The watch market may be experiencing a relatively slow period, but it has not stopped reviving and rebooting some high-end brands. The overall market may be quiet, but the top edge is still strong. Among these, the famous Copenhagen brand, the city of Jurgensen, is now entering its third era.
Daniel Ross and Universal Geneve are two brands that have recently returned from ashes, focusing on premium products and movement and finishing. Anyway, this is something that is expected from the future release of Universal Mainline. Along with Daniel Ross, the watch is received and received almost meaningless acclaim. Urban Jürgensen, who currently has Kari Voutilainen as CO-CEO, is certainly looking for this level of reception with his first three releases. Let’s take a quick look at each one.
Urgensen UJ-1 Flying Tourbillon
The first release known as UJ-1 is available in three versions. Platinum version with a gray dial, platinum reference with a silver dial, and rose gold model with a silver dial. Each is limited to 25 units, and is inspired by oval pockets designed by brand Derek Pratt, created in the 1980s. The layout and shape are simpler, but the hand and arc-shaped power reserve displays are reminiscent of iconic works. The watch has a diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 12.2mm. The case design is common to all new models, with short, slightly angled lugs included. Interestingly, the depth rating of all the Jurgensen clocks in the new city is 30 meters.
As for the dial, each finishes the hand guilloche with a particle pattern in the main section. The Clous de Paris pattern is located on the subsecond dial. Applied silver or gold details can be found throughout the satin-polished subdial and chapter ring dial.
Impressive internal movement
The new UJ-1 movement is displayed via a caseback engraved on the Guilloche and is very similar to the original oval movement. There is a flying tour bellon movement with a constant force mechanism. Again, this is similar to the original, with deadbeat seconds included. The caliber is a manual winding, with a 47-hour power reserve and a frequency of 18,000Vph. Naturally, the city of Jurgensen has spent quite a bit of time decorating and ending the movement. 5N gold plating, parage and ammunition are just some of the techniques found in this beauty. What’s noteworthy is the sophisticated central bridge that spans the range of movements. However, all of these come at a price. Regardless of the case material, each piece is available at CHF 368,000.
UJ-2 with a natural escape of double wheels
With a relatively similar design, the city of Jurgensen UJ-2 is undoubtedly associated with UJ-1. However, in these references, the running seconds subdial is off-center. These 39mm x 10.9mm pieces represent the brand’s first new serial production model, available in four cases and dial collar combinations.
Platinum or rose gold models are available with either blue or silver dials. Each uses a similar guiloche technique under the dome sapphire crystal.
Again, the UJ-2 movement is 5N gold coated and uses hand fishing process Rittany, but replaces the tourbillon with a manual winding movement with a natural escape of a double wheel. First conceptualized by Abraham Louis Breguett, this escape increased efficiency and improved power transfer. However, it is known to be extremely difficult to create, and each example requires approximately 565 hours of production time. Urban Jürgensen points to a strong point when stating that this style of movement is used in its “base” model. As for performance, expect a 52-hour power reserve from the obviously traditional moves that run at 18,000 VPH. The price is set at 105,000 CHF regardless of the case material.
Urgensen UJ-March period
The final new city of Jurgensen release is the UJ-3, featuring midnight perpetual calendar, moonface complications and jump mechanisms. The 39mm x 13.9mm watch features a black dial in platinum or rose gold. Like the UJ-2, this is not the limited edition itself, but it becomes an exclusive model.
Like previous models, the handmade grain d’orge Guilloché is located on the main dial, with 45° Clous de Paris being used in the calendar subdial. In this model, the third handmade pattern, Sauté Piqué, is used for the Minute truck. All applied details are made from 5N gold or silver, and the hands are flame-treated.
UJ-3 diameter
The UJ-3 caliber, developed by Andreas Strehler and Kari Voutilainen, is also displayed via a sapphire display back. 5n coated and fully hand decorated using grenageperlage, and domed shamfering. Note that the Leap Year Indicator is behind the movement. Impressively, the fully integrated, permanent calendar function is accurate within a day for the next 14,000 years! However, it must be wrapped every 52 hours. Both case materials are available at CHF 168,000.
Final Thoughts
The new trio of Jurgensen city clocks is impressive. Each includes classic styling with an air of modernity, especially as it relates to a clean case design. The movement is very impressive and not surprising given Voutilainen’s participation. Additionally, the dial is gorgeous thanks to the combination of Guilloche pattern and satin finish details. It’s a great and intelligent start. I want to see how the brand continues.
