jack johnson
1870
and now some fresh personal impressions
First of all, it was a pure joy to meet Mr Soren Petersen in person in Biel/Bienne and learn a lot about this historic brand, handle some of the watches from the current collection (and a couple of pieces from the past) and take the manufacture tour. A special mention goes to the historic original order book, which lists watches and customers dating back to the 18th century and the King of Denmark is mentioned there repeatedly. Mr Petersen is truly passionate about Urban Jurgensen and has a clear vision with regard to the qualities of the watches he wants to produce.
My overall impression of the pieces I handled during the factory visit (and this includes my Alfred watch) - the quality of execution is of a very high standard, which surpasses other independent watches I have personally experienced before. I am talking about the aesthetics and the lack of manufacturing defects (such as misaligned hands, dust under the crystal, tarnished polished hands or hour markers). All pieces I have handled seemed perfect.
Now to my Alfred piece itself:
- Design: far, very far from being simple or simplistic as the front look at the dial side might mistakenly suggest. The bezel is concave (if I am using this term correctly) - like that of some of Patek's Calatrava models, the case profile is complex and beautiful. And those tear-drop lugs! Being 42mm in diameter, the watch wears more like 40mm, as the lugs protrude mostly downwards, around the writst. The dial is executed in famous grenage technique and is very appealing in person. The hands are signature in shape and beautifully blued - a feast for the eyes.
- Movement: P4 exclusive movement made for UJ by Chronode. This is a conventional anchor escapement movement with a modern 3-day power reserve (double barrels) and specifically constructed with robustness and longevity in mind. Not a bad-looking movement too! I will monitor the accuracy but so far it is within the COSC tolerances, being a bit on a "plus" side. For superlative accuracy UJ offers the P8 movement, which is essentially the same as P4 but with a proprietary chronometer detent escapement. P8 is very accurate but watches must be handled with some care (no active sports) as the detent movement is rather delicate. Also, P8 is not a self-starting movement and might require a little twist of the watch to get going - this is a feature of this movement, not a manufacturing fault. I must say I am tempted to get an UJ watch with a P8 movement next.
- Quality of assembly: no defects whatsoever.
- Wearing comfort: very comfortable - sits well on the wrist and a relatively light watch as well, due to its stainless steel case.
Please let me know if you would like to know anything else.
Urban Jurgensen Alfred
Just wanted to share a couple of quick pictures following the receipt of this amazing watch yesterday. I will do a detailed write-up a bit later, but for sure I am a happy customer. ...
Oh which model is this!?
UJ is such an underrated brand. And this dial is so clean. I can’t wait to see some movement shots. What a beauty!
The new Alfred with the P4 movement
in stainless steel, 42mm and priced reasonably. I believe buying the watch comes with a factory tour!
You are right! It could
if it lost 4mm! But then again, it could also have meant I could have been married eight times instead of four due to some minor details. The point is a minor detail for some (like 4mm!) is pretty major to me
Three years ago
I bought an Urban Jurgensen Series 5 in 35mm. It was a beautiful watch but because it was new old stock, it required a service a few months after buying it. As there was no authorised dealer in the UK, I had to bring my watch to Geneva where the sales dir...
Wise words my friend. I know that buying an indie watch can be painful if you live far from where it has been made. Of course, you won’t have the same issue with PP
I try to poison you with new watches but that doesn’t work for the moment. I have to find new ways 😁 Best wishes Alkiro
I love your preseverance my friend!!
Please never stop!!! Hey, guess what after 4 years of deliberating (it just shows how uncreative I am!!), I have finally found a dial for a Vingt 8 for me. I have sent it to Kari and he is probably cursing away I would not blame him one bit if the suggest...
I am more curious to see if KV accepts my idea.
If he does, it will really be my dream watch (surpassing even the RW Smith) as this would be based my dream dial. I am almost certain that it will no be accepted though but that's understandable.
Bigger issue
with any small independent is whether they will even be around 5 or more years from now to service the watch and provide parts. UJ makes super-great perpetuals but I bet people factor that in when contemplating a purchase of such a complicated watch.
Huge Congrats 👏🏼
Gorgeous UJ Alfred 👌🏻😘 please wear it in best of health . Also hope you find some time to post some more pics soon. 🙏🏻
Good choice...
Thanks for sharing the photos. Can you give us an update with your thoughts after a few days with the watch.
Big congratulations...
Wonderful watch it is ! those lugs, unique hour hands, textured dial...simple & gorgeous!! Best, Mahesh.,
and now some fresh personal impressions
First of all, it was a pure joy to meet Mr Soren Petersen in person in Biel/Bienne and learn a lot about this historic brand, handle some of the watches from the current collection (and a couple of pieces from the past) and take the manufacture tour. A sp...
Thanks for your thoughts, Jack.
You have a beauty there, and the finishing of the movement is extraordinary. Sometime ago I placed an order for an 1140L which will be delivered in September. Seeing yours makes wish I could get it now!
Thank you and congrats with your order! May I ask what dial have you chosen?
I have just seen the grenade and guilloche dial watches at the manufacture - and these look amazing! They did not have one with an enamel dial for me to look at, but Mr Petersen says it is something truly special.
Black guilloche.
I've seen the enamel-it is gorgeous. Actually, all the dials are gorgeous!
Update?
Now that you've had this for a few more months, I was wondering if you still feel great about this watch. I have been looking at a Breguet 7147 with the enamel dial, but the second hand in the slight recess (which is hard to even see in person) seems odd ...
Very clean and elegant watch
The lugs are absolutely stunnng and the back...woah! VERY nice!
