Side by side

CIGA Design BLACK STARvsKUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-012

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

BLACK STAR
CIGA DesignBLACK STAR
MSRP $1,980
ROYAL SMITH 90-012
KUOEROYAL SMITH 90-012
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CIGA Design BLACK STAR

Owners widely praise CIGA Design for its unique, avant-garde designs that stand out as conversation pieces, with some finding the 46mm titanium case comfortable and wearable. Reviewers highlight the Blue Planet II Atlantic's aesthetically pleasing dial with good textures and raised surfaces, and the exotic time-telling mechanism is surprisingly readable once accustomed. However, multiple owners and reviewers flag challenges with legibility due to unusual displays and difficulty identifying details on the map. Some owners report issues with customer service and strap quality, while others consider the watch overpriced or an imitation. Overall, CIGA Design is highly regarded by owners and reviewers for its radical, statement art watch aesthetic and unique mechanics that make it look and wear like a much more expensive timepiece.

KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-012

Owners widely praise the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-012 for its elegant 37mm size and symmetrical bicompax layout, with the silver dial described as "insane" and highly readable. The chronograph pushers are noted for their crisp action and satisfying reset. However, reviewers flag the 14.3mm thickness as chunky for the case size, and one owner finds the date window difficult to read due to its small size and deep setting. The TMI NE86A movement offers a 45-hour power reserve and accuracy between +25 and -15 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-012 highly for its retro charm and attractive dial options at its price point.

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
BLACK STAR46mm
ROYAL SMITH 90-01237mm
Power Reserve
BLACK STAR41h
ROYAL SMITH 90-01245h
Water Resistance
BLACK STAR30m
ROYAL SMITH 90-01250m
MSRP
BLACK STAR$1,980
ROYAL SMITH 90-012

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Diameter
46mm
37mm
Thickness
15.6mm
14.3mm
Lug-to-Lug
44mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Titanium
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
30m
50m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Dome
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Navy
Lume
Swiss Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
CD-04-S
TMI NE86A
Power Reserve
41h
45h
Jewels
26
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,980
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