Blackbird Watch Manual Vol.12

To explore the theme of quests, this twelfth volume of the Blackbird Watch Manual covers a diverse range of topics, from watchmaking and motoring to history and architecture, to name just a few.

From a watchmaking perspective, the esteemed maison of Vacheron Constantin celebrates an incredible 270-year uninterrupted history. Since its founding by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, and the subsequent partnership his family formed with François Constantin in 1819, the maison has continually evolved in its quest to, as its motto states, “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”

The evolution of watchmaking is a never-ending quest, and in this volume, we explore two fundamental technical themes: perpetual power, as both mechanical and electronic timepieces are inherently limited by their energy reserves, especially on the scale of a wristwatch, and precision, as humankind has always sought to make timekeeping as accurate as possible. We also examine the hunt for the proverbial "Holy Grail" timepiece, a pursuit every passionate watch collector embarks on. Yet, as our tastes and experiences evolve, this quest may very well prove endless.

Beyond personal quests, we delve into one that has long been the realm of science fiction but may soon become reality: humanity’s landing on Mars in the not-too-distant future. While some may scoff at this ambition, remember that at one point, the Moon seemed an equally far-fetched dream.

Whether you are a horology aficionado, a vintage car enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a compelling story, this volume has something for you.