Henry Cavill on passion projects, gaming and his new partnership with Longines
The freshly minted Longines ambassador opens up about his role as an ambassador of elegance with the Swiss watchmaker, the meaning behind their latest campaign, and what continues to inspire him on and off the screen
By Cayle Reid
HENRY CAVILL has built a career on playing some of the most recognisable characters ever put to screen – with roles as Superman, Geralt of Rivia and even Sherlock Holmes all on his resume. But he doesn’t do it for the fame, or to make headlines. He’s genuinely passionate about telling good stories and honouring craftsmanship in all its forms.
That’s part of what drew him to Longines. The Swiss watchmaker has long been associated with precision, performance and elegance. These are qualities Cavill not only respects, but tries to embody himself.
Longines’ latest release, the Spirit Zulu Time 1925, taps into a theme that resonates deeply with Cavill: connection. He’s someone whose life and career often span different time zones, so he understands the emotional weight behind the simple question asked by the watch’s launch campaign: What time is it there? As Cavill puts it, a simple glance at the dial can bring a loved one to mind, reminding us how closely linked we are, even when we’re worlds apart.
Here, Cavill reflects on what drew him to Longines and what the watchmaker means to him, while also opening up about his creative processes, the factors that guide his project choices, and how his lifelong love of gaming continues to inspire his imagination.
Esquire: What is it about Longines that appealed to you? Was it the history in aviation, the connection to equestrian sports, or simply the aesthetics of the brand’s watches?
Henry Cavill: It’s the elegance in which they carry out their craft. Yes, a storied history in aviation, sports and aesthetics and function, but it’s all done in an understated way. It shows not only in their timepieces but also in the people who work at Longines.
Can you tell us a little about the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925? What is the significance of the campaign’s tagline, “what time is it there”?
It’s about connection. Many of us travel a lot and when we do travel it is often across times zones. A glance at a watch can give you a connection with a loved one as you imagine where they are and at what time of day. It’s why we often ask “what time is it there” as soon as we speak to them.
Your career has spanned a number of iconic roles. How do you choose your projects now, and what does a role need to offer for you to say yes?
It’s about script, filmmaker and studio. Script is obviously important, but any good story can live or die depending on who is wielding it.
You’re known to enjoy gaming. What do you get out of the hobby, and does it teach you anything about storytelling and character development?
It can be an escape. It can be immersion in great storytelling. It can be a catalyst for my own imagination and creativity. And yes, the good ones can absolutely teach and inform about storytelling and character development.
Looking ahead, what’s one role, genre or creative collaboration you still have on your bucket list?
I’ve got a long way to go, and a lot to do with a lot of opportunities “in my wheelhouse” and indeed outside of it. I couldn’t only name just one role or genre.
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