Henry Cavill needs no introduction after bursting on the scene (and seams) in his breakout role as Superman in Man of Steel (2013). Since then, he has reprised his role as Clark Kent several times across DC Comics’ superhero franchise, starred as espionage agents in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), and bested mages, witches and beasts in The Witcher series (2019 to 2023). While the British actor has his plate full juggling time in front of the camera and his private life, he has a new role added to his CV this year, as Longines’ newest Ambassador of Elegance.
This partnership represents Longines’ legacy of collaborating with individuals who exemplify true elegance in both their professional excellence and personal conduct. As an Ambassador of Elegance, Cavill will join Longines in celebrating the timeless sophistication that has characterised the brand since its founding in 1832.
One of Cavill’s first few tasks as the Ambassador of Elegance was fronting the Swiss watch manufacture’s latest campaign and the launch of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925. Although the Longines Spirit collection was properly introduced in 2020, the GMT-ready Zulu Time iteration was only unveiled a couple of years later in 2o22. This year, Longines marks the centennial of its first dual time zone wristwatch from 1925 with this new edition. Most of the design blueprint remain untouched such as the 100m water resistant 39mm stainless steel case, rotating GMT bezel with a ceramic insert, and the technically-sound calibre L844.4 featuring a magnetic-resistant monocrystalline silicon balance-spring. The watch’s utilitarian guise is tempered by an ornate 5N 18k rose gold cap bezel that serves as a fitting touch to the commemorative watch.
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As part of the campaign, Men’s Folio had the opportunity to speak with Henry Cavill about Longines and more.
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’m 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 just right (in my eyes!)
Aviation and sport, in general, have always guided the Longines spirit. Do they speak to you?
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. Sport I always remark at, 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 sports. It gives me a deeper respect not only for the athletes but also for the importance of less than a second being recorded accurately 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 goes 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 explain all of it, but equally, the craftsmanship is 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 or more 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 just 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 beloved 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. Daily routine is not a luxury that I’m afforded, but travelling to far flung places and the opportunity to be storytelling at the level that I’m makes up for all of it.
The campaign follows a modern traveller moving across cities and continents — 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.
In the new campaign, there’s a poetic thread about time being a shared language between people. Is there someone in your life you always check the time for, no matter where you are in the world?
Knowing where someone is in their day gives you an instant connection to them. Whilst not detailed, you can imagine being in their shoes, which places you with them for a moment.
What does time mean to you personally or philosophically?
It means many, 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 five 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 and 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.
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