Cartier had the very good idea to invite David Bailey to shoot a few friendly celebrities wearing the brand’s famous “Tank” watch and chat about time and watches. The result being a beautiful portfolio and interesting thoughts on time.

David Bailey about the photoshoot: “The shoot was fun. It’s always fun if you don’t take it too seriously. It’s not just about taking the picture, it’s about trying to bring something out of people every time. It has to have personality, a point of view. And they were all great! The best watches are always Cartier. A classic.”

The featured celebrities on watches:

David Bailey © Cartier 2012

Rupert Everett

I find the Tank de Cartier watch beautiful. Chic without being ostentatious, but with great presence at the same time.

WHAT MAKES TIME STAND STILL FOR YOU?

That’s a complicated question. Time is intellectualised by thought. When we don’t think, there’s no notion of time. Time is neither a friend nor an enemy. it is a fact.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME?

Around 6 or 7 p.m., just before the evening. when everything is done.

David Bailey © Cartier 2012

Lucy Liu

DO YOU WEAR A WATCH?

Yes, always. and always on my left hand.

FOR YOU, IS A WATCH PASSED DOWN? COLLECTED?

I’ve actually never bought a watch come to think of it. All my watches have been gifts. I think giving a watch is always classic and beautiful. and as it ages, a watch becomes more valuable and special. It takes on a historic quality that you are handing on to someone. Time stops when I’m doing my art. when I’m acting it flies by, because when you’re actually in the moment, you’re not conscious of time. You’re just living the moment with that emotion and feeling. time isn’t always on your side when you want to do a lot, experience many wonderful adventures. That’s why I always wear a watch, so i can make sure that I fit as much into a day as I can.

David Bailey © Cartier 2012

Alice Dellal

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME?

4.20 p.m. Precisely! Time is a friend… and an enemy! I love spending time on my own and having time to do things, but then again, when I work I have so many places I have to get to… and sometimes I need more time. We have a love-hate relationship, time and I. Fun. Whenever I’m having fun, time stops. I love music and when I play the drums, time flies.

Source: Cartier