Patrick Dempsey is on the cover of issue 18 of French magazine Montre Heroes.

The new issue of Montre Heroes offers another insight into Patrick Dempsey’s relationship with time, TAG Heuer and style. Bonus: new shots from the TAG Heuer Eyewear photoshoot. Read the translated interview below.

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TAG Heuer Anatomy

The star of Grey’s Anatomy, actor and experienced driver, pursues a career that reflects his image: relaxed but conscientious, both on film sets and on the racetrack. Ambassador for TAG Heuer Eyewear, Patrick Dempsey discusses everything, from his Californian life to the passing of time. At 59, his charm is still as present.

What is your relationship with time?
In a way, time represents success. Let’s take racing for example. The more you master time, the more efficient you are on the track. You always have the same question in mind: how can I go faster? Let’s face it, you’re either the fastest or you lose. It’s a metaphor for life in many ways. You know, sometimes when I watch the second hand of a watch, the seconds ticking by and when memories come back, sometimes linked to that same watch, I wonder how much time I have left. I’m getting older like everyone else. So, it’s up to me to make the best use of my time.

Is this a source of wisdom or anxiety for you?
We’re going through a time of great anxiety. We’re right in the middle of a transition. We’re moving to another level of consciousness. At least, that’s how I feel. There’s an anachronistic way of thinking that is crumbling. It’s up to us to be more progressive in our worldview. We all need to be united on this planet. There’s no other way. We need to come together with compassion, love, and understanding. That’s what I tell myself as I get older. I think about my children, who will soon all be graduating from college. For me, a chapter is closing. And, at the same time, I’m excited to take the next step in my life. And I want to enjoy every moment again and again.

What do you expect from a watch?
For it to give me the correct time! (Laughs) By that, I mean for it to be consistent and reliable. Weight and size are also key factors for me when choosing a watch. And finally, design. A watch is a situation. I always choose mine based on the event I’m going to. Besides, it’s always a good conversation starter. I recently went to a vintage Porsche event in Costa Mesa. People also know me from my connection to TAG Heuer and motorsports. They approached me to show me their vintage watches and tell me their stories: “This is my father’s watch…”, etc. There is nothing better than a watch to break the ice.

Can you tell us more about your relationship with the Swiss watchmaker?
Do you know when that started? When I was a child. I remember discovering their logo on miniature cars. In the 1970s, those toys were very fashionable, and I clearly remember the TAG Heuer logo on one of them. For me, when I started racing, the brand embodied the ultimate sponsor for a racing driver. So, when they approached me about a partnership, I was over the moon. It’s a tremendous honor for me to be part of the brand’s great history.

And now you’re an ambassador for their eyewear collection…
Well, they’ve been designing eyewear for several decades now. What I like about the current collection? The design and the lightness of the models. I really fell in love with the Jack Heuer collection. By the way, if you’re interested in the new campaign, there’s a vintage photo of Jack Heuer, taken in profile. It adds more character, a special touch.

For the Californian in you, is the sun a friend or an enemy?
It’s true that, here, the relationship with the sun is quite intense. I recently went to Palm Desert (one of the “villages” that make up Greater Palm Springs, editor’s note) to test a new race car. I already had my sunglasses at the ready in the car, very light, made of carbon fiber. The desert light is often very harsh. It’s very important to always protect yourself.

What do you use your sunglasses for? To go on an adventure, with family or friends, to beautiful places? Or to stay incognito at the supermarket?
A bit of both, right? You want to be comfortable, feel confident, and look stylish too. You’re always looking for the perfect pair of glasses for that. And then, you also need to protect your eyes, that’s the more practical side, especially where I am, in Southern California. Here, the light is so bright, and at the same time, everything is so clear and green. It’s very pleasant. I went hiking recently, and the light was fantastic. It was a very sunny day. And it’s true that you enjoy it more when you have the right lenses.

When we talk about accessories in cinema, a pair of glasses can really “dress up” a character…
Absolutely. Whatever the model, it really fires up the audience’s imagination. Why is the character hiding their eyes? Why are these glasses cool or, on the contrary, borderline disturbing? It adds a lot to the film’s universe. It’s the same when you meet people randomly on the streets. Why did this person choose a particular model? There’s also the choice of colors. A pair of glasses says a lot about your personality. It’s become a very popular way to express yourself. And then, if you look at iconic images over time—I’m thinking of Marcello Mastroianni in La Dolce Vita and the incredible glasses he wears—it’s truly a testament to an era, to the spirit of the times.

Between filming, red carpets, and racetrack, how do you find your own style?
Very relaxed when I’m at home, you know, the famous “California style.” But when I go out, it’s more of a style that I would describe as timeless. Nothing too trendy or fashionable. I tend to keep the clothes or accessories that I buy. I take care of them, I wear them again. I’m not the type of person who buys something on a whim and only wears it once.

What is your favorite watch?
It’s funny, because it’s still the very first model I received from TAG Heuer, a Monaco watch. And I care about it a lot. It was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, just before the race. And I managed to get on the podium with that watch, that’s why it’s so dear to me. But all the watches I own bring me back to an event, whether it’s a race or a film shoot, or even a character. You know, the choice of accessories to create a character is quite limited for men: watches, glasses, clothes, and shoes. It has to catch the audience’s attention for them to think about it and talk about it.

Will you ever pass on your watches to your children?
Definitely. They already have access to my collection anyway. I’m lucky enough to have quite a few watches. Recently, my son came to me to borrow one to wear to his prom. I told him, “Put on your suit and we’ll see which one looks best on you.” He was very proud to have one of his father’s watches on his wrist. And to answer your question: of course, I’ll pass them on to my children. Even though they can already enjoy them now.

All the photos from the TAG Heuer Eyewear photoshoot are available in the gallery.

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Interview conducted by Jean-Pascal Grosso – Photos by Thomas Lavelle.