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There is growing speculation in the luxury watch industry that Johann Rupert may be preparing to part with another historic brand.
Richemont, the Swiss luxury group controlled by South Africa’s richest man, is reportedly exploring a deal that could see Jaeger LeCoultre spun out through a management buyout. The company has not made any public announcement, but several industry insiders say discussions are underway.
If completed, the transaction would reportedly be led by Jaeger LeCoultre chief executive Jérôme Lambert, backed by a group of investors. According to luxury industry newsletter Miss Tweed, Lambert could take a personal stake in the acquisition, combining ownership with continued leadership of the brand.
Jaeger LeCoultre is believed to be worth more than 1 billion Swiss francs, a price tag that speaks to nearly two centuries of watchmaking and its place among Switzerland’s elite brands.
Founded in 1833 in the quiet Swiss town of Le Sentier, Jaeger LeCoultre built its name on precision and patience. Over nearly two centuries, it has created more than 1,200 calibres and earned over 400 patents. Inside the watch world, it is regarded as one of the true craftsmen of mechanical timekeeping.
Richemont took full ownership of the brand in 2000, expanding its global reach while preserving its identity as a high end manufacture.
The possible move comes shortly after Richemont agreed to sell Baume & Mercier to Italy’s Damiani Group. That deal, announced in January, signaled a willingness by the group to rebalance its watch portfolio rather than hold onto every legacy asset.
Richemont still retains major brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, which remain central to its strategy and profitability.
Whether the Jaeger LeCoultre discussions lead to a completed transaction remains to be seen. For now, the company has stayed silent.
