A little Interview - Q&A with Longines ambassador Henry Cavill

As a screen presence, Henry Cavill has long been the embodiment of a distinctly timeless form of elegance and Britishness — under- stated, good-humoured, and with a notice- able glint in the eye that suggests adventure is just around the corner. It’s one of the reasons that his association with Longines feels so apt: a watchmaker whose history lies in the earliest, boldest days of aviation — and which embodies utter refinement and handsome craftsmanship. Here, Cavill traces the origin of their association, and why it means so much to him.]

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 it also comes with the storied history of pioneers. Longines were at the forefront during a time and period of true adventure, when travelling the globe was still the stuff of sto- ries and legend.

Aviation and sport in general have always guided the Longines spirit. Does that ethos speak to you personally?

Yes. Aviation being the adventure that it is, and particularly that it was not long ago, remains an extremely cutting-edge way to explore and see the unknown. Sport as well, I always remark at. Having to be an athlete to perform in my acting projects, I see the level of dedication required to compete 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 something — even 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 also try to keep my eye on it as far as my behaviour goes and my interactions, both personally and professionally.

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. However, my taste comes from how my parents encouraged me to be. Pursuing excellence but never crowing about it, regardless of what I might be pur- suing 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. 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.

The Longines 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.

What does time mean to you, personally or philosophically?

It means many, many things. Sometimes I feel like we don’t have enough, and some- times 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” — interesting turn of phrase, no?

How do you disconnect or take some 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 particular 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 the dogs — settling into our forever home.

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

Honesty, hard work, integrity.

If you could control 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!

This article was taken from the summer 2025 issue of Gentleman's Journal

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