Independents

Dear all,

My father is about to purchase an Urban Jurgensen Alfred. As this would be his first UJ (after years with a Calatrava), I wanted to get back feedback from those of you who’ve had experience handling and/or owning UJs before - including but not limited to the Alfred model.

Specifically:

- in terms of quality and finishing, is this on par with a Lange, PP, VC or more in the direction of the high end independents, e.g. KV, FPJ, etc.?

- what has been your experience with long term reliability and after sales service?

- anything else you wish you had known before? Any surprises positive or negative about UJ?

Thanks a lot in advance. Appreciate it.

Paul

UJ is a terribly under rated brand in my opinion and I once owned a 35mm series 5 if I am not mistaken. The watch was reliable and the after sales service is dependent on there being an AD close to where you live. When I purchased the Series 5 form Germany, there was no UJ dealer in London where I used to reside at so when my watch was sent for a service, it took ten months as it was dependent on my going to Geneva for the SIHH in January and UJ kindly sent someone to collect the watch from me. I received it back in November at Salon QP where UJ is a regular participant. Since then, there are two UJ dealers in London. So do make sure that wherever your dad lives that there is an AD close by.

Thanks Sham. Very helpful feedback.
As you mention Rexhepi...what do you think of his time only Chronometre? I’ve been wearing an FPJ Chronometre Bleu for a while now and I am itching to potentially upgrade. Is it a step up?

A FPJ CB is a great watch but the Akrivia RR is a excellent and perfect finished watch. 👌🏻😘

The Chronometre Contemporain is arguably two steps up on the Chronometre Bleu - the movement finishing is incomparable ie it could be the best in the business. FP Journe does not over emphasize on movement finishing and focuses more on chronometric accuracy and the dial design of his watches. Please don't get me wrong - the Chronometre Bleu is an excellent watch and is the leader in its price bracket but the Rexhepi which costs two and a half times more would be competing with Voutilainen. Romain Gauthier and Charles Frodsham (check out this English brand!!)

It was wonderful, beautiful dial, movement side was equally gorgeous....& then the teardrop lugs...

Just the size of UJ irks me a bit, the dials are so classy I wish they’re >=39

Best,
Mahesh.,