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.