In a move as precise as a Swiss chronograph, luxury conglomerate LVMH has handed the keys of its watch division to industry stalwart Jean-Christophe Babin. The appointment comes after Frédéric Arnault—scion of the Arnault dynasty—shifted gears to steer fashion house Loro Piana, leaving behind a legacy of ticking ambitions.
Babin, who’s been navigating the luxury watchmaking labyrinth for over two decades, will now command LVMH’s trio of timekeeping titans: TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith. Like a master watchmaker adjusting a tourbillon, his dual role—retaining the CEO seat at Bulgari—suggests LVMH trusts his hands to keep multiple wheels turning smoothly.
The reshuffle arrives as rival Richemont quietly dismantles its specialist watchmakers division hierarchy, leaving Perrin’s role unreplaced. Meanwhile, LVMH doubles down on structure, ensuring its watch brands remain a “separate kingdom” within the empire—a strategy as deliberate as engraving a serial number on a limited-edition dial.
For collectors and investors alike, Babin’s ascent reads like a certificate of authenticity—a promise that LVMH’s watches won’t lose their edge in an era where smartwatches buzz for attention. As one insider quipped, “He doesn’t just keep time; he buys it.”
