Eric Bana at Baselworld, our short interview

You like fast driving, so what is your relationship with time and what is your relationship with Bulgari?

Eric Bana: I was very excited when I was approached to become part of the group, part of the family. It has been lots of fun, it's been a wonderful couple of years. Time is extremely important for someone like me who travels a lot. It's part of my job, but I live on the other side of the world. So the first thing I do if I have to make a phone call is check out what time it is in Los Angeles, New York, London, Rome, …  Managing time is obviously a very important factor for me, with work  and family and so forth, and I love watches, mechanical things, construction, engineering. To see all this up close is fantastic.

Do you collect watches? Any with complications? Or a type of watch that you prefer?

EB: I have a small collection.  Most of the watches I have are chronographs. I don't have any grand complications, but it is fascinating, especially here, to see such an extensive range up close. Yes, I am looking forward to visiting the factory.

Eric Bana, Bulgari ambassador

When did your passion for watches begin? Early on?

EB: It came later. As a kid it was something I didn't really understand too much. Until I got into mechanical movements. It was actually through  a couple of friends who were into watches that I learned a lot. And then there is the correlation between motoring, watchmaking and engineering that is so incredible. They are similar in many ways. I love the fact that it's a human process and can never be done by machine, which is very refreshing.

Front picture: Eric Bana, Bulgari ambassador with Jean-Christophe Babin - Bulgari CEO - at the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the brand.