As one of Hollywood’s most in-demand names, over the past decade, the world has come to know Henry Cavill as a man with many faces – of steel, from U.N.C.L.E., with/without moustache, and of course, perennial Bond candidate.
But this year, the beloved British thespian of Superman, The Witcher, and Mission: Impossible – Fallout fame is embracing the spotlight in a different fashion. One that won’t involve reloading his biceps for action choreography or saving the day.
We recently caught up with Mr Cavill for a quick chat about his professional to-do list, what success means to him now, becoming a “nascent watch guy,” and his most elegant role yet as Longines ambassador.
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As a man of the world who’s equally as comfortable on the red carpet as he is in convention halls, Warhammer hobby shops, and the padded basement of Roger Gracie’s London academy… what is it about the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 that feels like such a natural fit for you?
I think the simple answer to that is that it’s a beautiful watch, in an understated way, with some magnificent history to it. I love history, and I love the relationship it has to the British landmark of the Meridian Line. It’s also extremely versatile – it goes with almost anything one might be wearing.
From multiple superheroes to Harry Potter, you’re an actor who is constantly in the casting conversation for major franchises. Is there any that you’d personally love to tick off the to-do list – one that might even surprise the rest of us?
A great question, and in this day and age, one has to be careful about revealing potential future franchises in case someone snaps up the intellectual property (IP)! So, with the sincerest of apologies, I shall keep those particular cards close to my chest for now.
There are, of course, some that might not surprise you.
Guy Ritchie has been pumping out projects like a man possessed recently. What would be the dream collaboration between you two (aside from The Man From U.N.C.L.E. sequel)?
Guy is an extremely talented filmmaker. He really could do anything he turns his hand and focus to. He’s a deep thinker and really quite philosophical. Perhaps something that explores those things more deeply and in an allegorical way.
What role have watches played in your personal sense of style? Do you consider yourself a “watch guy”?
I consider myself a nascent “watch guy.”
The opportunity to delve more deeply into watches and how they apply to my style is something I’m enjoying exploring with Longines, who are genuinely wonderful people and enthusiastic partners!
Can you share with us your favourite Longines for date night, favourite for the red carpet, and favourite for the set?
So, the Longines I wear will indeed depend on the event, but also on what I’m wearing.
I have an Ultra-Chron Carbon – that will typically be what I wear in a more casual setting, but could also provide an unconventional twist to a black-tie event. Otherwise, I would wear my Spirit Zulu Time 1925 for a black-tie event. The Spirit Zulu time genuinely works well in any setting, however.
I also have a rather snazzy Longines Master Collection GMT in rose gold with a brown leather strap; this I’ll wear in almost any setting, but often tied with brown leather elements, or rose gold elements. It functions magnificently as a dress watch on a special occasion, but also works with more casual attire.
So, really, I wear any of those three at any sort of event or day, depending on what I’m trying to achieve look-wise. Those are the three I have so far, so I’m looking forward to experiencing more Longines and building out my collection.
At this stage of your storied career, what does success look like to you?
You are kind for saying so, and it’s a really difficult question to answer.
In reality, success is providing for Natalie and our daughter. Making sure they have everything and anything they need to help them reach happiness, and in our daughter’s case, her own success and future.
Really, when it comes down to it, that is all that matters, isn’t it? However, without being quite so outside the career mindset… It’s audience satisfaction. Taking magnificent IP like Highlander and Warhammer and creating something that everyone loves, aimed at fans first (it is because of them that it’s being made in the first place!).
But also giving people who don’t know the various intellectual properties entry points – making it accessible for them, too.
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