CEO Of The Month | Chapter 4: Jérôme Lambert - Steering Time And Legacy

If you know the world of luxury watches even a little, Jérôme Lambert needs no introduction. A Richemont veteran, Lambert has shaped the fortunes of some of the most prestigious brands in the industry. He served as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre for 11 years, led Montblanc as CEO for four years, and even took the reins as COO of the Richemont Group before returning to Jaeger-LeCoultre. That journey alone makes him one of the most seasoned, insightful, and quietly influential leaders in watchmaking today.

Meeting him again, this time for my interview, I couldn’t help but think: Lambert doesn’t just manage a Maison; he embodies its heartbeat. “Coming back to a Maison like Jaeger-LeCoultre is a little bit like swimming in a river,” he told me. It’s poetic and accurate — familiar currents, subtle changes, and the flow of time that both challenges and inspires.

A Career in Motion: Anecdotes from the Frontlines
One story that always sticks with me from our conversation: Lambert recalled the Gyrotourbillon launch, a watch so complex it seemed almost impossible. He chuckled as he said, “There were moments when I thought we were building a spaceship, not a watch!” But that relentless pursuit of innovation became a defining feature of his leadership. Lambert thrives in complexity, believing that the greater the challenge, the more meaningful the result.

During his tenure at Montblanc, he didn’t just oversee pens and watches — he transformed the brand’s image globally. I remember him telling me about a late-night visit to the Montblanc manufacture in Germany, walking the floors with artisans, listening to their stories, and asking questions that no CEO “should” have time for. It wasn’t micromanagement — it was respect for craft, and that’s exactly what makes him different.

Even as Richemont COO, Lambert’s hands-on approach never wavered. He’d often share how he’d spend days visiting boutiques, talking to sales teams, and seeing first-hand how collectors responded to different watches. That’s not typical executive behavior, but it’s what gives him a rare perspective on both the business and the emotional connection with collectors.

Why Lambert Stands Out
I’ve met many leaders in luxury watchmaking, but Lambert is different. There’s an ease and authenticity in his approach. He doesn’t just talk about watches — he talks about emotion, craft, and legacy. During his previous tenure at Jaeger-LeCoultre, he oversaw some of the most ambitious launches, like the Gyrotourbillon, a technical marvel that redefined complications. Now, returning, he brings a fresh perspective without losing sight of the Maison’s soul.

His leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about trusting teams, fostering talent, and creating an environment where excellence is the default. That’s why Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to attract some of the most talented watchmakers in the world.

Achievements That Resonate

Elevating Haute Horlogerie: Lambert has consistently championed high-complication watches, giving collectors pieces that are as technically impressive as they are visually stunning.

Revitalizing Iconic Collections: From the Reverso to the Master series, his vision has ensured that each collection evolves while honoring its heritage.

Strategic Leadership Across Brands: His tenure at Montblanc and role as Richemont COO reinforced his ability to steer multiple luxury brands toward growth while maintaining their unique identities.

An anecdote I can’t forget: Lambert once described walking into the Jaeger-LeCoultre museum, seeing pieces he had overseen decades ago, and realizing how every watch tells a story not just of time, but of the people who made it. That’s the essence of his leadership — he’s deeply human, while never losing sight of the long-term vision.

A Vision Rooted in Emotion and Craftsmanship
What makes Lambert compelling is his understanding that watches are more than timekeepers; they are stories on the wrist. In our conversation, he reflected on returning to Jaeger-LeCoultre: “It’s familiar, yet different. You recognize the currents, the talent, the heritage — but you also see how things have evolved. That’s the beauty of a Maison that has been around for so long.” That perspective, I realized, defines him. Lambert’s leadership is about balancing tradition with evolution, honoring the past while embracing the future.

Why He’s Our CEO of the Month
In the world of luxury watches, it’s easy to focus on products, launches, or numbers. But leaders like Jérôme Lambert remind us that it’s the people, the culture, and the vision that truly shape a Maison. His ability to inspire teams, drive innovation, and respect heritage makes him not just a CEO, but a custodian of time itself. This October, I’m celebrating Lambert as my CEO of the Month — not just for what he’s achieved, but for the way he leads, thinks, and elevates everyone around him. In a world measured by seconds, Lambert ensures that every moment counts.