Urban Jurgensen: A 252-Year Legacy Enters a New Era

The independent Danish watch brand Urban Jurgensen has embarked on a new chapter, marking its revival under the leadership of co-owners Kari Voutilainen and Alex Rosenfield. This revival heralds what the brand describes as a third golden age, emphasizing a shift in how time is perceived.

With roots stretching back to 1773, Urban Jurgensen has long been synonymous with a unique blend of Danish design sensibilities and Swiss mechanical craftsmanship. The brand’s storied history began when Jorgen Jurgensen presented his work to the Copenhagen Watchmakers’ Guild, earning his title as master watchmaker. His son, Urban Jurgensen, further advanced the family legacy, creating marine chronometers essential for navigation.

The company remained family-owned for generations until its sale in the early 1900s led to a decline in visibility. In 1979, Swiss collector Peter Baumberger purchased Urban Jurgensen, revitalizing its reputation as a niche producer of elegant watches. Under Baumberger’s direction, the company flourished, particularly during the 1990s, with innovations from legendary watchmaker Derek Pratt and the young Voutilainen.

The brand faced challenges after Baumberger’s death in 2010 and subsequent ownership changes. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosenfield and his father, a long-time collector of Voutilainen’s works, discovered that Urban Jurgensen was in need of new leadership. Driven by a deep appreciation for the brand, they acquired it, intent on steering it into its next phase.

Rosenfield, now CEO, expressed a commitment to blend the brand’s historical legacy with contemporary storytelling. He emphasized the goal of creating watches that reflect both personal identity and cultural narratives. In an interview during the brand’s relaunch in June 2025, he stated: “We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful for Urban Jurgensen to be with a family again – people who really love it and its history?”

Under this new leadership, Voutilainen has transitioned to a board member and senior strategic advisor. He continues to uphold the brand’s horological standards while allowing himself more time for design and technical work.

Innovative Philosophy and New Collections

The revival of Urban Jurgensen brings forth a new philosophy encapsulated in the campaign “Time Well Spent.” Rosenfield explained that this concept emphasizes how individuals spend their time, rather than merely measuring it. This approach is reflected in the brand’s latest offerings, which aim to connect with a wider audience.

The first watches released in this new era, named UJ-1, UJ-2, and UJ-3, combine heritage and innovation. The UJ-1, marking the brand’s 250th anniversary, reinterprets the classic Urban Jurgensen Pratt Oval Pocket Watch. It features a tourbillon and is available in limited runs of just 25 pieces each in platinum and rose gold.

The UJ-2, which won the Men’s Watch Prize at the 2025 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, showcases a double wheel natural escapement, enhancing both performance and precision. Rosenfield considers this model a clear representation of the brand’s new direction.

The UJ-3, developed with master engineer Andreas Strehler, boasts a moon phase accurate for 14,000 years and integrates the double wheel natural escapement into a perpetual calendar, making it a remarkable addition for collectors.

Craftsmanship and Personal Connection

Urban Jurgensen’s commitment to craftsmanship remains strong. Each watch is created using traditional artisanal methods, with every dial being hand-engineered and each movement meticulously finished. This dedication results in an intimate production process, allowing for a personal connection between the brand and its clients.

Rosenfield’s vision for the brand prioritizes the emotional bond that each watch can foster. He noted, “The worst thing to me is if a watch is sitting in a safe. It should be on somebody’s wrist, and they should be loving and enjoying it.” This focus on wearability and enjoyment reflects a growing trend in the luxury watch market, where the value of a timepiece is increasingly viewed through the lens of personal experience rather than mere investment.

As Urban Jurgensen navigates its new chapter, it seeks not just to reclaim its place in the horological landscape but to redefine what it means to appreciate time itself. The combination of Voutilainen’s technical expertise and Rosenfield’s cultural insights positions the brand uniquely in today’s market, aiming for a future that honors its past while embracing new possibilities.