Interview - Urban Jürgensen
The Legendary Watchmaking Maison Relaunches Under New Leadership with a Bold Vision for the Future
PRESS RELEASE | 4638 WORDS | 46 MINUTE READ
June 2025: The Legacy Continues…
Urban Jürgensen Co-CEOs Kari Voutilainen and Alex Rosenfield
Photo Courtsey: Urban Jürgensen
Shared leadership, shared vision
Urban Jürgensen’s new chapter unfolds under the guidance of two complementary forces.
Kari Voutilainen and Co-CEO Alex Rosenfield 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.”
For further information, visit urbanjurgensen.com