Jaeger-LeCoultre has announced the return of Jérôme Lambert as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Lambert’s homecoming to the revered Swiss maison marks a deliberate move by Richemont to reignite a period of innovation and refinement that defined his first tenure from 2002 to 2013. With two decades of industry leadership behind him—including roles as CEO of Montblanc and Group CEO and COO of Richemont—Lambert arrives with a clear vision to strengthen Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage, expand its creative reach, and reinforce its position among the world’s leading luxury watchmakers.
Lambert first joined Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1996 as Director of Finance and Administration. Three years later, he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer, overseeing critical investments in manufacturing excellence and technical research. In 2002, at age 36, he became CEO, ushering in an era of bold product launches and renewed emphasis on in-house expertise. Under his leadership, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled landmark collections such as the Master Control series—celebrating rigorous 1,000-hour testing protocols—and the updated Reverso tribute models that combined Art Deco elegance with modern mechanical ingenuity.
During this period, Lambert championed the portable Atmos clock, refined tourbillon mechanisms, and expanded the maison’s artisanal crafts atelier, nurturing skills in enamel work, gem-setting, and hand-engraving. He also forged closer ties with retailers worldwide, emphasizing boutique experiences that combined horological theatre with personalized service. In 2013, Lambert departed JLC to lead Montblanc, where he further honed his strategic acumen by broadening the brand’s writing instruments and leather goods portfolios. His subsequent elevation to Richemont Group CEO in 2018—and later COO—deepened his understanding of global luxury markets, omnichannel retail, and digital transformation, setting the stage for his highly anticipated JLC comeback.
Strategic Vision for the Maison
Lambert’s return brings a twofold mandate: to preserve Jaeger-LeCoultre’s storied past while charting a path toward contemporary relevance. He has articulated a strategy focused on four pillars:
- Technical Innovation
Lambert aims to accelerate research into lightweight movement materials, silicon escapements, and compact complications. He envisions future releases that marry advanced engineering with slender, wearable profiles, addressing modern tastes for both elegance and performance. - Design Evolution
Recognising evolving consumer preferences, he plans to introduce fresh interpretations of signature lines—Master, Reverso, Polaris and Rendez-Vous—while nurturing limited-edition creations that highlight artisanal techniques. Special attention will be paid to expanding women’s offerings, blending technical complexity with refined aesthetics. - Craftsmanship and Heritage
Under Lambert’s guidance, the Métiers Rares® (rare crafts) ateliers will receive additional resources to innovate in enamel, marquetry, and gem-setting. He anticipates collaborative series with external artisans and artists to tell new stories that resonate globally. - Digital and Retail Excellence
Building on Richemont’s omnichannel framework, Lambert will enhance Jaeger-LeCoultre’s digital touchpoints—from immersive e-commerce experiences to virtual watchmaking workshops. Concurrently, select boutiques will undergo architectural refreshes to reflect a more contemporary yet timeless ambience, providing collectors with both exemplary service and digital engagement.
Lambert has emphasized that maintaining the brand’s signature commitment to precision and reliability is paramount. He asserts that every timepiece must uphold JLC’s “1000-hour control” standard, even as design language adapts to current lifestyles. His approach balances respect for tradition with a willingness to embrace new materials, sustainable practices, and storytelling techniques.
Implications for Canada’s Luxury Watch Market
Canada represents a significant market for Jaeger-LeCoultre, with established boutiques in Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall, Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre, and Montreal’s Rue Sherbrooke. Local retailers such as Royal de Versailles and HD Buttercup feature curated selections of JLC timepieces, while enthusiast communities—including the Canadian Chapter of the Reverso Club—regularly host brand events and collector gatherings.
Lambert’s renewal of focus on boutique experiences and digital engagement is poised to benefit Canadian partners. Retailers report growing demand for high-complication watches and bespoke services, particularly among a younger cohort of collectors seeking authentic craftsmanship. The planned expansion of online configurators—allowing customers to visualize custom dials, straps, and engravings—will further elevate the buying journey.
Moreover, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s participation at major Canadian watch fairs has historically driven visibility. Under Lambert, the brand is expected to unveil exclusives at events such as Salon QP Toronto and Watches & Wonders Vancouver. Collaborations with local artisans—whether in engraving or bespoke leatherwork—could reinforce JLC’s image as both a global innovator and a supporter of regional talent.
Looking Ahead
Jérôme Lambert’s return heralds a period of dynamic growth for Jaeger-LeCoultre. His deep familiarity with the maison’s DNA—combined with his strategic mastery of global luxury operations—positions him to balance visionary creations with disciplined execution. Canadian jewellers and collectors can anticipate a refreshed roster of timepieces that respect the maison’s 190-plus years of history while embracing the demands of today’s market.
As Lambert himself noted at the announcement, “Leading Jaeger-LeCoultre is not merely a role; it is a privilege to serve the art and science of watchmaking within a living tradition. Our journey forward will honour our roots and explore new horizons.” With a leadership style that values collaboration, innovation, and precision, Lambert’s second chapter at La Grande Maison promises to reaffirm Jaeger-LeCoultre’s status as a benchmark for haute horlogerie, both in Canada and around the globe.
