Do you remember your first watch and whom you received it from?

I have a long affinity for Tag Heuer.  My father wore the Monaco in blue, that he received while working on the set of the 1971 Steve McQueen film “Le Mans”.  He was a marketing executive in motor and watersports and provided motorcycles to the cast - just to ride around on the set.

A few years later my Dad began working for Hobie Cat sailboats and met Jack Heuer while Jack was visiting with company founder, Hobie Alter. My Dad and Jack became better acquainted during this time and even talked about potentially doing a Hobie-Heuer co-branded sailing watch. A short while later my Dad was looking for a gift for my 22nd birthday and he contacted Jack looking for a suggestion on watches. Jack graciously arranged for a discount through what became my favorite Los Angeles watch store, Feldmar.

My husband, John Derek bought the Heuer Carrera for himself and I bought the Aquaracer. I was drawn to it by its looks and of course, because of the name - I’m a swimmer and a sailor and fancied myself an Aquaracer.

Do you remember important moments in your life when you were wearing this watch?

1979 was a big year for me. It was the year my first major film “10” was made. And my life--because of the huge success of the film--would never be the same. Suddenly, having paparazzi camped outside my door was such a disruption that my husband, and I decided to skip town. John Derek was considered one of the best photographers of women and we ended up in Lake Powell, Utah for our own photo shoot. We camped on the lake for 7 days with only two sleeping bags, a 14’ speedboat, a 16’ Hobie Cat and three dogs. I wore a leather bikini that he made for me and my Aquaracer watch with a lovely soft, chamois watchband with beads that he crafted to match the bikini. The photos from that trip would later be on the covers of magazines around the world.

You have seen images of TAG Heuer’s new Aquaracer Lady. What are the major differences you see when comparing it to the Aquaracer you were wearing in the 70ies/80ies. How do you see it’s evolution?

My first Aquaracer was a great looking, smaller version of a man’s diving watch - but could only be described as a sportswatch. I’ve seen the Aquaracer evolve in to a much more feminine, elegant timepiece.

How does the new Aquaracer Lady fit in your current lifestyle?

I am still an Aquaracer. I am going to swim the Dardanelles this August. Lord Byron the first known person to swim the channel in 1810 is my inspiration. It’s a 4 kilometer course that will take me from Europe to Asia, so I’m training hard and use the bezel on my watch to time my swimming.

Which is your favorite Aquaracer Lady in the new collection and why?

I’m crazy about the steel and rose gold Aquaracer. A wristwatch has always been my favorite piece of jewelry. The workmanship of a beautiful timepiece combined with the artistic element has always appealed to me. I always choose my watch first and then will match earrings or a bracelet to it.

I love that I can wear my beautiful diamond watch, yet not have to burst into tears if I get it wet. I live on a horse ranch and I don’t want to have to worry about my watch should I have to fetch something out of a water trough.

What would you wear this timepiece with and at what occasion?

Everything! To all my favorite events - horseracing, polo matches, F-1 Grand Prix, sailing regattas, a beautiful ocean swim with sea lion pups in the Galapagos Islands. And when I have to dress up to go out at night, it looks gorgeous with my favorite white tuxedo.

What is your relation with time?

I am very connected to time. I am always aware of it and have a compulsion to fill my time with as much activity as possible.
And I am always on time.