Zhang Ziyi on style, watches and being a Jaeger-LeCoultre ambassador
Jul 15, 2025
Actress Zhang Ziyi is now Jaeger-LeCoultre's newest global brand ambassador. She talks about her new role and her take on timepieces, her personal style and what it means to represent the Swiss luxury watchmaker
Zhang, best known for her roles in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha, was picked by Jaeger-LeCoultre for her inherent elegance and sophisticated style that resonate deeply with their aesthetic values.
"We are honoured to welcome Zhang Ziyi to the Jaeger-LeCoultre family," says Jérôme Lambert, the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. "Her exceptional talent, her dedication to her art, and her timeless elegance resonate perfectly with the values of our Maison. We believe this partnership will beautifully showcase the shared spirit of artistry, heritage, and enduring excellence that defines both Zhang Ziyi and Jaeger-LeCoultre."
Zhang tell us about timepieces, her style and what it means to represent the Swiss luxury watchmaker.
Do you recall your very first watch and what it meant to you at the time?
My first watch was simple, yet deeply meaningful. It was more than a tool for telling time; it marked a stage of personal growth and brought a quiet sense of ceremony to that moment in life. That experience taught me the value of time and shaped the way I approach life with intention and structure.
What aspects of watchmaking do you find most fascinating or inspiring?
What fascinates me most about watchmaking is its precision - and the almost obsessive attention to detail it requires. This dedication to perfection speaks to me deeply and continues to inspire the way I work.
Time is an essential element in filmmaking – from the pacing of a scene to the emotional journey of a character and even the timeless impact of a story. How has your relationship with time evolved through your experiences in cinema?
Working in film has taught me to embrace the passage of time and to appreciate the gifts it brings. With each role and every experience, I’ve come to understand how storytelling carries the emotional weight of time. The most powerful films have shown me that time deepens meaning, helps stories resonate across generations, and turns fleeting moments into something lasting.
In what ways does the precision of horology resonate with your approach to acting or performance?
Perhaps, my pursuit of nuanced acting parallels a watchmaker’s quest for precision. Even the briefest shot calls for absolute attention to detail before it becomes part of something truly meaningful.
Is there a timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre that holds special significance for you?
The Reverso One Duetto Jewellery is especially meaningful to me. I’ve always loved the Reverso collection - it’s a timepiece defined by timelessness, a true icon of elegance and femininity. What resonates most is its double-sided design.
How do you see your role evolving as a global ambassador - not just for Jaeger-LeCoultre, but also for modern Chinese cinema on the world stage?
As the global ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre, and as a filmmaker, I hope to convey Jaeger-LeCoultre’s spirit of pioneering, timelessness, and pursuit of excellence.
How would you describe your personal style, both on and off the red carpet or camera?
On the red carpet, I gravitate toward looks that have grace and character. In daily life, I prefer simplicity and quiet elegance. It’s a contrast that reflects different facets of who I am - much like the Reverso collection, which transitions effortlessly between refined sophistication and understated grace.
What role do accessories - particularly watches - play in completing your look?
The watch is the most defining part of my look - it’s the finishing touch that quietly brings everything together. Subtle yet full of presence, it not only elevates the overall style but also reflects a sense of taste and character.
Do you prefer classic or contemporary designs when choosing a timepiece?
I prefer classic designs, but I’m also drawn to modern designs like the Rendez-Vous collection. Jaeger- LeCoultre was one of the first watchmakers to create fully gem-set watches for women, and the Rendez-Vous collection pays tribute to that legacy. It reinterprets that tradition through a contemporary lens, capturing the elegance of the past in a form that speaks to women today.
Also see: Rolex support the arts through WestK Performing Arts partnership
