Catherine Rénier, CEO Jaeger-LeCoultre
Cover Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Catherine Rénier, the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, talks to Tatler about the importance of arts in horology, Asia’s changing watch market, and the enduring appeal of the Reverso watch

Wonders and Watches 2023 is just around the corner and lovers of haute horlogerie have been on the prowl to know what to expect this year.

Last year, Jaeger-LeCoultre allowed its most complicated watch to bask in the limelight, the Reverso Quadriptyque, after it was launched through Zoom in 2021. CEO Catherine Rénier believed that the watch deserved to get its due appreciation, which would be impossible to achieve through an online platform. Besides this model, the watchmaker also revealed the 2022 versions of the Stellar Odyssey, Polaris Adventure, Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star, and the latest releases of the Atmos Clocks.

This year, however, one thing is certain: Rénier has hinted that the Swiss watchmaker is working on a new take on its much-loved Reverso collection. Here’s what she had to say about it.

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Congratulations on the launch of “Made of Makers”, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s series of collaborations with artists and artisans. How will the campaign stand out from those run by other luxury brands?

Made of Makers is a profound expression of the core principles [of watchmaking] that have always defined La Grande Maison: passion, creativity, expertise and precision. The programme focuses on international artists who share the maison’s values and whose work explores new forms of expression through different and often unexpected materials and media. We choose to work with forward-thinking artists and highly imaginative artisans whose work challenges the norm, expands our minds and triggers emotions. We support them by commissioning new work and they in turn nourish the creativity and continuing evolution of our maison.

Have you noticed any changes in your clients’ requirements and demands over the past five years?

We’ve noticed a strong desire from the public to further expand their knowledge of watchmaking. Over the last few years, the maison has embarked on a quest to share its expertise, know-how and passion by educating the public on the secrets of watchmaking. We bring the experience of the manufacture around the world—not only in our flagship stores but also in our exhibitions that [set] the public on a heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and artistic journey. Another initiative to share our watchmaking know-how is through the Atelier d’Antoine workshop—named after our founder Antoine LeCoultre, it offers watch enthusiasts, connoisseurs and novices a rare chance to explore watchmaking through a blend of academic education and hands-on experience.

What will Jaeger-LeCoultre be focusing on in the coming year?

We have several substantial projects that will unfold in 2023. We plan to release novelties to complement our Reverso collection, more details for which will be revealed during Watches and Wonders in [late] March.

How do you think the horology market has changed in Asia over the past year?

We have seen the market become more daring in style: green dials; burgundy timepieces have met with tremendous success; and the Reverso, with its rectangular case and art deco design, has become a statement of style and individuality.

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