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Interview: Austin Butler talks channelling Old Hollywood in new Breitling campaign
By Michelle Johnson | 10 June 2025 | Culture, Design, Style
Tempus cover star Austin Butler pays homage to James Dean as he joins the Breitling Squad as the face of the watchmaker’s new campaign
Note: This is an excerpt from Tempus’s spring issue starring Austin Butler. To access the full story, read along and grab a copy of the new issue available now.
Against the dramatic backdrop of a sun-drenched desert film set, actor Austin Butler looks every inch the classic Hollywood antihero as he sits astride a motorbike clad in denim and leather — and the new Breitling Top Time B31.
Breitling’s smallest men’s watch, the Top Time is inspired by vintage timepieces that exude the free spirit and quiet confidence of the watch brand — two traits the Oscar-nominated film star personifies in his life as in this new campaign.
California native Austin, 33, started his career as a Nickelodeon child star before his major breakout role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). He earned critical acclaim — including a Golden Globe and Bafta win and an Academy Award nomination — for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis, and has since gone on to star in The Bikeriders (2023) and Dune: Part II — Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of the Frank Herbert definitive science fiction novel, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh.
Related: Tempus’s spring issue starring Austin Butler out now
The Tempus cover star’s on-screen range and versatility is thanks, in part, to his childhood heroes, particularly one iconic 1950s big screen legend.
“Watching James Dean growing up – he just had this animalistic energy,” Austin says. “It drove me to want to act. There were years where I was just trying to make it work.”
The Rebel Without a Cause star’s style was influential on Austin’s own style, and he credits films — and actors — from the ’50s and ’60s for his own love of horology.
“Growing up, I always liked watches because of the images that I saw of Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Dean, but it wasn’t until the last few years that I started having conversations with people that were actual watchmaking experts,” he says, adding that Breitling CEO Georges Kern was influential to inspiring his newfound fascination with the technical aspects of watchmaking.
Related: Ulysse Nardin unveils Freak X Gold Enamel watch
“Georges walked me through every step of the artistry of making a watch and he just made me fall in love with it. Particularly with Breitling — it’s the heritage, its connection with aviation and adventure.”
For his part, Georges was equally complimentary of the new addition to Breitling’s famed ‘squad’ of famous friends. “I spent time with Austin on the campaign set and was blown away by his dedication and attention to detail,” he said. “He cares about getting everything just right – something we relate to at Breitling.”
As the face of this new Breitling collection, it’s no surprise that Austin Butler fits so perfectly among this cohort of adventurous stars.
“The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock ‘n’ roll,” says Austin, adding that, for him, true style is in the details, not defined by fashion. “I’m really about comfort; I’m practical with my clothing and I’m not up with trends.”
With his diverse roles, on-screen charisma and critical acclaim, Austin is making his mark as one of this generation’s most exciting actors – and, inspired by the greats, no doubt entering a new era of timeless style.
Images: Breitling/Matthew Brookes
Read the full interview in our spring issue and check out more culture stories with Tempus