The modern Urban Jürgensen has one hell of a legacy to uphold. Not only does the family name date back to 1745, but founder Jurgen Jürgensen was responsible for some of the finest chronographs of the era. A few things have changed in the succeeding centuries but as the brand’s latest release shows, not that ancient artisanal quality.
The Alfred – named after the second generation of Jurgensen, Jacques Alfred – is as classical as a be-tailed butler and just as faithful to tradition. There’s no insane complication here, no gyrotourbillons cluttering up the place, just pure, unadulterated watchmaking beauty.
Not that the manual wind Urban Jürgensen Caliber P4 is anything less than exceptional; it’s twin barrels power a respectable 21,600 vibrations an hour with a 72-hour power reserve. No matter how impressive the comparatively simple movement it however it’s always going to play second fiddle to the brand’s unparalleled finishing. Really, even a gyrotourbillon would have to settle for silver.
The dial is made from a single disc of silver honed by hand to a rare Grenage finish. The numerals aren’t painted or applied; they’re engraved into the metal then filled with lacquer. Even the hands require 50 different steps to complete and the signature teardrop lugs are individually forged before coming anywhere near the case.
Caliber P4
As a final flourish, buyers will be presented their watches in person by Urban’s CEO Soren Jenry Petersen. It adds a touch of pomp and ceremony to an already impressive watch and, should something go wrong you know who to blame. Not that it would of course; the Alfred has a reputation to uphold; urbanjurgensen.com
Connoisseur’s Corner
- 42mm stainless steel case with signature teardrop lugs and fluted crown
- Manual wind Urban Jürgensen Caliber P4 movement with 72-hour power reserve
- Grenage dial with filled lacquer numerals and Urban Jürgensen hands
- Openworked movement visible through sapphire case back
- Presented to owners at quarterly rendezvous in Bienne by Urban Jürgensen CEO Soren Jenry Petersen
- Price: €14,300 (+VAT)
