Encountering Jérôme Lambert at South Coast Plaza

vitalsigns · 2018-07-29T08:32:09Z

John (vitalsigns) shares his personal encounter with Jérôme Lambert, former JLC CEO, at South Coast Plaza. Discover insights into luxury watch executives.

vitalsigns

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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John (vitalsigns) shares a memorable encounter with Jérôme Lambert, then COO of Richemont and former CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, at South Coast Plaza. This post highlights the rare opportunity for enthusiasts to connect with industry leaders and offers a glimpse into the personal side of luxury watch executives. John's experience underscores the accessibility and genuine nature of some of the most influential figures in horology.

What do you do when you're the Chief Operating Officer of one of the largest luxury goods conglomerates in the world, and the former CEO of our beloved JLC...

...and your name is mentioned (in a reserved way) as you walk past, headed to company boutiques in South Coast Plaza, Southern California?

Well, if you're Jerome Lambert, you turn around and genially say hello to an enthusiast.

This happened to me yesterday.

I was finishing up some shopping, just coming off an escalator and I see about six well-dressed gentlemen heading toward me. I immediately recognize Mr. Lambert and as they pass, I quietly mention his name. One of his colleagues glances at me and I address him mentioning Mr. Lambert's name a second time. Shortly, Mr. Lambert turns, walks back, offers his hand and we exchange a few pleasantries. I show him the watch I'm wearing at the time (a JLC, thankfully!) and he offers some kind and genuine comments. The gentlemen are on a business trip, so I'm not one to hold them up. We shake hands to say farewell, and Mr. Lambert offers me his business card. Such a pleasant interaction, and entirely consistent with all I've heard about Mr. Lambert for many years now.

Cheers,

John

Key Points from the Discussion

Another collector recounts a similar positive interaction with Jean-Claude Monachon of Omega, noting his down-to-earth nature and accessibility at an Omega boutique and event.
A suggestion is made for a PuristS Edition JLC sports watch, possibly a Reverso in steel with specific dial and movement finishing details, or an approachable Extreme Lab model, emphasizing high finishing and a unique clasp.
The discussion humorously extends the idea of a PuristS Edition JLC, imagining members participating in the finishing process at the JLC factory to ensure perfection and lower costs.
Jérôme Lambert is widely regarded as a shining light in the industry, known for his class, vision, and strategic skills, with his tenure at JLC being particularly impactful.
South Coast Plaza is highlighted as a premier destination for watch enthusiasts, featuring numerous luxury watch boutiques including Lange, JLC, Vacheron, IWC, Panerai, Patek, Omega, and Rolex.
Another member shares having encountered Jérôme Lambert multiple times, including recently in Paris, reinforcing his approachable demeanor.

The Discussion

MTF

Jul 29, 2018

Over the years, I count only a handful of real nice CEOs in the watch industry. Jerome Lambert is one of them. Regards, MTF

Joepny

Jul 29, 2018

From everything I’ve read, Mr. Lambert is one of the shining lights of the whole industry. Now the story would have been better if you had pulled him aside and said we’ve got to make a PuristS Edition JLC sports watch. 😉😜😁 South Coast Plaza...I remember going down there my freshman year at university and interviewing for a summer job at a retail store. Almost a quarter of a century ago. I have heard it’s gone even more upscale through the years.

vitalsigns

Jul 29, 2018

South Coast Plaza has really grown into a destination shopping venue. Many luxury boutiques, as well as watch boutiques: Lange JLC Vacheron IWC Panerai Patek (run by Tourneau, I believe) Omega Rolex The "Tourbillon" Swatch brands retail space did not survive, I believe. Overall, a great place for a watch enthusiast to stop when visiting Southern California (Orange County area). Cheers, John

traineract

Jul 29, 2018

It's also super important to support the good people in the industry. Happy to hear such good things about Mr lambert. I've huge respect for him too! Happy that u had the chance to meet him!

patrick_y

Jul 29, 2018

I've run into him many times before; most recently in April in Paris at a hotel in the Place Vendome. Glad you had a great interaction with him at South Coast Plaza!

Joepny

Jul 29, 2018

I think Omega had just started to open their own boutiques in 1996, under JCB.

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Encountering Jérôme Lambert at South Coast Plaza

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