1999 Urban Jürgensen Reference 8
The finest watch I’ve owned.
It’s from the classic period under the steer of the late Peter Baumberger, and director of watchmaking Derek Pratt.
Urban Jürgensen is about to be relaunched under new CEO Kari Voutilainen. My Reference 8 was overhauled by his daughter Venla Voutilainen who runs UJS’ after purchase care.
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Orontius Fineus
Living the quiet life far from the madding crowd.
Member since
Last active: 2 days ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
I read that Voutilainen is revitalizing the brand. Do you know if he is bringing his guilloche skills to the brand as well?
I read that Voutilainen is revitalizing the brand. Do you know if he is bringing his guilloche skills to the brand as well?
He’s taken over management and operations after a buyout from previous Danish owners. The plan was to relaunch in 2023 but I haven’t been checking on progress. The website is a placeholder.
He knows UJS as well as anyone, so he will bring his amazing talents into play. My hope and expectation is that the new UJS watches will be traditional and conservative (and not like Kari’s more outré fare!).
That watch is an absolute stunner! I’ve not seen that one before. Just my style!
That watch is an absolute stunner! I’ve not seen that one before. Just my style!
Made during a decade when Baumberger and Pratt’s purism didn’t pay. Pratt reconstructed 19th century lathes and tools before making these watches. He was a genius and his Reference 2 PC is my favourite.
🫡
Wow you don’t see these around too often!!! Superb!!
Very good looking watch, first time I've heard of this brand.
Very good looking watch, first time I've heard of this brand.
Urban Jürgensen has been making watches on and off for 250 years. Jürgensen himself was a contemporary of Breguet, Arnold and Berthoud. His writings on clock and watchmaking became standard instructional material around Europe in the 19th century.
Quick read if anyone is interested (as I am now). https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/urban-jurgensen-then-and-now
Thanks for sharing, this watch is absolutely stunning! Loved learning about this brand (thanks @Magstime for the article). Now I’m very curious to see the next generation under Vutilainen’s leadership. Gorgeous timepiece 👌
Thanks for sharing, this watch is absolutely stunning! Loved learning about this brand (thanks @Magstime for the article). Now I’m very curious to see the next generation under Vutilainen’s leadership. Gorgeous timepiece 👌
You’re welcome. The Danish ownership of the last decade had a decent innings with some standout examples. The re-launch seems to be behind schedule but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.
Very elegant watch, super nice and detailed dial. Many thanks for introducing this watch 👏
Very elegant watch, super nice and detailed dial. Many thanks for introducing this watch 👏
The men behind it were arch traditionalists bent on keeping 19th century watch craft alive. In my humble opinion their Reference 2 perpetual calendar is as close to perfection as a wrist watch can be.
The men behind it were arch traditionalists bent on keeping 19th century watch craft alive. In my humble opinion their Reference 2 perpetual calendar is as close to perfection as a wrist watch can be.
I checked this Reference 2 perpetual calendar, looks nice, but I would still prefer Reference 8 🙂 only because I am more into 'clean' dials.
Hopefully Urban will make big waves this year - new ownership: new year. Can't wait!
Hopefully Urban will make big waves this year - new ownership: new year. Can't wait!
I’m sure it will. High hopes here too.