CIGA Design just took their award-winning Blue Planet concept and shot it into deep space. The new Blue Planet II Black Star — a collaboration with Swiss atelier Label Noir — swaps out the three-dimensional rotating Earth dial for something much more mysterious: a black hole that literally absorbs light. This departure from the normal blue color transforms the brand’s signature single-hand timekeeping into something cosmic.
From Planet to Void
For the dial, CIGA has opted for a 8.5mm concave pit coated in Super Black pigment that absorbs 99.6% of visible light for a mesmerizing effect that makes it feel like you’re gazing into infinite depth. We honestly haven’t seen a watch with such a unique aesthetic before. Even the Vantablack paint used in the past doesn’t have the same celestial evocation like this one with its black hole inspiration.
Surrounding this black hole is a galaxy rendered through CMYK gradient printing, with blue pixelated arcs and scattered white stars that spiral outward from the center. Meanwhile, a luminous polar star hand orbits around the darkness as it tracks the time.
Familiar Tech, Fresh Context
Mechanically, the Black Star relies on the same CIGA CD-04-S automatic movement that powers the standard Blue Planet II. Visible through the caseback, it has a 4Hz beat rate, 41-hour power reserve, and an accuracy of +15/-30 seconds per day, which is respectable. The brand’s Asynchronous-Follow Technology allows the hour ring to rotate 30 degrees while the minute ring spins a full 390 degrees. It’s an unconventional approach to timekeeping that works beautifully with the cosmic theme, making that polar star feel like it’s actually shooting through space.
The Same Specs
Label Noir’s influence is most evident in the case treatment. The 46mm grade 2 titanium case now sports a black DLC coating that complements the dial’s space-age aesthetic perfectly. Despite the wide diameter, the 15.6mm thickness and integrated lug design should make this pretty wearable, just like previous iterations. Water resistance sits at the same 30m as well.
Adorned to the case is a black fluororubber strap to continue the monochromatic look, and with a quick-release system for easy swapping.
The Lume Show
One unexpected delight is how this black-themed watch handles low-light scenarios. While the central black hole obviously doesn’t glow, the polar star hand and both the hour and minute rings are fully lumed with Super-LumiNova. The contrast between the light-absorbing center and the glowing time indicators creates quite the spectacle in darkness, which is ironic for a watch themed around a celestial object from which light cannot escape.
Spec Sheet
Model: CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star
Case Material: Grade 2 titanium with black DLC coating
Case Size: 46mm
Case Thickness: 15.6mm
Movement: CIGA CD-04-S automatic
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: AR-coated sapphire
Strap: Black fluororubber
Price: $1,980
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
The Label Noir Black Star is available now through CIGA Design’s website for $1,980, just like previous Blue Planet releases. And surprisingly, this isn’t a limited edition, which feels like the right call. Each watch comes with custom packaging made from recycled paper and includes a handwritten letter from Label Noir.
Recap
CIGA Design × Label Noir Black Star
CIGA Design ditches the 3D planet Earth of its normal Blue Planet watch in favor of a black hole-inspired dial that absorbs 99.6% of visible light.
