Henry Cavill Talks Watches, Fatherhood, & Time Travel

British leading man Henry Cavill has played a lot of roles over his career, from Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes movies to Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher to the Man of Steel himself in Justice League. Recently, however, the British actor added a new kind of role to his CV by signing on with Longines as the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s newest Ambassador of Elegance. Unlike his regular gig, which calls for high-flying stunts, green screens, and globe-spanning press tours, all this one required was a trip to the bucolic environs of Saint-Imier, Switzerland to visit the brand’s HQ.

Cavill’s entrée into the world of traditional Swiss watchmaking coincides with the launch of the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925, a commemorative edition dedicated to the first-ever dual-time zone wristwatch, the “Zulu Time,” produced by Longines in 1925.

One of many innovations created by Longines to assist in the burgeoning field of aviation, the Zulu Time’s dial featured the colourful maritime flag representing the letter “Z”, which signifies Universal Time or (as it’s known in professional aviation) “Zulu Time.” The watch features a 39-mm stainless steel case with a bidirectional rotating bezel and an 18K rose-gold cap — a first for the collection — whose 24-hour graduations allow the wearer to track multiple time zones at a glance. Equal parts rugged adventure and classical sophistication, it’s the ideal piece for a stylish world traveller like Cavill.

We caught up with the actor, whose next projects include the hotly anticipated Voltron, to talk watches, world travel, and the perks of his latest gig.  

What drew you to Longines, and how does the brand align with your values?

Longines timepieces are not only beautiful with that classic understated elegance that the brand is known for, but they also come with the storied history of pioneers. Longines were at the forefront during a time of true adventure, when travelling the globe was still the stuff of stories and legend.

If you could design a Longines watch, what would it be like?

I am far too meticulous a creative to answer that here. If I were ever to have the honour of designing a Longines watch then I would take my time making sure it’s just right (in my eyes!)

Aviation and sports in general have always guided the Longines spirit. Do they speak to you?

Yes. Aviation being the adventure that it is, but particularly that it was not long ago. A cutting-edge way to explore and see the unknown. Having to be an athlete to perform in my acting projects I see the level of dedication required to perform at the top of one’s game in sport. It gives me a deeper respect not only for the athletes but also for the importance of [accurate timing] at that level!

What does elegance mean to you, and how do you embody it in your life?

Elegance is beauty, without being garish. How do I embody it? I try not to overly focus on my own elegance as that can quickly become counterproductive, but I try to keep my eye on it as far as my behaviour and interactions both personally and professionally.

What did you hope to learn or experience while visiting Longines’ headquarters?

So much! The history of Longines is incredible, we’d be here all week if I tried to get into explaining all of it, and the craftsmanship is equally astounding. That might sound like an obvious thing to say, but to see these watches being built, or to see the meticulous records of individual pieces used to restore watches from as far back as 100 years ago, is astounding. There is a certain peace to the watchmaking, a quietness in respect of the task.

What do you look for in a watch (aesthetics, function, craftsmanship, heritage…)?

Ideally, all of those things, which thankfully Longines has!

Do you consider yourself a watch enthusiast, and what type of watches appeal to you?

My journey into true watch enthusiasm is only just beginning, but I have always appreciated the beauty and craftsmanship of fine watches.

Is there a particular aspect of watchmaking that fascinates you?

There is such a history to watchmaking and to keeping time. These days we really take it for granted quite how important it was for navigation, and how the smallest error meant the difference between life and death.

Who first introduced you to watches, and where does your taste in watches come from today?

I’m not sure I was ever officially introduced by one person to watches. My taste comes from how my parents encouraged me to be. Pursuing excellence but never crowing about it, regardless of what I might be pursuing excellence in.

Your profession requires a lot of travelling, usually across different time zones. How difficult is it to keep up with your ordinary life, your loved ones, your habits and the daily routine, when flying from one destination to another all the time?

Ordinary life? I’m not sure I remember that! Seriously, though, it can be difficult. A daily routine is not a luxury that I am afforded, but travelling to far-flung places and the opportunity to be storytelling at the level that I am makes up for all of it.

Where in the world do you feel most grounded, and why?

At my home in the UK. I’ve found a very special place that speaks to my soul in so many ways.

What does time mean to you personally or philosophically?

It means many things. Sometimes I feel like we don’t have enough, and sometimes I feel like we have the perfect amount. We can use our time in so many different ways, I try to use it well regardless of how I’m spending it. “Spending it” is an interesting turn of phrase, no?

How do you disconnect or take time for yourself?

I’m a big fan of computer games which can be both a disconnect and a wonderful way to dive into storytelling. Conversely, I also love to spend time outdoors soaking in the wonders of the world. Where I live has a magic to it that is difficult to describe.

What has been the most important time of your life so far?

My daughter being born, and the 5 of us (Mother, daughter, me and dogs) settling into our forever home.

In a time so dominated by speed and technology, what timeless values do you believe are worth preserving?

Honesty, hard work, integrity.

If you could stop the clock, what era would you go back to?

A difficult question! I think we all have romantic notions of the past, but I believe that they were perhaps considerably more difficult times to live in than what we live in now. However, being very broad — Ancient Greece, Rome, or Egypt would be extraordinary times to witness.

Learn more about the Longines Spirit Zulu Time online.

All photos courtesy of Longines.

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