Patrick Dempsey on the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint: “It’s Hypnotizing”
How do you like the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche?
I love it! It has so many wonderful details, starting with the engraved 911. Of course, what I find most important are the innovations and the movement. The toothed wheels are remarkable. The first time I saw this chronograph, I got goosebumps. Nothing like that has ever happened to me. The watch is brilliant — it’s well thought out and full of surprises. It’s really cool to see how the styling references the 60th anniversary, with a sprint time of just 9.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h — that was ultra-fast back then! The new Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche is truly extraordinary. Simply hypnotizing!
Could you describe the style of this new chronograph in just one word?
Innovative!
You have a sharp eye for design, be it in cars, interiors, fashion or watches. Is there a specific design element that always appeals to you?
Something that is handmade. We talk a lot about luxury these days. For me, luxury means how much time you spend on the development and implementation of making something. I love objects that are handcrafted, small and more exclusive. They don’t necessarily have to be expensive. It’s about the thought process behind them, the values involved — these kinds of things.
Do you own a watch with special sentimental value?
All my watches have sentimental value, but I think it’s the Monaco watch that I wore as a driver in the Le Mans race. There is also a Monaco Gulf, which was on my wrist when I stood with my team on the podium. Otherwise, vintage watches, too. But I think those two Monaco models have the most meaning for me.
If you had to make a change to this watch, what would it be?
There’s a department in the factory that deals only with wristbands. I would further emphasize the 9.1 on the wristband and highlight it in red. We plan to work on something like that. When I visited the factory for the second time yesterday, it reminded me how many people it takes to build these watches. That’s really something special. It’s all about humanity and craftsmanship.
This article was originally published in the January / February 2024 print issue. To subscribe to WatchTime Magazine, click here.
- How do you like the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche?
- Could you describe the style of this new chronograph in just one word?
- You have a sharp eye for design, be it in cars, interiors, fashion or watches. Is there a specific design element that always appeals to you?
- Do you own a watch with special sentimental value?
- If you had to make a change to this watch, what would it be?
