Interviews

Exclusive interview with Mr. Jerome Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jerome Lambert CEO of Jeager –LeCoultre talks about the Brand’s expected novelties at the SIHH 2013, and Jubilee collection dedicated to Antoine LeCoultre as the brand celebrates its 180 anniversary.

JLC has revealed a new innovative time piece the Duomètre Unique Travel Time to be launched at the upcoming SIHH 2013 edition. What does this mean to brand’s continuous creativity and watch making excellence?

The new Duomètre piece we presented in Paris for the opening of our flagship store on the Place Vendome in Paris embodies the philosophy of the Duomètre line – by embodying the inventive spirit of Antoine LeCoultre. This timepiece offers new solutions in the field of time-zone watches. The Duomètre Unique Travel Time is a watch dedicated both to travelers and to lovers of fine watch making. It’s the first watch to combine the convenience of world time-zones with the flexibility to set the destination time to the minute.

In 2007, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the first timepiece in the Duomètre line, the Duomètre à Chronographe. A watch built on the Dual Wing concept, which, thanks to its two independent energy sources, allows for chronographs of the very highest precision, timepiece providing new solutions in time measurement.

Then, in 2010, we launched the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire, using the same Dual Wing system, allowing the most precise time-setting possible. A watch that can be set to within 1/6 of a second – and all while the regulating organ is continuing to work at full speed.

At SIHH 2012, you had the chance to discover the latest chapter in the Hybris Mechanica story – the Duomètre Sphérotourbillon. This exceptional model is the first tourbillon watch that can be set precisely to the second with the tourbillon continuously running.
A timepiece with exceptional aesthetics and complications.

Aesthetically the Duomètre movements are true to the same philosophy of construction, capitalising on the Dual-Wing system, and proudly displaying the movement architecture invented by Jaeger-LeCoultre in the Vallée de Joux in the nineteenth century. Jaeger-LeCoultre defined the future of fine watchmaking with the revolutionary ‘Dual-Wing’ system. With the Duomètre we exceeded even our expectations. The Dual Wing system has a golden future, promising the development of even greater complications.


How do you describe the upcoming Novelties from JLC to be launched at the SIHH 2013?

2013 marks the 180th anniversary since the creation of the Manufacture in 1833 in the Valley de Joux, in Switzerland. Nicknamed the «Grande Maison» by the people living in the Vallée de Joux, the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre today is the reference in fine watchmaking. The Jubilee collection we will present at SIHH will be paying tribute to the first founder of the company and his creative spirit.


Artists and watchmakers were inspired by the beauty of the Swiss Jura region where the founder Antoine Le-Coultre first set up the company in 1833. What is the inspiration for the company’s present day designers and watchmakers?

It’s through this dedication to invention that the philosophy and spirit of our founder, Antoine LeCoultre, lives on, today as it did at the beginning. By the end of the 19th Century the Grande Maison’s achievements in invention were to make it the uncontested leader in fine watchmaking. Today, 180 years after Antoine’s brilliant innovation. We keep the spirit of invention alive, it is the Passionate men and women – working under one roof who continues to challenge them selves, and come up with new inventions.

The Manufacture has an impressive range of world firsts, superlative creations and legendary models to its credit, including the Reverso, the Duoplan, the Master Control, the Memovox Polaris, the Gyrotourbillon and the Atmos.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is the only manufacturer to unite around 40 professions and 180 skills under a single roof, from watchmakers and artisans who perpetuate and enrich the heritage passed on by former generations, to microtechnical engineers and cutting-edge technology specialists.


You always emphasis that Jaeger-LeCoultre is a real Swiss manufacture. Are all components of the JLC watch in-house made?

The Manufacture unites under its roofs over 1,200 talented individuals mastering all the watchmaking skills required to develop and produce its timepieces in their entirety. Artistic crafts and state-of-the art technologies are combined in its daily endeavours.


What are the biggest markets for Jaeger-LeCoultre today? And how is Jaeger Le-Coultre faring in the Middle East?

In current world, people are travelling intensively, especially watch connoisseurs, so it is not that relevant to discuss about which market is bigger than others. What is sure is that our historical boutiques in Europe, including our new flagship boutique in Place Vendome, attract a lot of passionate, whether they come from Europe, where the brand is an icon of elegance or for few years Asia, where the brand is now very well established there and match values inherent to this market: craftmanship, classicial design, attention to detail, legitimacy. The brand is still to increase its fame and repute as a reference among our Middle Eastern clientele but we are extremely confident about the future. In the Middle East in particular, we foster a great community spirit through our local partnerships such as Abu Dhabi Film Festival, our support to equestrian competitions or our last year limited edition for the 40th anniversary of the UAE.


How do you rate the Middle East as a potential market for Jaeger-LeCoultre? Which of your models are the most popular in the Middle East?

We have been retailing in the Middle East for more than 25 years and have secured a loyal clientele of connoisseurs either locally or in through our European boutiques. Our level of development in the Middle East varies from one place to another. With plan to have 8 boutiques in the region by 2013 and continuation of our long standing relation with strong partners, we are confident to catch the full potential of this market. Jaeger-LeCoultre offers the most complicated, yet elegant watches for connoisseurs, a strong offer for ladies with the recent launch of Rendez Vous line, as well as timeless classical products such as Reverso or Master Control. All those lines are showing great results in the Middle East and especially our iconic Reverso: this is an absolute icon in Europe and I am happy to see that this rectangular-shaped watch is gaining popularity among watch loves and connoisseurs.


Do you propose to open more independent Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques in the Middle East?

We currently have six Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques in the Middle East, operated with our local and historical partners. We value the long-term relationship we have. We plan to open two more boutiques in 2013.


Could you please describe the JLC customer profile in the Middle East? Is it different for other regions?

The customer profile in the Middle East is diverse.First, in terms of purchasing power, GCC connoisseurs have amazing watches, probably some of the most outstanding in the world. Secondly because there is a great offering in the GCC, together with some of the biggest retail hubs, people are exposed to multiple choices. This probably explains the thirst for novelty and exclusivity for local connoisseurs.
Thirdly, the ladies market here is quite developed when compared to Europe. Time for shopping and luxury is part of an everyday accessory of elegance.In such an environment, being a reference and legitimate brand, capable of producing some of the most outstanding time pieces for both male and ladies segments is a clear advantage that we have.

What relationship "La Grande Maison" has with collectors especially those from the Middle East? How active is JLC on the social media?

Collectors in the Middle East have historically had a successful, close relationship with the Manufacture in Europe. But now, more and more, they are cultivating a local relationship with Jaeger-LeCoultre. Our activities in Abu Dhabi in particular have helped foster this appreciation, especially our new boutique opening in Etihad Towers, our sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival as well as our support to Equestrian activities in the region.

When it comes to social media, Jaeger-LeCoultre is very active online through different social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and independent collector’s blogs. We strongly believe in a direct line of communication with our watch lovers and greatly support the developments of tools to encourage this discussion. An example of a tool that has enhanced the connoisseur’s experience of Jaeger-LeCoultre is our app available for Ipad which provide in depth product information and the brand’s history. In addition, clients can learn about the intricacies of watchmaking through games and tools allowing us to keep the historical art of watchmaking alive and well.

How significant for Jaeger-LeCoultre are special orders particularly from the Gulf?

We have a great offer of personalization through our Reverso line as the back case of this watch can be engraved and reflect the story/message of its buyer.
We also had created last year a private limited edition of 40 pieces to celebrate the UAE 40th anniversary. We are very proud of this watch, which symbolizes our long term relation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

What is your favorite Jaeger-LeCoultre watch?

I often wear watches from the Duomètre collection, Duomètre Sphérotourbillon is one of the watches that I have been wearing a lot this year. It is very comfortable on the wrist, and is exceptional in terms of precision and esthetics. I also love to wear the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire – a watch with a moon phases indicator.


Where do you see the future of Jaeger-LeCoultre? What are the challenges for JLC in the years to come?

We ask ourselves the question “How would Antoine perpetuate the legacy of the Manufacture?” And we are working on the answers with the teams of talented people at the Manufacture.

Market News

Tiffany & Co reported net Q3 Sales of $853 Million.

Tiffany & Co. reported its third quarter worldwide net sales of $853 million with 4 percent increase on the same period of 2011. Tiffany net earnings reached $63 million with a net decline of 30 percent. According to Tiffany & Co, this drop was largely due to the rising of precious metals and diamond costs.

Audemars Piguet announces Associate Sponsor Partnership with Art Basel

As global Associate Sponsor and “Time of Art Basel” Audemars Piguet will be present at all the Art Basel shows in Hong Kong, Basel and Miami Beach, as of 2013. The brand will host visitors in the exclusive Art Collectors Lounge where it will feature a specially curated exhibition of timepieces that will immerse visitors into the métiers and the world of its place of origin, Le Brassus. This exhibition follows previous involvements with art fairs around the world, as well as the highly successful Audemars Piguet show “From Avant-garde to Icon”, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary Royal Oak model, held in several cities throughout 2012. Audemars Piguet has constantly explored the interface of art and craft. This independence has always enabled Audemars Piguet to follow a singular vision of excellence, creativity and innovation.

BREITLING celebrates Navitimer’s 60th anniversary in flight in the Middle East with a limited edition.

Aed Adwan Breitling’s new sales manager for the Middle East region has commenced his new role in a style. A special VIP event was held by Breitling in conjunction with their UAE agent Al Mulla Jewelley at the Armani Hotel to mark the 60th anniversary of the Navitimer chronograph, the cult timepiece of choice among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The event showcased the Navitimer Blue Sky Limited Edition watch, limited to only 500 pieces across the globe and distinguished by its design touches, such as the elegant dial in an exclusive shade of blue, the silver inner bezel, and the contrasting red second’s hand.

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards 2013 to reveal tomorrow's talents in Women Entrepreneurship

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2013 is back once again on the hunt for women entrepreneurs who are in initial phase of their businesses. For the third consecutive year, the Awards will quest for talents across the MENA region in order to identify promising business projects, and provide specialist coaching and funding to support their success. The Award targets women heading an original for-profit initiative in the initial stage. It rewards the winner with a year of personal coaching from some of the world’s best business management consultants, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who will personally attend the forum and Awards in Deauville. Eighteen finalists representing the best projects worldwide will be selected in the first phase of the contest. They will receive coaching and media exposure and will be invited to France for the Finale week which will include a presentation in front of the international Jury, entrepreneurship workshops and the Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum.

The Unique collection of Rolex watches chronicles the history of the UAE.

Momentum, the specialty boutique store will present the Magnificent Timekeepers – a specially curated collection comprising a dozen of one-of-a kind Rolex watches from the 60s and 70s, produced especially at the request of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. The exhibit cum sale started on December 8th-January 17th. Presented as gifts to honour high-ranking officials, ambassadors and heads of states, as well as to distinguished members of the armed forces and the police, in recognition of their special service and achievements.

Sevan Bicakci displays exquisite pieces at the Sharjah Islamic Art Festival

Sevan Bicakci, Turkish award-winning jeweler and artist will be displaying his exquisite Islamic pieces at the Sharjah Islamic Art festival.  This is Sevan Bicakci’s first participation in the Islamic Art Festival of Sharjah, however in 2009; Sevan Bicakci was shortlisted by the judges of the Victoria & Albert Museum to become part of the Jameel Prize exhibition, which is another important platform for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic tradition. 

Company News

De Witt presents its new Academia Seconde Retrograde Serenity collection

De Witt presents its new Academia Seconde Retrograde Serenity collection. Defined by resolutely dynamic lines this ultra-virile model features the retrograde seconds in an exciting new fashion on a white gold fan-shaped display. Available in a limited edition of 250 pieces, it blends strikingly attractive colour combinations and noble materials. Its beating heart is the Calibre DW1102, a mechanical self-winding movement with   42 hours power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vph housed in a powerful angular case stamped by an aura of imperial nobility. The black dial is enhanced with raised motifs highlighting the silver retrograde second complication in a   subtle understated manner. Appearing at 6 o’clock in a ‘car radiator grill’ open worked décor the fan-shaped seconds hand performs a highly contemporary ballet: after gliding over the arc of a circle, it gracefully jumps back to zero before resuming its dance. 

Pomellato’s new boutique at the Dubai Mall to open soon

The Pomellato’s iconic collection of rings and earrings showcases brightly hued gems in a subtle rose gold setting, with a rainbow of stones ranging from striking blue topaz to demure smoky quartz will be presented at the brand’s new boutique at the Dubai Mall which will open from mid December 2012.

Paris Hilton launched a new collection of watch

A new line of watches by Paris Hilton Fashioned as the “Private Collection”, the chic dazzlers are the perfect posers befit to shine-on by day and, by night. Paris Hilton watches are a coming of age glam story that express confidence, elegance and beauty. Inspired by the heiress herself, the plush soiree of watches is a sparkling reality of brilliance that sums up the style of every modern and contemporary woman. Glazed with bedazzles of Swarovski sheen, the new line parades eight families of timepieces that are each very charismatic and exude a unique “it-factor”. Catch the new drizzles of chic at leading luxury outlets across the Middle East this October

Blacksand announces the launch of new Website

The blacksand new website offer more content, opted for a site using the latest technologies to surf easily between history, collections, news and pressroom. Among the new possibilities offered by the new website: instinctive such as horizontal and vertical navigation, full view of timepieces, simple descriptions and PDF downloadable files and images in high resolution.

Breitling boutiques enjoy swift and steady development

In just a few years, Breitling has inaugurated nearly 30 boutiques around the world, the goal being to consolidate its presence and raise its profile on individual markets, by offering consumers venues that perfectly reflect the brand universe. Designed in a modern and original style highlighting the firm’s aeronautical heritage, these distinctive showcases enable customers to benefit from a highly professional approach facilitating the discovery of a broad range of Breitling and Breitling for Bentley models – notably including chronographs equipped with Manufacture Breitling movements, along with “special boutique editions”. Breitling is firmly established in the Middle East with exclusive stores in the United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. Breitling’s expansion plans are not confined to South-East Asia. “Despite the economic slowdown, Europe remains a highly promising market and we are seriously counting on its development”, confirms Jean-Paul Girardin.

Carlo Palmiero launches Haiku jewellery watch collection

Carlo Palmiero, known for his elaborate jewellery masterpieces, launched his stunning Haiku jewellery watch collection at a well-attended cocktail reception at Voda Bar Terrace in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The launch in the UAE coincided with the global launch of the jewellery watch collection, which is Palmiero’s first venture in designing time pieces. The much-anticipated Haiku jewellery watch collection, inspired by the poem born in Japan consists of three lines characterized by five, seven and again five syllables. It features designs dedicated to the Four Seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Graeme McDowell finishes 2012 with Win at World Challenge

On December 2nd, Audemars Piguet Ambassador Graeme McDowell ended his 2012 campaign on a triumphant note as he closed with a four-under-par 68 to post a 17-under total of 271, at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks (California). Graeme continued his love affair with California by winning for the first time in two years when he held off playing partner Keagan Bradley to clinch the World Challenge by three shots on Sunday. The Irishman climbs back to World.

Boucheron reopens Boutique in Mall of Emirates in Dubai

Maison Boucheron has recently announced the reopening of its boutique in Dubai located on Via Rodeo, Mall of the Emirates. The store, originally opened in 2005 in an area dedicated to luxury fashion and jewelry boutiques, has been newly embellished for a more light-filled atmosphere. Artisans treated brass for the windows in the same manner that gold is handled in the jeweler’s workshop, using age-old techniques in molding, texturing, polishing and sculpting.

Tag Heuer sponsors the 4th Annual Women in Leadership Forum

TAG Heuer recently celebrated the spirit and glory of women as leaders across various sectors by being the official Luxury Brand Sponsor of the 4^th Annual Women in Leadership Forum Middle East and Africa that took place on November 21^st and 22^nd 2012 at The Westin Hotel, Dubai. The guest of honour at the Leadership forum was HH Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice Chairwoman & Secretary General of Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundations. In a recent statement,” TAG Heuer was very proud to be associated with the Women in Leadership forum. This is a great platform to promote women to more key responsibilities both in the private and public sector. Women empowerment clearly adds value to companies.

Product Launch

Audemars Piguet unveils the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher

On 17th October 2012- The Swiss Watch Manufacture from Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet, celebrated with Michael Schumacher and guests, the international unveiling of the limited edition Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher at the Kraftwerk building in Berlin. Joining Audemars Piguet’s Chief Marketing Officer Tim Sayler and Michael Schumacher were internationally acclaimed guests including designers JetteJoop and Anna von Griesheim.

Movado Luma reflects the modern design jewellery watch.

A fashion-forward jewelry watch for women, almost as wide as the case, its boldly styled bracelet is formed from a series of gently rounded, loosely joined handle-shaped links that fasten seamlessly with a jewelry clasp. The softly contoured case features an elegantly recessed crown to preserve the watch’s clean, contemporary lines. Dials textured to evoke the soft cosmetic appeal of powdered eye shadow add a uniquely feminine touch. This timepiece is offered one-way in solid polished stainless steel with a round 31mm case and complimentary silver-toned powder-textured Museum® dial, an iconic design defined by a matching rhodium-plated flat dot at 12 o’clock and simple stick hands.

Exhibitions & Events

Chopard and Germany’s most important Media Award “BAMBI 2012”

BAMBI pays tribute to people with vision and creativity whose outstanding successes and achievements were mirrored in the media in the course of the year. Among many prize winners, the Mexican actress Salma Hayek, awarded in the category „international film“, selected Chopard jewellery for the evening. Chopard, a partner of BAMBI since 7 years, is proud to craft the precious „diamond base“of the famous golden Bambi trophy in its workshops in Geneva.  The BAMBI Award is one of Germany’s most exciting media events. The 2012 BAMBI, the 64th edition, was no exception to the rule.

Cartier's Fine Jewellery Exhibition themed "La Panthère” was at Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi

The “Tiaras & Royalties” exhibition in May earlier this year which took place in conjunction with the official inauguration of Cartier Boutique at Avenue, Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi. The Panther has been the ultimate emblem of Cartier’s jewellery “The Panther, a matchless heroine” exhibition aimed to whisk the audience away on a unique journey, born from the desire to share the Maison’s passion, transmit its values and enchant the world.

Celebrity News

Kevin Pietersen endorses Citizen Super Titanium watches

Citizen watches have signed Kevin Pietersen, the swashbuckling English cricket superstar to be the Brand Ambassador in the Middle East. He will be the face of their new range of Super Titanium Watches and his elegant brilliance superbly represents the best qualities of the new line. Pietersen, known for his flamboyant, hard-hitting style of play currently plays for England, Surrey and the Delhi Daredevils and has the distinction of being the second-highest run scorer from his first 25 Tests. He became the fastest batsman to reach both 1,000 and 2,000 runs in One Day International cricket. He is only the third English batsman to top the ICC One Day International rankings in March 2007.

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