Celebrity Interview: Gwyneth Paltrow Talks about Time, Frederique Constant, Smartwatches, Charity and Goop

Last night at Spring Studios in New York City, Frederique Constant unveiled its newest Horological Smartwatch for women with Gwyneth Paltrow in attendance. The theme of the new line, “Move More for Charity,” highlights the functions of the Horological Smartwatch — including measuring steps, activity and sleep — and underscores helping America’s youth. Brand ambassador and award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, also founder of Goop.com, joined in the festivities. Frederique Constant – known for its charitable involvements – donated $50,000 to one of Paltrow’s favorite charities: DonorsChoose.org, which helps fund classrooms and students around the world. During the event, we garnered an exclusive interview with Paltrow, who discussed how time plays a role in her life.

Q: How does time play a role in your life?

GP: “It’s definitely my most precious resource, especially these days as I juggle having small children and running a business that is growing all the time. Time for me is the most precious thing I have and I am sure it is that way for everyone. I feel like these days my schedule gives me very little time to relax and enjoy; time these days feels very pressurized and also very fleeting. We all in this modern age are so busy, and it is so important to make time for ourselves in some way.”

Q: So how do you prioritize?

GP: “My children are always my priority, but I have a big responsibility to my company, my team and my investors, so between my children and my business, I don’t have time for much else right now. I manage it thanks to my schedule. Having a real routine helps me. For instance on school days, it is all routine. I take the kids to school every day, I exercise, I go to work, I come home after work and am with my kids, so having a routine is very important to staying on schedule and juggling time.”

Q: What attracts you to Frederique Constant?

GP: “It is my first watch affiliation, and it is a great fit. The watches are really beautiful, well made, classics — all things I like. Even better, the brand’s consciousness and charitable component sets them apart and is an amazing differentiator for me, so it feels like an honor to do something with a brand that cares and wants to work with charities. This is so important. As to wearing a watch, I go through phases where I don’t wear any watch and then I wear a lot of jewelry and watches. For me, watches have a fashion and aesthetic facet, but also a practical facet, as well. I am excited to wear this new watch that counts your steps. Most of the fitness watches on the market are not very nice looking, but this is beautiful; it has such a classic look that you would never know it is a smart watch too. I like that.”

Q: Can you tell me about tonight’s charity affiliation, DonorsChoose.org?

GP: “DonorsChoose is a charity that I personally give to, and that we work with at Goop.com. It’s an amazing charity because it recognizes the importance of public education in American and how it needs to be improved. It gives us a direct line to the teachers in order to fulfill their wishes and their projects. If you look on the site, you will see that a teacher will post what she needs, anything from iPads, to supplies or some funding for field trips, because our funding is so limited, and this gives them a chance to get more of what they need to really impact the children’s lives. I think it is an amazing charity.”

Q: What was the biggest challenge in your life?

GP: “I think I’m constantly challenging my self to such a big degree—I had a perfectly good career doing films and the decided to completely change tack and do something that was incredibly challenging and I’ve had to learn so much to move forward. So I think these big decisions you make in life end up being your biggest challenges and the most rewarding ones, whether it is being a mother, starting a company or embracing the idea of doing business, so these are my biggest challenges.