Introducing: The CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star
CIGA Design continues to develop its GPHG-award-winning formula, first showcased on the Blue Planet. A customized movement utilizing an in-house complication displays the time in a manner distinct from a typical watch. The perfectly round, interstellar-like case often houses a dial featuring our planet. Today, that changes with the new CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star as the dial takes on galactic proportions!
With the Blue Planet II models, CIGA Design has now covered both parts of the globe, so turning to the skies is a natural next step. The latest release is a collaboration with Label Noir. This Swiss brand works with various watch companies to create unique-looking models, and as the name suggests, black features heavily in these designs. As we’ll see with the new Black Star, the color is prominent, but it also embodies the spirit of the watch.
The CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star
Let’s start with the basics on this collaborative piece. The 46mm watch is perfectly round. The sole protrusion from the case is a 6mm crown at 3 o’clock. In keeping with Label Noir’s ethos, the watch has a Grade 2 titanium case with a black DLC coating. Also fittingly, it comes on a black fluororubber strap with a black folding clasp. The water resistance rating of 3 ATM is more suitable for space than any deep-water activities, though.
The dial is a refreshing new concept
Whereas Blue Planet models contain domed dials, the Black Star takes a different approach. The single-piece dial is domed with a concave center. The outer portion uses CMYK gradient printing (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key [Black]) to depict galaxies. Blue pixelated arcs emanate from the center against a black background sprinkled with white stars. The central black hole appears depthless, but is 8.5mm deep. This visual trick is thanks to the use of Super Black, a special paint that absorbs 99.6% of normal light.
Dark colors dominate the Black Star’s design, allowing the surfaces with Super-LumiNova to pop in low light. Also, it’s a requirement to read the time. A luminous star on the dial is the sole indicator and is used in conjunction with the surrounding luminous hour and minute rings.
The automatic CD-04-S inside
The Black Star uses the brand’s CD-04-S automatic movement. We first saw this caliber on this year’s Legend of Serpent gold model, and it brought some enhanced specifications. The Swiss-made movement uses an in-house-designed module that rotates the hour ring by 30 degrees while the minute ring spins 390 degrees. The upgrades over the original caliber include a frequency of 28,800vph and an accuracy of +15/-30 seconds per day. Finally, the power reserve is stated as 41 hours.
The Black Star is a cool look on the wrist
Compared to the Blue Planet, some may find the Black Star stealthier. Indeed, the darker appearance gives off a very different vibe and even looks a bit smaller on the wrist. With a 15.6mm thickness, it’s not slim, but the smooth lozenge-shaped profile suits a watch with this design. Also, the quick-release 22mm strap is comfortable but easy to swap for something dressier if desired.
Thoughts and pricing
Despite the collaborative nature of the CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star, the watch is not a limited edition. I think that’s a good decision because the watch is the perfect partner to the Earth-bearing Blue Planet II models. At US$1,980, the watch is now available via the CIGA Design website. That’s in line with previous releases and, like other models, it comes with some goodies. Packaging is custom-designed using recycled paper and includes a handwritten letter from Label Noir to the owner. These are nice touches! The Black Star shows how CIGA Design continues to evolve its core design. Share your thoughts on this latest release and what you’d like to see next from the brand.
This is a partnership post. Read about our transparency here.
