Urban Jürgensen Returns With Mastery and Purpose

Urban Jürgensen, a watchmaker with roots going back to 1773, has officially returned to the scene. Known for its classic designs and old-school craftsmanship, the brand has always appealed to collectors who appreciate traditional watchmaking done the hard way—by hand. After a quiet stretch, it’s back with serious backing, a $25 million investment, and watchmaker Kari Voutilainen stepping in as co-CEO. The goal is clear: bring Urban Jürgensen back to life without losing the soul that made it special in the first place. To kick things off, they’ve launched two standout models—the UJ 1 and UJ 3. The UJ 1 is a 250th-anniversary limited edition tourbillon packed with high-end features like a constant-force mechanism and deadbeat seconds, all inside a compact 39.5 mm case. Only 75 will be made. The UJ 3 is a perpetual calendar with a moonphase that stays accurate for 14,000 years, using a movement built with help from independent legend Andreas Strehler. Both watches are finished to an insane level and are clearly meant to show the brand still has what it takes. This comeback isn’t just about new models—it’s about honoring a long history while finding a place in today’s independent watch world. Urban Jürgensen once made marine chronometers for kings and scientists. Now it’s aiming for collectors who want something rare, personal, and deeply crafted. With a small production run and direct-to-buyer focus, this is a brand built on patience, detail, and a lot of watchmaking pride.