Blackbird Watch Manual Vol.15

Our theme for the fifteenth volume of Blackbird Watch Manual is inspired by how Chanel developed their games capsule watchmaking collection. Not only did the maison turn Gabrielle Chanel into an amusing 8-bit character, shown as an element in a few of their creations, it also crafted what can only be called a stunning work of art with The Chessboard, a unique piece which is much more than a chess set. Rather, it is a testament to its capabilities as an artisan, drawing on the expertise developed over more than 20 years in materials and techniques devoted to watches and jewellery.

There is, of course, an intricate link between time and games, which we investigate from a historical perspective: how it directly determined the evolution of the game of chess and has become a part of most games in the modern era. Motorsport also has a very important gaming element, whether you consider how well-heeled enthusiasts create their own tracks to enjoy their sports cars in beautiful environments on dedicated circuits, or how sim racing has evolved technically into incredibly realistic environments, with only a few degrees separating it from the real-world skill and experience required to be competitive on the track.

We also step back in time to look at the game of tarot, exploring the cultural significance of the cards and their illustrations. Additionally, we feature an article on the game that purists call real tennis, from which modern lawn tennis is derived.