Jerome LAMBERT, THE INTERVIEW.
Q: What is your personal take on Jaeger-LeCoultre?
R: I would define Jaeger-LeCoultre as a brand of beautiful horology tradition and especially of horology know-how.
Back in 2001 / 2002 we were convinced about that already and proud of our capacities.
We just had to turn this know-how and potential into full reality, obviously without forgetting the founding principles of JLC and its creators as Antoine LeCoultre himself.
Collection after collection, we’ve had to be inventive, creative, all that to finally be up to today’s tastes!
When I arrived at Jaeger-LeCoultre I felt a colossal heritage that we had just to make perceptible.
The dream world of horology is indeed Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The true challenge lies in giving an impulsion to go forward.
At JLC there is no individual success, at any level, but the shared success of a team, the collective wins over the individual.
Training is another important aspect at Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is essential, I would even say vital for the future of the brand.
More than 300 square meters of workshop are dedicated to training.
Past, present time and future can’t be dissociated for us.
( Writer's Note: The old Farm, in Year 1833 )
( Writer's Note: The New Manufacture )
Q: How do you perceive the Reverso in Jaeger-LeCoultre history? Inhibiting, consuming or necessary?
R: ( Laughs)...A share of the three...
Chronologically speaking the Reverso was indeed inhibiting in 2000.
It has consequently appeared to be necessary to create, to diversify the production, so that we could offer a strong alternative to a watch as emblematic as the Reverso can be.
In my opinion we really succeeded to diversify with the Master Compressor line in the first time. The renewal of the Master Control range followed and finally the high horology with which the Reverso still has its fair share with the Master line models and the Duometre.
This variety constitutes a superb illustration of the richness of the Manufacture offerings.
Q: Let’s talk precisely about high horology and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The first question I think of relates to the links between Jaeger-LeCoultre and the other brands of the Richemont Group. I specifically think about prestigious brands like Vacheron Constantin and Lange, if not about others.
Are the relations good, while we’ve seen Jaeger-LeCoultre issue in each of the last four years paragons of very high horology?
R: There is no problem, each of us must exist in the respect and with the help of its philosophy and values.
Jaeger-LeCoultre builds its own history in this way and perpetuates it through horology invention and know how.
Each of us is own values, each of us taking his chance.
As you ask it yes the co-existence of the Richemont brands is positive as much as constructive as we all enrich ourselves at each other’s contact.
Q: When we look at the full range of models currently produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre we could have an impression of an excessive spectrum. What do you think about it ?
R: You have to understand that Jaeger-LeCoultre is a multidisciplinary manufacture, certainly not a monoproduct company. That has been the truth since the beginning of its existence.
This large variety of watches and clocks is always respectful of the style and good workmanship and know how of the manufacture.
Q: You say that Jaeger-LeCoultre is a real manufacture. Are all components of a watch made in-house?
R: Yes to some extent and that’s the case of all regulating parts excepted for the spirals that we don’t make in-house.
Q: Regarding the automatic chronograph calibre some feel and say that the Frederic Piguet company played a role in its conception. What is the truth ?
R: You have to take into account that all chronograph calibres share the same constraints so the schedules of conditions are very close.
I can still certify that there is no Frederic Piguet calibre in any Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph.
Q: What relationship “La Grande Maison” has with collectors ?
R: To be really honest, before 2000 we had no feedback from collectors, we didn’t see them we didn’t hear them.
What surprised me and even touched me along the years is the esteem and affection people have for Jaeger-LeCoultre.
It is absolutely fabulous to share with collectors and outside lovers the love of a brand.
The Polaris that we are re-issuing this year is a perfect illustration of this love of the brand and the exchanges with collectors.
Originally Jaeger-LeCoultre was not favouring the idea of a re-issue. The exchanges we’ve had have made us change our mind and we’re glad about it!
( Writer's note: A closer look on Jerome's Wrist..Do you recognize the watches? )
I must also say that "The PuristS" has brought an important contribution to the opening of Jaeger-LeCoultre to the collectors’ world.
To listen and to be open are important assets.
Q: as a conclusion, two classical questions:
- What is for you Jerome LAMBERT your favourite Jaeger-LeCoultre watch?
R: ( Laughs )..Difficult question. I would answer saying that I’m privileged to be able to wear what I want.
I must absolutely answer?
I would say :
The EWC in steel and titanium. ( Credit Pic: Sclamb )
The Squadra.
The Polaris, the absolute class.
And the Grande MUT in pink gold.
But the list could be much longer…….
- And among the competition?
R: The Datograph, from Lange and Sohne, at least before the Duometre appeared !.
A Portugaise from IWC, beautiful and timeless. ( Credit Pic: Harry, of course! )
I have a deep and real admiration for these two watches.
A big thank you Jerome LAMBERT to have given us the necessary time for this interview !
We wish you simply the best for you and your team.
PS, I want to thank Mr Jerome, our Jerome ( Berder ) , for the translation of this interview, and for some of the pics.
Best.
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-05-19 07:41:37 This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-05-19 08:16:25 This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-05-19 10:19:36 This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-05-25 03:18:18 
