Interview: Henry Cavill on the Elegance of Longines and the Complexity of Warhammer 40k
Published: 4 June 2025
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As Longines' new Global Ambassador of Elegance, Henry Cavill has placed his considerable cachet behind the Swiss watchmaker, long known for producing some of the most refined timepieces money can buy. This partnership between the Hollywood leading man and the iconic maison has certainly hit the ground running with the outstanding new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925.
Marking 100 years since Longines launched its first dual-time wristwatch in the form of 1925's 'Zulu Time', this release is more than just a meticulous embodiment of Longines' ongoing commitment to tracking multiple time zones at a glance. With its stunning rotating bezel adorned with an 18K rose-gold cap—a first for the Spirit Zulu Time collection—this reference is also absolutely guaranteed to turn heads, even for those who don't share Cavill's superhuman physique.
In order to celebrate this new timepiece and the recently announced partnership, we had the chance to chat briefly with Cavill—best known for roles like Superman, The Witcher's Geralt of Rivia, and August Walker in Mission: Impossible – Fallout—to discover what makes the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 special and how he views the true meaning of elegance.
Henry Cavill wearing his Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 | Image: Supplied
MoM: Thank you for taking the time to chat with Man of Many. Much like Superman is a symbol of hope, Longines' Global Ambassador of Elegance should similarly represent that concept. So what does elegance mean to you, and how do you feel you embody elegance in a way that's uniquely your own?
Henry Cavill: It's very difficult to describe one's own elegance without simultaneously invalidating it! It's something that my parents encouraged in me. Always strive for excellence without being callous or garish about it.
MoM: You've been quoted as having an appreciation for Longines' understated approach, saying that 'True quality doesn't need to announce itself.' Is that approach something you feel is rare, and how does it align with your experiences throughout your career?
Henry Cavill: In today's world, where people are encouraged to announce their qualities for fear of being drowned out in the noise…. yes, it can be rare. I've sometimes drifted into the background for following what I've said above, but time and patience can be telling.
MoM: Turning to Longines' new Spirit Zulu Time 1925 releases, what do you feel makes these timepieces special, and what is the significance of a watch's dual-time functionality in a world of smartphones?
Henry Cavill: Aside from the storied history and 100-year anniversary of a beautiful watch that ties in elements of the Prime Meridian itself, it's about connection. At a simple glance, I can understand what time of day my loved ones might be in, and my imagination can go there, allowing me to share a very unique and personal moment. A smartphone, for all its wonders, is also a potential rabbit hole of distraction.
MoM: You're now taking on producing duties, including for a highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 project. Can you describe how that kind of overview can impact your appreciation for the intricacies of crafting something unique and complex?
Henry Cavill: I've loved every moment, even the difficult ones. Having my hand at the tiller, rather than at the whims of others, especially for something that I love so dearly, has been a reassuring experience. Warhammer is unique and complex enough all by itself; it's about reflecting that uniqueness on screen and on the page. It's a challenge that I'm enjoying.
MoM: What would you describe as your most elegant on-screen moment and why?
Henry Cavill: I'm not sure that's for me to say. It also might be in the eye of the beholder.
Henry Cavill's Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 helps him feel connected to friends and family | Image: Supplied
It's a fair point that echoes the way we watch lovers each have our own unique perspective with regard to different timepieces. Having said that, there's little argument that the new Spirit Zulu Time 1925 timepiece is anything but a triumphant and highly elegant celebration of 100 extraordinary years since Longines launched its first dual-time wristwatch.
With Cavill now on the Longines team, it's impossible to imagine we won't see the horological powerhouse continue to refine and redefine how we perceive elegance throughout 2025 and beyond. And with upcoming projects like his beloved Warhammer 40K universe, Voltron, Highlander, and more, Cavill will surely have more need than ever to track multiple time zones via his Spirit Zulu Time 1925.
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