and sales, while helping bring each watch from concept to launch. He shares how CIGA Design grew from a small team focused on crowdfunding into an internationally recognized brand, driven by a commitment to original design and accessible pricing. The conversation dives into the brand’s core philosophy, from skeletonized watches and story driven collections to award winning designs like the Blue Planet. Cornelius breaks down how narrative, aesthetics, and emotional connection matter more than traditional timekeeping in today’s market, and why CIGA Design focuses on creating distinctive pieces rather than competing with legacy Swiss brands. From Everest inspired tourbillons to evolving global distribution, this episode offers insight into how a new generation of watchmakers is redefining value, creativity, and what consumers truly want from a watch. Check out CIGA Design…

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