Jerome Lambert Returns as JLC CEO: Vision for Jaeger-LeCoultre's Future

The Return of a Watchmaking Visionary

Jérôme Lambert, one of the most respected figures in luxury watchmaking, has returned to Jaeger-LeCoultre as CEO — a role he previously held from 2002 to 2013. Having started his career at La Grande Maison, Lambert later became COO and then Group CEO of Richemont before returning to the brand he knows best.

A Legacy Rooted in Vallée de Joux

"My understanding of luxury and watchmaking, my system of values, my elements of analysis, all of that comes from my first years at Jaeger-LeCoultre," Lambert explained in an exclusive interview with Monochrome Watches. The brand, with 192 years of history, is where he first set foot into watchmaking, making his return particularly meaningful.

During his previous tenure (2002-2013), Lambert left his mark on the brand through strong collections, a focus on complications, and global recognition. He departed just after the completion of the Gyrotourbillon 3, and has since watched the brand develop the Gyrotourbillon 5, the Reverso Quadriptyque, and the expansion of the Métiers Rares Atelier.

Vision: Smaller Watches and Movements

One of the most notable takeaways from Lambert's return is his emphasis on smaller watches and movements — a refreshing perspective in an industry that has trended toward larger cases.

"When you are a Maison like Jaeger, it's important to capture this change, but it's never a problem because we have them in the catalogue," Lambert said. "Ladies' watches are also very interesting these days. There is more diversity, and the Duoplan program has been super well-received. This shows that the expectation of women towards fine watchmaking is growing in its sophistication."

The Collectibles Program

Under Lambert's leadership, the brand continues to develop its Collectibles program, launched in 2021. The initiative allows collectors to acquire restored vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces from the brand's heritage collection — approximately 40 watches per year.

"What was very organic from the start is that we constantly acquired products for our heritage. And when your history is 192 years old, then you have been exploring a lot of fine watchmaking with a lot of expression during your time," Lambert explained.

The Peak of Watchmaking

When asked about the increasing availability of complications, Lambert offered a nuanced perspective: "Count the number of Grand Sonneries on the market. It has not changed in 10 years. So the peak of watchmaking is still the peak. There are some functionalities of fine watchmaking that are more available than before, more accessible than before. But the peak is still the peak, and there are still very few climbers willing and able to go that high."

On Certified Pre-Owned

Lambert also addressed the topic of a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. While acknowledging interest, he noted that JLC already restores any watch regardless of age and provides certificates of origin: "Structuring a pre-owned program is not impossible, and it's not something we don't want to do. But to do it more and better than what we do now would require a lot of attention and energy."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jérôme Lambert's background at Jaeger-LeCoultre?

Lambert began his watchmaking career at Jaeger-LeCoultre and served as CEO from 2002 to 2013. He then became CEO of Montblanc, COO of Richemont, and Group CEO of Richemont before returning to JLC as CEO in 2025.

What changes can we expect under Lambert's leadership?

Key priorities include smaller watches and movements, continued development of the Collectibles program, and maintaining the brand's unique blend of style, elegance, history, and technical creativity.

What is the Collectibles program?

Launched in 2021, Collectibles allows collectors to acquire restored vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches from the brand's heritage collection. Approximately 40 pieces are offered per year, each restored by the Manufacture and accompanied by a certificate of origin.

According to Monochrome Watches, Lambert's return signals "a new era of expression" for Jaeger-LeCoultre, leveraging the brand's 192-year heritage and technical mastery to meet evolving collector expectations.

Read our complete Jaeger-LeCoultre brand guide for more on the Maison's history and collections.