Interview: Charlize Theron Talks Time, Watches, And Breitling Squads
Before the official re-opening of Breitling's New York City boutique, the dynamic and talented Charlize Theron sat down with Watchonista to discuss time, watches, family, and more.
By Roberta Naas
Special Correspondent
A household name for moviegoers, Charlize Theron barely needs an introduction. From Monster to Mad Max: Fury Road, from Atomic Blonde to Bombshell, Theron has dished out some of the most believable and credible personalities ever to hit the big screens and, in the process, earned herself a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Academy Award.
But here’s the thing: The 46-year-old actress is almost as complex as the roles she plays. She owns her own film company, is a producer, is a UN Ambassador for Peace, has her own foundation and outreach projects, and is a single mother of two adopted children.
Joining the Squad
Born and raised in South Africa and holding South African and American citizenship, Theron is also a Breitling brand ambassador. In fact, she is the only Breitling ambassador to hold a spot on two of the brand's Squads concurrently. The marketing concept conceived of by Georges Kern, the Squads were put into place four years ago when he took over the helm of Breitling.
Theron first became part of the brand’s Cinema Squad, alongside Adam Driver and Brad Pitt. Then, in 2020, when Kern formed the Spotlight Squad consisting of three top-of-the-line women who actively work for equality and inclusivity, he tapped Theron again. Thus, she joined American Ballet Theatre's Misty Copeland and Chinese actress and philanthropist Yao Chen on that squad.
The Role of Time
Beautifully elegant in a long white dress and black boyfriend jacket, at the event, Theron embodied – as it seems she always does – poise and gracefulness. She is also one of the most eloquent celebrities I have ever interviewed. Being able to discuss global issues, her kids, her career, and equality, all in just 20 minutes, speaking with knowledge and confidence is just one of her many facets, but it was the one I homed in on.
As such, it was a natural question for me to ask how she juggles it all and how time plays a role in her life.
“I am so hyper-aware of time being the most precious thing that we have, and it’s the one thing that we always want more of. But you can’t buy it; you can’t bargain for it; you can’t hustle for it. So, as a parent, I have become very hyper-aware of what I do with my time,” she told me.
Continuing, she said, “I say no to a lot more things just knowing that this is going to take a substantial amount of time out of my life. I don’t think I had that insight in my 20s or 30s.”
Working with Breitling
When it comes to watches, Breitling, and the “Squad” concept, Theron has some interesting views, including what the next Breitling Squad should be: “I liked that they built this whole Spotlight Squad concept around the idea of supporting women empowerment and diversity. That campaign came at a time when we were having conversations about representation, so it was nice to be a part of something that people [were and] are actively talking about. That was really exciting.”
Theron also commented that she hopes Breitling will continue to lead the charge with the squads, keeping diversity in mind: “I think that we need more of these types of squads. We have to get past this idea of token representation and have real representation. So, if that can be continued, I’d be really happy. I feel like [Breitling] will; I feel like there is a real sincerity in their approach.”
A Monster Watch Enthusiast
As to being a watch lover, the chic Theron is all-in. “I really love watches in the sense that for the last almost two decades, we haven’t really needed watches,” she said. “But the styling quality of watches, the little essence that it brings to an outfit, that is something that I appreciate. So even though I can look at the time on my iPhone, there is something really nice about having a piece on your wrist that feels comfortable and also enhances what you are wearing that day.”
Interestingly, this conversation was not my first interview with Theron. Yet, incredibly, she remembered our previous interview. So as our time came to a close, we ended the discussion by spending a little time catching up on the news and life events that happened since our earlier conversation.
How many celebrities would do that? To me, someone who is not prone to getting star-struck, I was impressed. I, for one, am looking forward to following all of her ongoing efforts and career moves.
For more information, visit the Breitling website.
(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)
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