Urban Jürgensen – Time Kept and Spent Beautifully: UJ-1, UJ-2 & UJ-3 – the 2025 Collection

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Under the motto “Time Kept and Spent Beautifully,” it is celebrated a new chapter in the storied history of the watchmaking brand founded in 1773. Under the shared leadership of Co-CEOs Kari Voutilainen and Alex Rosenfield, the brand aims to blend its rich Danish-Swiss heritage with modern innovation. The 2025 Collection introduces new designs and in-house movements, honouring the legacy while appealing to contemporary watch enthusiasts. With a philosophy centred on the intrinsic joy of time spent and craftsmanship excellence, Urban Jürgensen continues to redefine its role in the world of haute horology, reinforcing the notion that timepieces are companions in life’s most treasured moments.

Urban Jürgensen: The Legacy Continues

Key Takeaways

• The Legacy Continues: In June 2025, Urban Jürgensen, the watchmaking legacy started in 1773, begins an exciting new chapter.
• Shared Leadership: Co-CEOs Kari Voutilainen and Alex Rosenfield lead the brand forward, combining Kari’s unparalleled horological expertise with Alex’s cultural and creative vision.
• Philosophy Refined: Time kept and spent beautifully are essential to a life well lived – that is the thinking at the core of Urban Jürgensen.
• Cultural Connection: The Time Well Spent Portrait Series by legendary photographer Ellen von Unwerth, highlights the unique relationships that people we admire share with time, reaching beyond the craft of watchmaking and celebrating the art and joy of living meaningfully.
• Heritage and Innovation: The 2025 Collection honors Urban Jürgensen’s legacy while introducing new in-house movements and designs that push the brand into a new generation.

June 2025: The Legacy Continues…

The next phase of Urban Jürgensen is more than an Haute Horlogerie story – it marks the transformation of a legacy that began in 1773. This watchmaking dynasty has endured not through bloodlines alone, but through generations of masters who shared a singular vision and an uncompromising passion for precision. Each custodian, whether a member of the Jürgensen family or a devoted collector or watchmaker, has drawn from the brand’s essence while propelling it forward, creating timepieces that reflect their era yet transcend them.

For over 250 years, Urban Jürgensen’s unique fusion of Danish aesthetic elegance with the rigorous demands of maritime chronometry and a devotion to exceptional finishing has yielded watches of extraordinary character, each one a testament to UJ’s deep respect and love for the art of measuring time.

This energy is born from a profound and quintessentially Danish understanding of the value of time that has always powered the brand. What began as a quest for the most precise measurement of longitude—to safely guide ships across vast oceans—alongside a pursuit of elegance and style for the Danish Royal Court now inspires a new generation at Urban Jürgensen. The new UJ collection pushes forward with a new vision while honoring these roots and maintaining an appreciation of time as today’s ultimate luxury.

Doing things right; taking time to engage in the oldest and best practices in watchmaking; creating watches that aspire to perfection for the intrinsic joy of doing so; taking delight in wearing a watch with soul – these are the keys to the UJ philosophy.

Shared leadership, shared vision

Urban Jürgensen’s new chapter unfolds under the guidance of two complementary forces.

Kari Voutilainen, one of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, returns to the brand that played a pivotal role in shaping his early career. With eleven Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève prizes to his name, Kari stands as the most awarded independent watchmaker in GPHG history. Kari brings his unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership as Co-CEO, responsible for all aspects of watchmaking, design, production, and finishing, including the new cases, dials and in-house movements.

Co-CEO Alex Rosenfield leads sales, marketing, and the building of the Urban Jurgensen brand. He offers a fresh cultural perspective informed by his experience in fashion and media. His mission is to ensure that Urban Jürgensen expresses a focus on the joy, artistry, quality, and craft that make UJ watches special, and that the brand resonates with a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.

Their shared vision extends beyond the creation of exceptional timepieces. It is about celebrating the art of spending time meaningfully – whether mastering a craft, pursuing a passion, or sharing cherished moments with loved ones. With a unique history and impeccable technical credentials, Urban Jürgensen watches stand as silent witnesses to the preciousness of time, reminding us with every glance that how we spend time is what makes its true value – and inspiring us to treasure it. Because time kept and spent beautifully are the essential elements of a life well lived.

Interview: Co-CEOs Kari Voutilainen and Alex Rosenfield on Urban Jürgensen’s Next Chapter

On Legacy and Evolution

Urban Jürgensen has been crafting timepieces for over 250 years. How does the brand continue to remain relevant today?

Alex: “The story of Urban Jürgensen is one of passing the torch through generations of master watchmakers. This is another such handover moment – an invitation to write the next chapter of a watchmaking dynasty born in Copenhagen in 1773. As stewards of this legacy, Kari and I, together with our team, are committed to preserving its soul while moving it forward – not through reinvention or repetition, but through thoughtful evolution.

Just as those before us honored the brand’s essence, we remain deeply committed to Danish design and Swiss craftsmanship. At the same time, we aim to reinterpret this heritage for modern collectors and lovers of fine engineering and things of beauty. We are celebrating time as a precious resource rather than something to be conquered, and doing so with a focus on joy and creativity.

In today’s fast-paced world, we focus on a different relationship with time. Rather than viewing it as something to manage or control, we celebrate it as life’s greatest gift and the most precious luxury. Time is meant to be savored and spent meaningfully. Our watches take time to make by hand and the spirit of that comes through in an object that has a soul and a life of its own. An Urban Jürgensen watch is the companion that reminds us to make every moment count, combining technical precision with emotional resonance.”

Kari: “For me, the enduring relevance of Urban Jürgensen lies in the pursuit of excellence that Urban himself set in motion centuries ago, just as he was coming of age during the golden era of marine chronometry– a time when accuracy was paramount for navigation and scientific advancement. He honed his craft by learning from the greatest horological minds of his time across France, England, and Switzerland. He filtered their knowledge through his unique Danish lens for understated elegance and functionality. What Urban did was about the pursuit of timekeeping as a practical matter, but it was also about the pursuit of perfection for the joy that comes from doing something right.

What sets Urban apart is that he didn’t see precision as an end in itself, but as a way to understand time and science more deeply. Whether through his work on marine chronometers for the Danish navy, his sophisticated thermometers, or his astronomical clocks, each represented a different but complementary approach to measuring and making sense of time’s passage.

As a watchmaker, I see our role today as a continuation of that same quest. The challenges are different – we no longer develop marine chronometers for navigation – but the fundamental commitment to precision, to chronometric excellence, and to the joy of pursuing the perfect in the realm of the possible remains. When I work on our movements, I’m acutely aware that I’m adding to a storied lineage that stretches from Urban’s groundbreaking escapement designs to Peter Baumberger and Derek Pratt’s own revolutionary work.

Every watch we create isn’t just a timepiece; it’s part of an ongoing journey – a step forward in a centuries-long conversation about time, precision, and craftsmanship.”

On Urban Jürgensen’s DNA

How does the Danish-Swiss DNA of Urban Jürgensen shape its identity today?

Kari: “The blend of Danish design and Swiss craftsmanship has always been the cornerstone of Urban Jürgensen’s identity. Denmark gave us a design philosophy centered on elegance and restraint, while Switzerland anchored us in precision and horological mastery. Our watches will remain clean, minimalistic, and graceful in their design, reflecting Danish aesthetics; at the same time, they’ll be driven by the kind of innovation and technical expertise that Swiss watchmaking excellence stands for.”

Alex: “Unlike the watchmaking luminaries of central Europe who defined Urban’s era and eventually became his mentors, Urban Jürgensen hailed from the northern reaches of Europe, where the rhythm of time is shaped by the dramatic contrasts of latitude. In Denmark, winter days are short and precious, while summer days bring endless light. In a country where, for much of the year, time in the light is a precious resource, people learn to cherish every moment and to understand time by how you spend time. It explains why the Danes are among the happiest people on earth. We think often of the Danish saying “he who saves it for the night saves it for the cat” as a reminder that if you postpone enjoying or using something, you might lose the opportunity altogether. It is important to use the time we have and to enjoy the things of beauty that bring joy to our lives. This animated how we think about time and our watches.”

Kari: “You find this same idea also reflected in the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ – it’s about savoring moments, whether gathering with friends on a dark winter evening or celebrating midsummer’s magical ‘white nights.’”

This uniquely Danish way of experiencing time no doubt influenced Urban’s approach to watchmaking. While others focused purely on technical precision, he added a deeper understanding of time’s natural rhythms and its profound value. That philosophy is still at the heart of what we do at Urban Jürgensen today.

Being a Nordic watchmaker myself, I feel this deeply in my own work and my soul. This shared understanding is perhaps one of the reasons the company has been so influential in my own career. In fact, in Finland where I come from, we’re much further up north, so the winters are even longer than in Denmark. And our summer days filled with even more light. These dramatic shifts in daylight shape how we experience time – its rhythm, its ebb and flow. This awareness brings a unique perspective to our craft, one that Urban Jürgensen’s watches continue to embody.”

On The Why

Alex, what drew you and your family to Urban Jürgensen and to bring in Kari?

Alex: “When our family had the opportunity to purchase Urban Jurgensen, we knew that the core of UJ was as a company helmed by the greatest master watchmakers of their time – Urban himself in the first golden age. Then Derek Pratt working with Peter Baumberger to lead the company to its second golden age.

We knew UJ’s great lineage and reputation and believed that it had tremendous potential. We had a long family relationship with Kari and believe that he is the defining watchmaker of his generation. Knowing Kari’s long and deep history at the brand, which was pivotal to his early career, we knew we would only do the deal if Kari would come on board as Co-CEO and were very honored when he agreed to do so.”

Kari, what does it mean to you to return to Urban Jurgensen?

Kari: “For me, returning to Urban Jürgensen feels like coming home. The brand played a crucial role in my early career. I was just getting started in watchmaking when Peter Baumberger saw potential in me and encouraged me to join him. It was truly an introduction to the art of fine watchmaking, particularly the distinctive finishing techniques that would shape my future work. When the opportunity arose to help write the next chapter of this story, alongside longtime friends and collectors, it just felt right.”

Alex, what does the return of Urban Jurgensen to family ownership mean?

Alex: “The Jürgensen family operated and owned Urban Jürgensen for over a hundred years. We are honored for it again to be a family-owned company. Family ownership allows a company to focus on the long term. We are not driven by short-term success, nor constrained by bureaucratic leadership. We care about excellence for the long-run. We are free to invest, modernize and build the company with a focus purely on enduring value creation both as owners and for collectors. This means we are focused always on how to make the best watches at the highest quality because we believe that is what best delivers for our customers for the long-term and in doing so provides the greatest value to owners.”

Kari, your watchmaking path intertwined with Urban Jürgensen in a rather remarkable way. How did that journey begin?

Kari: “My relationship with Urban Jürgensen began in 1996, I was just getting started as a watchmaker when Peter Baumberger saw potential in this young Finn. At the time, I had created a tourbillon pocket watch that was displayed at an exhibition in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Peter was quite impressed and he wanted to purchase it, but I decided to keep the piece for myself. That encounter marked the beginning of our relationship, and I soon began work with Peter on various projects for Urban Jürgensen.

Those formative years shaped my understanding of fine watchmaking. Peter gave me the incredible opportunity to work alongside Derek Pratt, one of horology’s true masters. Derek’s dedication to perfection, especially in finishing techniques, became the foundation of my own approach. He had a unique ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation, constantly showing me that even in watchmaking, boundaries are meant to be pushed.

My work with Urban Jürgensen included mechanical work, assembly, prototyping, creating unique pieces, and providing after-sales service. Peter became my biggest customer when I started out as an independent watchmaker in 2002, and our collaboration continued for many years. Sadly, Derek passed away in 2009, followed by Peter in 2010.

One of the defining experiences of my career was completing the assembly and finishing of the masterpiece Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch, which Derek Pratt had begun to work on in 1982 but was unable to complete after he became ill. This extraordinary timepiece, which recently achieved a record price at auction, embodies everything Urban Jürgensen stands for – chronometric excellence, uncompromising craftsmanship, and an innovative spirit.”

Alex, how do you see your role as co-CEO of Urban Jürgensen?

Alex: “My role is to ensure Urban Jürgensen resonates with today’s values and culture. In particular, I am focused on positioning the brand as a symbol of joy and creativity, while keeping the appreciation of time at its core. The experience of owning one of our watches goes beyond exceptional engineering – it’s about a deeper emotional connection that begins before the watch is worn and continues through generations. But it is equally important to me that what we are doing also creates the opportunity to touch the imaginations of those who may not yet, or perhaps never will, own one of our watches.

We’re developing unique ways to tell our story, from collaborations with artists and craftspeople to creating moments that celebrate time well spent. For example, we feel fortunate to get to work with the amazing Ellen von Unwerth on the Time Well Spent campaign. The Portrait Series captures the Urban Jürgensen spirit, with a unique, joyful take on how those who define their times spend their time.”

(see further below for more details on The Portrait Series)

Kari, can you share your approach for delivering on the promise of excellence that is the UJ philosophy?

Kari: “I focus on ensuring that every Urban Jürgensen watch embodies our exacting standards of quality and technical precision. This isn’t just about overseeing the work – it’s about being deeply involved in the design and watchmaking process. My experience and my hand are in the design and execution of each model. It’s about honoring the legacy of Urban Jürgensen while actively pushing watchmaking forward. Whether it’s developing new movements or perfecting our signature finishing techniques, I’m personally engaged in shaping each timepiece. We’re also exploring new possibilities in complications that resonate with our philosophy of time.

We want to keep creating the most sophisticated movements available in any brand watch and to constantly evolve, with watches of ever greater mastery and complication. We take pleasure in creating watches with soul that aspire to technical perfection.”

On Urban Jürgensen’s Singular Place In Watchmaking

Kari, can you tell us about Urban Jürgensen’s distinctive approach to finishing?

Kari: “At Urban Jürgensen, finishing isn’t just decoration – it is intrinsic to the watch’s character. Consider our signature ‘observatory’ hands: each set is entirely hand-crafted in-house; it requires over 50 separate operations, including careful flame-bluing to achieve that rich, deep blue hue. The openworked hour hand, with its characteristic ‘eye,’ alone comprises four separate components. Then there’s the hand-finished anglage on our cases, which creates subtle plays of light that take the watch’s elegance to a higher level.

Perhaps Urban Jürgensen’s most iconic feature, our engine-turned guilloché dials require an average of four days per watch and are executed to an exacting standard of flawless finishing.

These techniques aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about honoring the material and the craft of watchmaking by hand. While Urban Jürgensen has always pushed boundaries – achieving new heights in chronometric precision in the process – we remain deeply committed to preserving traditional techniques. We see it as our duty to maintain these practices for our collectors and for the future generations of watchmakers. The same is true of movement decoration and finishing. As an example, our distinctive oval counterweight on the small seconds hand is crafted using methods that have nearly disappeared from modern watchmaking.”

This history goes beyond exceptional finishing, how did Urban Jürgensen’s unique access to the greatest watchmaking minds of his era influence his own approach to watchmaking?

Alex: “Urban’s journey as a young watchmaker is extraordinary. He came of age in the late 18th century, a time when maritime chronometry was considered vital military technology. France and Britain were locked in rivalry, yet here was a Dane who managed to learn from both Breguet in Paris and Arnold in London. They saw in this young Dane not a threat, but a student worthy of their knowledge, a kindred spirit.

Urban’s unique access to these masters wasn’t just luck – it was his Danish nationality, together with his reportedly charming personality. But there’s another important piece to the puzzle: Switzerland. Working with Houriet in Le Locle and master watchmakers in Geneva, Urban absorbed the meticulous artistry and technical innovation of Swiss watchmaking, rounding out his exposure to the three great cradles of chronometric research. This rare combination of influences set the foundation for Urban Jürgensen’s legacy.”

Kari: “What’s remarkable is how Urban didn’t just learn from these traditions – he distilled them into something uniquely his own. His time in Switzerland deepened his appreciation for precision and craftsmanship. From Breguet in Paris, he drew elegant design principles and theoretical insight, while Arnold in London instilled in him the practical ingenuity and robust engineering essential in creating instruments for maritime navigation.”

Alex: “Urban synthesized these influences into a philosophy that transcended the boundaries of any single tradition. His work combined French precision, British practicality, and Swiss artistry to create timepieces that were both technically groundbreaking and exquisitely beautiful. This confluence in one watchmaker is in itself already amazing. What made Urban Jürgensen truly unique was how these different yet complementary traditions came together through a distinctly Danish lens – one that paired elegant simplicity with a profound appreciation for time’s rhythm, shaped by the extreme contrasts of Nordic seasons. And this richness, this identity continues to define the brand today.”

How did Urban translate this knowledge into innovation?

Kari: “Upon returning to Copenhagen in 1801 from his years abroad, Urban applied the extensive knowledge he had gained from his studies in Switzerland, France and Britain to advance horology in Denmark. His genius lay in combining theoretical understanding with practical innovation. Urban developed precision instruments for the Danish Navy, including marine chronometers – crucial for safe and accurate navigation – as well as astronomical pendulum clocks and other timepieces. One of his notable innovations was a bi-metallic pocket thermometer, which was more portable, rugged, and reliable in temperatures below freezing than the mercury version common at the time. Again, this relentless pursuit of precision.”

Alex: “In 1804, at just 28, he published his Rules for the Accurate Measurement of Time by Watches and Clocks, the first Danish treatise on watchmaking, which remains a reference today. His work laid the foundation for a watchmaking industry in Denmark. Through pioneering techniques and high-quality timepieces, he established himself as a key figure in Danish horology and became the official supplier of marine chronometers to the Danish Navy. His achievements were so significant that, in 1815, he became the first tradesman to be inducted into the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences. And by 1824, he was made Knight of the Order of Daneborg, reflecting his importance to Denmark.”

On the New Collection

How do you balance heritage with innovation in the 2025 Collection?

Kari: “This collection is a tribute to Urban Jürgensen and his unique and extraordinary legacy. It’s rooted in everything that defines who we are: precision, artistry, and a profound respect for the value of time. Signature design elements like our observatory hands and guilloché dials remain, but we’ve reimagined these and other aspects with a fresh perspective, blending timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. These watches are not cut and paste from the past. But from the dials to the movements, they draw inspiration from and continue the legacy that Urban started.”

Alex: “We’ve been deeply mindful of ensuring that this new collection carries forward Urban Jürgensen’s storied legacy, naturally, with authenticity and respect. While history is key, we’re not clinging to the past; we’re inspired by it as the path to what’s next. Urban the man and Urban Jürgensen the brand have always been about thoughtfully advancing both the science and the craft of watchmaking.

With Kari, who was part of the journey during the Baumberger and Pratt era, we have a crucial link between generations. It’s as if a baton has been passed from the visionaries of our past to the craftsmen of our present. This continuity allows us to take a distinct step forward while preserving the essence of Urban Jürgensen.

The redesigned brand identity and watch markings, for instance, draw directly from Urban Jürgensen’s rich history. Our new logo is inspired by the hand calligraphy on the King’s Watch – one of Urban’s masterpiece pocket watches. It embodies this blend of tradition and renewal. Based on this, we built a custom typeface of hand-drawn numerals and typography that appears across our timepieces and branding to carry the spirit forward.

There is also Kari’s inspired decision to replace the traditional “12” with a “0”. It’s a subtle change, but it shifts the perspective. It’s a fresh, individualistic way of thinking about the passage of a day, suggesting that every revolution is a new beginning.

This new collection expresses our belief that time, kept and spent beautifully, defines a life well lived. It speaks to all enthusiasts – those who collect, those who love watches, and those who simply appreciate beautiful creations. We present the brand through an immersive experience and will use social and digital platforms to create meaningful connections with the tradition and artistry of Urban Jürgensen.

These watches are not just for collectors – they’re for anyone who values craft, artistry, and creativity, and who finds meaning in each passing moment. We are welcoming more people into the story of Urban Jürgensen, ensuring our legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

On the technical side, Urban Jürgensen will incorporate a double wheel natural escapement. This is a significant development. Can you tell us more?

Kari: “The free spring balance with direct double wheel escapement is an aspiration I had set my sights on when I began as an independent watchmaker. I have adapted it specifically to Urban Jürgensen to create our base movement upon which we can layer complications and further designs. This escapement design embodies what has driven me throughout my career: the desire to enhance traditional watchmaking principles while respecting their core wisdom. Its significance lies in how it addresses the age-old challenge of reducing friction while achieving the optimum transfer of energy efficiently and precisely within a mechanical watch.

The UJ-2 and UJ-3 designs feature a unique configuration with dual escapement wheels, descended from Breguet’s ‘natural escapement’ and evolved in our workshop for modern precision. This system delivers a direct impulse to the balance through an impulse roller, achieving up to 30% more power efficiency than a traditional Swiss lever escapement while enhancing stability and longevity. The double wheel, featuring an overcoil and Grossmann inner curve, ensures a smoother energy transfer from the gear train to the hands. As technical as it sounds, the outcome is both beautiful and practical.”

Alex: “What’s particularly meaningful is how this innovation connects to Urban Jürgensen’s heritage of chronometric excellence. Just as Urban himself tirelessly pursued precision through innovation, Kari’s escapement design for UJ represents our commitment to advancing the art of watchmaking and of bringing the best of watchmaking excellence to a brand.”

Will the double wheel natural escapement equip all new Urban Jürgensen watches?

Kari: “This new Urban Jürgensen escapement will drive both the UJ-2, our three-hand watch, and the UJ-3, our perpetual calendar with instantaneous moon phase. It will serve as the foundation for our future designs and become a defining signature of our brand.

However, we will not be beholden to any single movement design or style. We will strive always for mastery and innovation. For example, our 250th-anniversary watch, the UJ-1, translates the legendary Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch into a remarkable wristwatch. Here, we’ve chosen a tourbillon equipped with a remontoir d’égalité for constant force transmission to the escapement, and featuring dead-beat seconds.

Each watch will be designed with the movement technology that best fits our philosophy of excellence and our mission of pursing perfection for the joy of doing it.”

(see further below for details on the new collection)

On Sales & Distribution

How will Urban Jürgensen watches be sold?

Alex: “Our distribution strategy is aligned with our values. Each Urban Jürgensen watch takes, on average, a month for a master watchmaker to create. Our production output reflects both our capacity and our unwavering commitment to quality. Because of this, production initially is limited to very small numbers, and we will be working directly with clients.

Our new website and social platforms are designed to offer an immersive experience – a deeper understanding of Urban Jürgensen. They are spaces to explore our legacy and craftsmanship, and an invitation to connect with what we mean when we say that time kept and spent beautifully are essential elements of a life well lived. We hope people will find their interactions with us both joyful and informative and we invite people to interact with us. We do not think watch buying should be foreboding or intimidating. We are eager to serve our clients with joy.”

On Manufacturing & After Sales

How do Urban Jürgensen’s manufacturing and after-sales service reflect the brand’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship and legacy?

Kari: “Our Swiss atelier and the workshops of the skilled artisans we work with are the heartbeat of Urban Jürgensen. They are where traditional techniques meet innovative approaches to create timepieces that represent the pinnacle of horological craft. Our master watchmakers work with skilled artisans specializing in guilloché, hand-finishing, and movement assembly, ensuring every component meets our exacting standards. These processes aren’t just about achieving technical excellence – they’re about respecting the centuries-old craft that defines who we are.

After-sales service is about honoring the legacy of every timepiece we’ve ever created, and supporting it throughout its journey. It is my core belief that it is through aftersales service that we forge relationships with those who love and use our watches and how we demonstrate our commitment to our customers. Each watch carries personal stories and embodies the artistry and dedication of Urban Jürgensen. It is my great pleasure to work with our COO, my daughter, Venla Voutilainen, a highly accomplished master watchmaker in her own right and the leader of this department. She brings technical expertise and a profound understanding of what makes an Urban Jürgensen watch special.

Through meticulous care and comprehensive documentation, our after-sales service ensures that every Urban Jürgensen timepiece from 1773 to today continues to keep time beautifully. We’re refining the ownership journey, offering collectors greater transparency and a deeper connection to their watches at every step of the service process.”

On “Time Kept and Spent Beautifully”

How would you describe the philosophy behind Urban Jürgensen watches?

Alex: “Urban Jürgensen watches are about subtle elegance. They aren’t designed to impress with unnecessary complexity or showmanship. They are about perfection for its own sake and the joy that comes from wearing them. Our watches exude quiet confidence through impeccable craftsmanship and design. These watches are companions, not trophies –they celebrate the quiet moments and milestones of life in a way that feels joyful and authentic and are meant to be worn and loved.

When we speak of ‘time kept and spent beautifully,’ we’re talking about watches that become part of the wearer’s personal story. They’re not something to lock away – they’re meant to be worn, enjoyed, and cherished. Each watch is designed to fit naturally into daily life, honoring both the passage of time and the beauty of each moment, with harmony between design and function that reflects the true art of watchmaking.

This philosophy also inspired the ‘Time Well Spent’ Portrait Series, our collaboration with Ellen von Unwerth. Her talent for capturing authentic, meaningful moments perfectly aligns with how we view our watches – as integral to life’s most treasured experiences. Through her lens, we showcase Urban Jürgensen watches as companions in the lives of people who represent creativity and excellence, and see the watches in a new light, celebrating the interplay between craftsmanship, individuality, and the art of time well spent. We believe that the people who define their time know better than anyone the value of time, and it is with joy that we share these images with lovers of creativity, design and art.”

On 1773

Why is 1773 considered the founding year of Urban Jürgensen, even though Urban himself wasn’t born until 1776?

Alex: “1773 marks the true beginning of the Jürgensen watchmaking legacy. That April, Jürgen Jürgensen, Urban’s father, presented his masterpiece – a repeating watch – to the Danish Watchmakers Guild in Copenhagen, earning him the title of Master Watchmaker. It was the culmination of six years of training across Germany and Switzerland under the finest watchmakers of the time – and it proved decisive for everything that followed.

A quarter-century later came the second generation. In 1797, Urban, having apprenticed with his father before embarking on his own journey through Switzerland, France, and England. These were the hotbeds of precision chronometry, competing for dominance in marine navigation. Remarkably, he trained in both the Breguet and Arnold workshops – a foundation that would define watchmaking excellence for centuries to come.”

Kari: “Jürgen’s masterpiece was the keystone of a watchmaking legacy that would span four generations and influence both Danish and Swiss horology. While Urban later gave his name to the company, 1773 symbolizes the origins of our story. As a watchmaker, I am honored to continue this journey that Jürgen Jürgensen began and Urban solidified into a true legacy – one that defines us to this day.”

The 2025 Collection

Urban Jürgensen introduces three timepieces that showcase technical achievements while honoring the brand’s heritage: the UJ-1, our 250th Anniversary Watch that serves as a bridge across time; the UJ-2, the three hand watch with the UJ double wheel natural escapement, in which beauty and philosophy come together; and the UJ-3, a perpetual calendar with instantaneous moon phase built around the UJ double wheel natural escapement, in which complexity and elegance align.

Mastering the Minute

“This collection is a major step forward in a natural progression for Urban Jürgensen,” says Co-CEO Kari Voutilainen, whose involvement with the brand spans decades.“The synchronized action of the double wheel natural escapement, visible beneath the balance-wheel bridge of the UJ- 2 and UJ- 3, embodies our philosophy that true innovation in watchmaking isn’t about revolution – it’s about thoughtful evolution in pursuit of excellence.”

Honed by Hand

The UJ-1 translates the legendary Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch into a wristwatch. It features a tourbillon with a remontoir d’égalité providing constant force to the escapement, and incorporates dead-beat seconds.

The UJ-2 and UJ-3 bring the new signature UJ double wheel natural escapement to life. It is inspired by the work of Urban’s teacher, Abraham-Louis Breguet, perfected by Kari, and tailored specifically for this collection. With two escapement wheels delivering direct impulse to the balance, this design minimizes friction and enhances efficiency, ensuring exceptional stability. The lubrication-free system further advances chronometric precision while improving durability and shock resistance. This movement is a new path for the company while honoring the legacy of Urban’s watchmaking and movement design.

Poetic Precision

The collection introduces a fresh case design featuring reinterpreted teardrop lugs for elegant affordance to the wearer.

Each sterling silver dial is transformed through plating, hand guilloché, and precious metal track application. The Clous de Paris and Grain d’orge patterns, turned by hand on a rose engine,create depth and shifting reflections.

The 5N rose gold-plated movements feature grenage and perlage, as well as chamfers and bevels, along with black-polished screws and satin-finished wheels – all by hand. This attention to artisanship extends to the smallest elements.

Time Well Taken

“What makes this collection particularly significant,” notes Co-CEO Alex Rosenfield, “is the way in which it advances Urban Jürgensen’s legacy of exceptional watchmaking and brings to life his and our values. This collection combines engineering with craft and emotional resonance. A UJ watch owner may never see some of the decoration and detail that is hidden deep inside the watch’s case but they will know that time was taken to do things right and see an object that aspires to perfection in its making. We do this not because perfection is the key to accuracy—though it is—but because perfection is a goal of its own and a source of joy. In a world in which time is a commodity and industrialization a way of life, we think that a focus on time kept and spent beautifully brings something special to our watches and to those who wear them.”

2025 Collection – Watch Models & Technical Specifications

Urban Jürgensen UJ-1

The 250^th Anniversary Watch: A Bridge Across Time

The Anniversary Watch charms the eye with its harmony of graceful curves and light-catching surfaces. But beyond this immediate beauty lies something deeper: it is a bridge. Carrying Urban Jürgensen’s philosophy of uncompromising craftsmanship across generations, it reflects the legacy of Peter Baumberger and Derek Pratt, previous stewards of the brand, while looking ahead under Kari Voutilainen’s guiding hand.

A reimagination of the legendary Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch, this piece revisits the project that spanned nearly two decades. It miniaturizes and adapts a version of the legendary pocket watch movement into a wristwatch for the first time ever – a feat that has been sought by watchmakers since the Oval’s unveiling.

Every detail represents countless hours of patient hand-finished artistry channeled to create a very special timepiece. Not merely an homage, but a continuation – a watch that makes time itself feel more precious through its affordance on the wrist.

Its story is closely tied to Kari, whose connection to Urban Jürgensen is defined by shared ideals. Years ago, when Pratt could no longer complete the Oval, Peter Baumberger turned to Kari to see it through. Now, as Co-CEO of UJ, he returns – not to replicate, but to carry forward a vision of time kept beautifully.

The Anniversary Watch is not about preserving the past. It is about making it part of today. Every curve, every gear, every guilloché surface speaks to where we’ve been and what comes next – a celebration of moments made more meaningful by how we choose to mark their passing.

Urban Jürgensen UJ-1 Technical Specifications

• UJ-1-PT-S-001 Platinum case, light silver dial 
• UJ-1-PT-G-001 Platinum case, grey dial
• UJ-1-RG-S-001 Rose gold case, light silver dial

Place of Origin

     Swiss Made

Case

• Material: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold
• Diameter: 39.5mm
• Thickness: 12.2mm
• Bezel: Stepped, polished, satin-polished
• Lugs: Reinterpreted Jürgensen teardrop design, stepped, polished
• Lug width: 20mm
• Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
• Case middle: Satin-polished
• Crown: Non-screwed, fluted; UJ engraving
• Case back: Hand guilloché circular Grain d’orge; sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters, ~100 feet)

Dial & Hands

• Material: Solid silver, galvanic color treatment
• Indications: Central hours, minutes; small seconds at 6 o’clock; fractional power reserve at 12 o’clock
• Finishes: Hand guilloché linear Grain d’orge for main dial, Clous de Paris 45° for small seconds auxiliary dial; satin-polished chapter ring; applied surrounds for hours and small seconds in silver or 5N rose gold, satin-polished
• Hands: Flame-blued Jürgensen hands

Movement

• Caliber UJ-1: In-house, 5N rose gold-plated, hand-wound
• Diameter: 30mm
• Height: 8.17mm
• Complications: One-minute flying tourbillon; remontoir d’égalité constant-force mechanism
• Winding system: Flying barrel with Geneva stop-work
• Regulator: Swiss lever escapement; balance wheel with micrometric timing screws; hairspring with Phillips terminal curve
• Jewels: 32
• Power reserve: 47 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Finishes: Grenage, perlage, domed chamfering; mirror-polished screws; satin-polished wheels – all by hand

Strap & Buckle

• Strap: Hand-stitched, ethically sourced alligator leather with soft calfskin lining
• Buckle: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold pin buckle

Urban Jürgensen UJ-2

The Three Hand Watch with Double Wheel Natural Escapement: Beauty and Philosophy Come Together

Through the UJ-2’s understated beauty flow Urban Jürgensen’s philosophies – that the purest things demand our greatest efforts; that excellence is a goal in and of itself; and that the pursuit of perfection and doing things right is the key to joy. This timepiece is by a Maison that seeks the challenges posed by exceptional watchmaking, and doesn’t skirt them.

At its heart is the double wheel natural escapement – a mechanism whose elegance belies the complexity of its creation. That Urban Jürgensen has chosen this sophisticated system for serial production reveals something essential about the manufacture’s philosophy: what others reserve for their pinnacle pieces becomes our starting point. Each component, from the hand-finished wheels to the pristine bridges, to the decoration on parts unseen by the naked eye, exists because that’s the way it should be.

This commitment to the extraordinary in service of the essential speaks to Urban Jürgensen’s understanding of time itself. When the escapement wheels perform their intricate ballet – each tooth precisely engaging and releasing in a mesmerizing rhythm, orchestrating time with microscopic precision – they represent generations of watchmakers, from Urban’s teacher Abraham Louis Breguet to the watchmakers of today, who looked at accepted solutions and strove to make them better.

The UJ-2 is not about complexity for complexity’s sake. It is about the relentless pursuit of perfection in even the simplest things. Every element, visible or hidden, exists as a testament to the belief that marking time beautifully matters – that the way we choose to count our moments shapes how we experience them.

Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 Technical Specifications

• UJ-2-PT-S-001 Platinum case, light silver dial
• UJ-2-PT-B-001 Platinum case, blue dial
• UJ-1-RG-S-001 Rose gold case, light silver dial
• UJ-1-RG-S-001 Rose gold case, blue dial

Place of Origin

       Swiss Made

Case

• Material: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: 10.9mm
• Bezel: Stepped, polished, satin-polished
• Lugs: Reinterpreted Jürgensen teardrop design, stepped, polished
• Lug width: 20mm
• Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
• Case middle: Satin-polished
• Crown: Non-screwed, fluted; UJ engraving
• Case back: Hand guilloché circular Grain d’orge; sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters, ~100 feet)

Dial & Hands

• Material: Dial in solid silver, galvanic color treatment
• Indications: Offset central hours, minutes; small seconds at 5 o’clock; fractional power reserve at 12 o’clock
• Finishes: Hand guilloché circular Grain d’orge for main dial periphery, Clous de Paris 45° for small seconds auxiliary dial; applied surrounds for hours and small seconds in silver or 5N rose gold, satin-polished
• Hands: Flame-blued Jürgensen hands

Movement

• Caliber UJ-2: In-house, 5N rose gold plated, hand-wound
• Diameter: 32mm
• Height: 5.5mm
• Regulator: Free spring balance with direct double wheel escapement
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Jewels: 32
• Power reserve: 52 hours
• Finishes: Grenage, perlage, domed chamfering; mirror-polished screws; satin-polished wheels – all by hand

Strap & Buckle

• Strap: Hand-stitched, ethically sourced alligator leather with soft calfskin lining
• Buckle: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold pin buckle

Urban Jürgensen UJ-3

The Double Wheel Natural Escapement, Perpetual Calendar with Instantaneous Moon Phase: Complexity and Elegance Align

In the rarefied sphere of ultra-high horology, a perpetual calendar remains an item of delight. This watch, a creation of Urban Jurgensen Co-CEO, Kari Voutilainen in collaboration with master engineer Andreas Strehler, tames extraordinary mechanical complexity within the confines of a wearable timepiece, achieving that rarest of goals: turning mechanical virtuosity into pure elegance.

It is the story of human ingenuity meeting uncompromising craft, of mechanical necessity transformed into artistry. From the seamless integration of the calendar displays to the Strehler precise moon phase indication, licensed here for the first time in a serially produced watch, each function exists in perfect balance with the others. And at the heart of this harmony beats the UJ double wheel natural escapement.

Each component, each carefully considered detail, is elevated through hand-finishing to a standard that would satisfy Urban Jürgensen himself – a standard that exists independent of whether the component can be seen from outside the watch.

That such ambition could be contained within such graceful proportions speaks to both the intelligence of its conception and the mastery of its execution. The UJ-3 is proof that intricate engineering can achieve sublime beauty, that complexity need not come at the cost of refinement.

In an age where mechanical timekeeping is purely a matter of choice, the UJ-3 demonstrates why that choice matters: because excellence, pursued for its own sake, is a joy in itself. Because the finest watchmaking is as much about the unseen as the revealed – about creating something of lasting beauty and meaning that strives for perfection for no reason but the spirit of the pursuit and the joy of wearing it.

Urban Jürgensen UJ-3 Technical Specifications

• UJ-3-PT-S-001 Platinum case, silver dial
• UJ-3-RG-S-001 Rose gold case, silver dial

Place of Origin

    Swiss Made

Case & Dimensions

• Material: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: 13.9mm
• Bezel: Stepped, polished, satin-polished
• Lugs: Reinterpreted Jürgensen teardrop design, stepped, polished
• Lug width: 20mm
• Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
• Case middle: Satin-polished
• Crown: non-screwed, fluted; UJ engraving
• Case back: Hand guilloché circular Grain d’orge; sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters, ~100 feet)

Dial & Hands

• Material: Solid silver, galvanic color treatment
• Indications: Offset central hours, minutes; calendar and small seconds at 5 o’clock; moon phase at 8 o’clock; offset date at 9 o’clock; offset month at 3 o’clock; fractional power reserve at 12 o’clock
• Finishes: Hand guilloché in circular Grain d’orge for main dial periphery, in 45° Clous de Paris for date/small seconds auxiliary dial, in Sauté-piqué for minute track ; applied surrounds in silver or 5N rose gold, satin-polished
• Hands: Flame-blued Jürgensen hands

Movement:

• Caliber UJ-3: In-house, integrated perpetual calendar, 5N rose gold-plated, hand-wound
• Diameter: 30mm
• Height: 8.1mm
• Components: 484
• Regulator: Free spring balance with direct double wheel escapement
• Calendar: Perpetual calendar with instantaneous jump mechanism at midnight, leap year indicator on the movement
• Moon phase: Instantaneous jump mechanism at midnight, accurate to one day every 14,000 years
• Jewels: 42
• Power reserve: 52 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Finishes: Grenage, perlage, domed chamfering; mirror-polished screws; satin-polished wheels– all by hand

Strap & Buckle

• Strap: Hand-stitched, ethically sourced alligator leather with soft calfskin lining
• Buckle: 950 platinum or 5N rose gold pin buckle

The Portrait Series by Ellen von Unwerth

‘Time Well Spent’: A Fresh Vision for Modern Watchmaking

Working with iconic photographer Ellen von Unwerth, Urban Jürgensen presents a campaign that redefines how we view luxury watches. Each portrait in the series comprises two distinct images that tell a complete story about the relationship between keeping and spending time.

Ellen von Unwerth brings her renowned ability to capture genuine emotion and unguarded moments to Urban Jürgensen. Her distinctive style, celebrated in both fashion and portraiture, perfectly aligns with our vision of showing watches as they truly exist in people’s lives – not as static objects, but as companions in life’s most central moments.

The Concept: Beyond Traditional Watch Photography

The Portrait Series breaks from conventional watch campaign imagery in two significant ways. First, we see subjects deeply engaged in their passions, work and hobbies – a painter in his garden, a designer sailing her racing boat, an athlete exploring her passion for cooking. These aren’t posed product shots; they’re authentic pictures of time well spent.

The second image in each portrait provides an intimate glimpse of the watch in its natural habitat – on a dressing table, in a locker, on a workbench, or laid on a desk. These still-lifes embrace the beautiful imperfection of lived-in spaces, showing how our watches integrate into the real lives of passionate, creative individuals.

The campaign signals our commitment to creating watches that do more than measure moments; they inspire us to make those moments count.

Urban Jürgensen Leadership Team

Kari Voutilainen, Co-CEO

Kari Voutilainen is widely regarded as one of the world’s most acclaimed watchmakers. With 11 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards to his name, he is the most awarded independent watchmaker in GPHG history. His connection with Urban Jürgensen runs deep: in the late 1990s, Peter Baumberger brought him on board, and he soon took on a pivotal role in developing and finishing the brand’s creations alongside Peter and legendary watchmaker Derek Pratt. After founding the highly successful Voutilainen brand, which he continues to lead today, Kari now returns to Urban Jürgensen. As a true watchmaking legend, he brings his unparalleled expertise and passion to shape the brand’s future, while upholding the exacting standards that have defined Urban Jürgensen since 1773.

Alex Rosenfield, Co-CEO

Alex Rosenfield brings a fresh perspective to haute horology, combining his extensive experience in fashion, media, and brand development. He offers a global vision for Urban Jürgensen’s future. Having worked in fashion, media and beauty as well as in law and finance, Alex understands how the greatest of heritage brands can evolve while staying true to their core values. His leadership aims to place Urban Jürgensen in direct dialogue with contemporary culture, making sure that the watches that honor this rich legacy are presented with joy and creativity while embracing new opportunities. Under his leadership, Urban Jürgensen explores innovative ways to share its centuries-old craftsmanship with collectors, enthusiasts, and new audiences.

Urban Jürgensen: The Legacy

Brand Timeline

Over 250 years ago, time, as we know it, started ticking. The story of Urban Jürgensen is a watchmaker’s fantasy – a story unfurling in notes of art and science, family and folly, poetry and precision, heritage and innovation, but mostly, an abiding passion for time kept and spent beautifully.

Mid-1700s: Once Upon a Time

Jørgen Jørgensen, Urban Jürgensen’s father, is born in Copenhagen on December 24, 1745, the son of a servant to the royal court.

At 14, he secures an apprenticeship with Copenhagen watchmakers Johan and Ephraim Lincke. In spring 1766, Jørgen sets out on the obligatory journey of personal and professional discovery that, since time immemorial, is the duty of a guild apprentice. His first stop: Germany. Over the following six years, he masters new tools, methods, and techniques. He even adopts the German spelling for his own name – Jürgen Jürgensen. He also spends a short while in Le Locle, Switzerland, where he further expands his horizons working with Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, an important watchmaker at the vanguard of industrializing what was still an artisanal craft. They quickly become lifelong friends.

1773: The Story Begins

April 29th, 1773. It’s been a year since Jürgen’s return to Copenhagen, and he applies to the guild for permission to make his Master Watchmaker’s qualifying piece – a repeating pocket watch of his own design. As a prerequisite, he goes to see an established guildsman and master watchmaker, Isaac Larpent, who is assigned to assist and supervise. The two men, already well acquainted, share ideas about a bigger project. This grows over the next years into a watchmaking company, “Larpent & Jürgensen.”

Around that time, Jürgen meets, courts, and marries Anne Leth Bruun, the daughter of a wealthy Copenhagen businessman.

1776: A Prodigy is Born

Jürgen and Anne welcome Urban, the first of five children, on August 5, 1776. A few years later, Jürgen opens the first watch factory in Copenhagen and is appointed Royal Clockmaker to the Danish Court.

1797: Urban Sets Sail

Just as enterprising and passionate as his father, Urban embarks on his own journey – at exactly the same age as his father, 21. With a grant from the Danish government, he sets out on a learning mission to the workshops of Europe’s foremost watchmakers of the time in Geneva, Paris, and London.

This gives Urban the necessary skills to advance both technical precision and horological aesthetics – and the invaluable insights required for industrializing both.

In 1799, Urban leaves for Paris, where he familiarizes himself with new tools and techniques in the workshops of Abraham-Louis Breguet, a close friend of Houriet’s, and Ferdinand Berthoud, both of whom were pushing the boundaries of horological engineering. Being a Dane, Urban is unencumbered by the enmity with France and obtains permission to enter England. He is welcomed by John Arnold. All three masters recognize in Urban a kindred spirit.

1801: Homeward Bound

In 1801, Urban returns to Copenhagen after four years on the road and he immediately gets to work, applying everything he learned in order to make high-precision pocket watches and marine chronometers. As Denmark is racing to compete with the other maritime powers of Europe, accurate, domestically made clocks are needed for navigation, and it puts the Danish Navy on the map.

1804: The Book

In December 1804, Urban publishes his General Principles Concerning Timekeeping By Clocks and Watches – still considered a major reference work today. This further establishes his reputation as both a leading horological theorist and top-flight practitioner.

1811: The Passing of the Torch

Jürgen Jürgensen dies on April 16, 1811, and Urban’s younger brother Fredrik takes over the family watchmaking business so that Urban can focus on his own work. Frederik makes a substantial success of it, and is himself appointed court horologist, purveyor of clocks and watches to the Danish royal family and state institutions. The pocket watches and mantel clocks made under Fredrik’s stewardship were uncompromising luxury items and fewer than 500 total pieces were made in the 32 years between his taking over and his death in 1843.

1815: The First Golden Age

With Fredrik in charge of carrying out their father’s ambition, Urban can now concentrate on his own goals: developing and creating high-precision chronometers, which he also sees as a duty to his country. Domestically made chronometers free seafaring Denmark from the hold England and France have on the coveted and crucial technology for accurately determining longitude.

On December 8, 1815, Urban is inducted into the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences, making history as a craftsman in the scientific community. This recognition is foundational in establishing Urban’s clout in all matters of precision – not just in chronometry, but also in scientific instrumentation in the fields of temperature, air pressure, and humidity.

1820: Company Man

Though he could operate a workshop, it took a special permit to both trade and manufacture timepieces. This is granted in 1820, and soon production of high-precision pocket watches, marine chronometers, and other instruments, for the Danish Navy among others, begins under the Urban Jürgensen name.

1820: King’s Watch

The King’s Watch owes its name to its original owner, Crown Prince Frederik Carl Christian of Denmark, later to become King Frederik VII. His crowned monogram is engraved on the dust cover of the gold watch case, along with a dedication. This chronometer is also the only one from the period to have a lever escapement. The watch was based on an ébauche designed by Houriet, which Urban likely brought back from his second sojourn in Switzerland in 1807-09. He completed the piece in 1820 and presented it to the Crown Prince when he was 12 years old.

1830: The Loss of a Legend

A humble and remarkable human being, Urban Jürgensen dies on May 14, 1830, at the age of 53. His eldest son, Louis Urban, is 24 at the time. His brother Jules Frederik, called Jules, is 22, and the youngest, Frederik, has just turned 13. Louis and Jules, already master watchmakers who had apprenticed under their father, take the reins of the family business, adding “& Sønner” ( & Sons) to the company signature.

1834: The Legacy Lives On

In 1834, Jules, perhaps the more adventurous of the brothers, sets out to Switzerland like his father and grandfather before him. Meanwhile, Louis Urban remains in Copenhagen, ensuring the continuation of the brand’s Danish roots and upholding their father’s legacy in their homeland. Under the two sons, Urban Jürgensen remains as synonymous as ever with the highest attainable precision and reliability, combined with uncompromising craftsmanship and quality materials.

1867: World Exhibition

Jules Jürgensen’s son, Jacques Alfred Jürgensen (born May 17, 1842), possesses the same maverick streak of his grandfather and great-grandfather. While the management of Jules Jürgensen Copenhagen was gradually being entrusted to his older brother, Jacques traced his own path, making his own movements and coming up with fresh innovations, one of them a decimal motion work that was on display at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867.

1894: Jules Jürgensen

So that he can pursue his creative and entrepreneurial vision, a new company is created within the original. Under the name Jacques Alfred Jürgensen Locle, Urban’s grandson is given free rein, initially to operate as a supplier to the parent company, then gradually to build a reputation and a clientele of his own – true to the spirit of quality, craftmanship, and innovation that have always been inextricably linked to the Jürgensen name. When his brother dies in 1894, Jacques Alfred takes over the assets and consolidates both companies under the name Jules Jürgensen Copenhagen. The company continues to produce watches to Jacques Alfred’s exacting standards until his passing on June 30, 1912.

1919: Succession(s)

Though Jacques Alfred has no children, Urban Jürgensen’s legacy continues to endure in unexpected ways. David Golay, a trusted friend, continues the company’s operations under the old name after Jacques Alfred’s passing. World War I is raging at the time, and business has soured. Fashions shift to slimmer, lighter-weight watches and, facing these challenges, Golay decides to sell the company.

1919: Rose Watch Co. & Ed. Heuer & Co.

On July 22, 1919, Henry Freund & Bros., the brand’s main distributor in New York, joins forces with Bienne-based Ed. Heuer & Co., to acquire the assets of Urban Jürgensen Copenhagen. The new owners immediately set out to burnish the Jürgensen image, investing heavily in a new collection. The timepieces manufactured in Bienne by Heuer between 1919 and 1930, under the supervision of Hubert Bernard Heuer, the founder’s grandson, faithfully capture the spirit of the original Urban Jürgensen.

Thin, elegant, and innovative in both design and engineering, they conquer high society, from New York to London, from Paris to Geneva, and, of course, in Copenhagen. In 1930, an ultra-slim gold pocket watch commemorating the 100th anniversary of Urban Jürgensen’s passing is offered as a gift to a delighted King Christian X.

1936-1974: Dark Years

Urban Jürgensen endures a series of ownership changes, from Ed. Heuer & Co. to Aisenstein Woronock & Sons. Inc. of New York to Victor Huff to Downe Communication in Philadelphia to Morton Clayman, who sets about manufacturing watches in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, with components sourced from Switzerland. This venture, under the name Jules Jürgensen, is a low point in the company’s uninterrupted legacy, proves unsuccessful, and is promptly wound down after Clayman’s death.

1976: The Bicentennial

In Copenhagen, the Clock and Watchmakers’ Guild celebrates the 200th anniversary of Urban Jürgensen’s birth. At the time, there’s still a small shop selling antique Jürgensen watches, Urban’s publications, and other memorabilia – the last vestige of the Jürgensen legacy in Denmark. The shop’s proprietor, Christian Gundesen, a former journeyman watchmaker himself, owns everything, including the rights to the name. Naturally, the shop’s front window is decorated for the occasion. This catches the eye of Peter Baumberger, a Swiss collector and businessman, who happens to be in town to see some friends. Baumberger enters the store, only to emerge a few hours later, dumbfounded by the world he’s just discovered. He also knows that he must bring Urban Jürgensen back to its former glory.

1979: The Second Golden Age

By 1979, the Quartz Crisis has devastated much of the Swiss mechanical watchmaking industry. Baumberger sees it as an opportunity; by selling his prized collection of antique watches, he raises the capital to acquire the necessary equipment. He brings in English watchmaking legend Derek Pratt and he and the famed watchmaker get to work. Pratt had a special reputation – though less well-known than his friend and collaborator George Daniels, Pratt was the more technically sophisticated of the pair. In their legendary weekly calls, Pratt solved many of Daniel’s most complicated watchmaking questions.

Baumberger and Pratt’s collaboration begins with an initial series of pocket watches that set a remarkably high standard, paving the way for a new generation of wristwatches. Stepped cases, elegant teardrop-shaped lugs, and meticulously crafted two-tone, frosted, and hand-guilloché dials. The watches they make are timeless and unmistakable, among the best and most luxurious watches of their era.

1996: The Next Great Scandinavian Watchmaker

Baumberger meets Kari Voutilainen, a young and exciting Finnish watchmaker who had been working in Switzerland. He quickly becomes an essential part of the team. Today, Kari is in his early 60s, CO-CEO of Urban Jürgensen and is recognized as one of the world’s leading watchmakers, a legendary movement designer, and a master of hand-finishing.

2005: The  Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch

The Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch was initially created by Derek Pratt during his tenure as Urban Jürgensen’s technical director. It was his magnum opus and it took over two decades for him to complete the watch. Due to his illness, Baumberger handed over the assembly and finishing of the watch as a kit of parts to Kari Voutilainen who completes the famous work. The unique piece features a one-minute flying tourbillon with an integrated remontoire constant-force mechanism, an Earnshaw-style spring-detent escapement, and a moon phase display. It is one of the all-time great combinations of technical and artistic watchmaking and an example of what contemporary watchmakers can achieve when working without typical commercial constraints.

2005: The P8

In 2005, the team embarks on a seemingly impossible quest: to create a mechanical wristwatch with the accuracy and efficiency of a marine chronometer. Despite the challenges, they persevere and in 2011 unveil the Caliber P8, a groundbreaking achievement and the brand’s first serially produced in-house movement in the modern era. Sadly, Peter Baumberger did not live to see this.

2011-2021: The Doctor Steps In

The sudden loss of Baumberger leaves Urban Jürgensen without its guiding figure. Fortunately, his close friend, Dr. Helmut Crott – a distinguished authority in horology, renowned collector, and passionate admirer of the brand’s legacy – steps in to provide continuity. Under Dr. Crott’s leadership, the team sustains its tradition, not only of creating exceptional watches that exemplify both technical prowess and craftsmanship, but also of innovating.

One of Dr. Crott’s key accomplishments is unifying the Jules Jürgensen and Urban Jürgensen brands after nearly 200 years of separate operation. Despite this and the success of the new collections, along with the brand’s rising profile, Dr. Crott recognizes the need for a structure capable of managing the inevitable financial demands while preserving the brand’s values.

2014: Return to the Danes

In late 2014, a consortium of Danish private equity investors present a strategy for sustainable growth and purchase the company. During this time, Urban Jürgensen launches new collections based on the P4 and P8 movements, under the movement design direction of Jean-François Mojon, expands its global retail network, and in 2017, opens a new headquarters in Biel, at the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

2021: Back to Family

In 2021, the company is purchased by an American family of devoted watch collectors who, along with a small group of strategic investors, set about faithfully returning Urban Jürgensen to its roots. Their goal as stewards of this legendary and historic brand is to make sure it represents the highest standards of design, technical innovation, and watchmaking quality.

They immediately enlist Kari Voutilainen as Co-CEO. A celebrated master watchmaker, Kari is renowned for his deep respect for traditional horology and exceptional finishing techniques. He is also the most awarded independent watchmaker in the history of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Having worked early in his career with Baumberger and Pratt at Urban Jürgensen, Kari is thrilled with the opportunity to reconnect with the brand that played such an important role in his own beginnings.

Alex Rosenfield, who represents the family, also joins as Co-CEO. He brings experience in fashion, media, and marketing, with a focus on building meaningful brands. He is dedicated to putting Urban Jürgensen and its role in high watchmaking in direct conversation with the broader culture, creating timepieces that honor our legacy while also forging new paths. He is focused on growing Urban Jürgensen’s unique stature in the watchmaking world and working to bring the universe of Urban Jürgensen to collectors and fans of great engineering, craftsmanship, and style.

2024: The Oval Sets an Auction Record

The Urban Jürgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch, now part of the famed Dr. Crott Collection, is already a legend among legends in horology. At the Phillips Reloaded auction in Geneva on November 8, it sells for CHF 3,690,000 ($4,229,847 USD), far exceeding its initial estimate of CHF 1 million – setting a new record for Urban Jürgensen and cementing its place as a true Masterpiece of watchmaking.

2025: The Legacy Continues

Urban Jurgensen enters its next age with a launch celebration in Los Angeles, California, to celebrate the exceptional history of the company and to introduce new models and movements.

The company will continue to conduct its design, manufacturing, and production operations in Switzerland while honoring its Danish roots and unparalleled legacy as one of the longest independently owned watch company in continuous operation. It will produce watches that drive the art and engineering of watchmaking forward while utilizing the greatest craft and decorative techniques that have always been a signature of Urban Jürgensen. Now, again under family ownership and led by exceptional talent, the company is excited to explore the future and continue its legacy of representing the highest level of excellence in watchmaking and to bringing the joy and delight of this legacy to its collectors.

Gallery

The Watches

The Team

The Event

History and Campaign