anon_852399
1903
now an attempt to rank these pieces from different angles
Aesthetically speaking: every piece is gorgeous on its own, too subjective to rank them against each other.
Quality of execution:
1. Urban Jurgensen - no issues whatsoever.
2. Lange 1815 up&down - very high quality of execution, the only minor issue is that the crystal on the back of the case was not pressed 100% evenly, there is a slight mismatch in the height of the crystal.
3. Chopard 1863 - high quality of execution but below the standard set by the above two watches. Hands are not 100% aligned (2 minutes difference). Some minor issues with the movement finishing upon close inspection.
Movement:
1. Lange 1815 up&down. Very nicely finished, top precision.
2. Chopard 1863 - Very nice finish for this pocket watch-sized movement (although there are some assembly marks visible upon close inspection), top precision.
3. Urban Jurgensen P4 - a nice proprietary movement, with very good finishing. Precision is not excellent but still quite good (about +6 sec a day with my pattern of wearing).
Case construction:
1. Urban Jurgensen - tops the three in complexity and visual appeal (complex side profile, very nice convex bezel).
2. Chopard 1863 and Lange 1815 up&down - nice cases but nothing really special.
Winding crown action:
1. Chopard 1863. Buttery smooth.
2. Urban Jurgensen and Lange 1815 up&down. No issues, but nothing special.
Wearing comfort:
1. Urban Jurgensen and Lange 1815 up&down. I can barely feel both watches while wearing, top comfortable.
2. Chopard 1863. No issues, but the weight of the platinum case (and not a small one at 44mm) is of course felt.
Rarity:
1. Urban Jurgensen Alfred and Chopard 1863. Chopard is limited to 50 pieces. Alfred is a SE and not a limited edition, but I was told that probably only about 50 will be ever made.
2. Lange 1815 up&down. Not an LE, so probably there are hundreds (at least) of this particular version. But the produced number will not increase as this YG version has been recently discontinued.
Comparison shots of three dress pieces
Being a lucky owner of all three, could not resist the temptation to make some comparison photos. ...
Thank you so much
I was kidding, you have such a wonderful watches. Jurgensen is absolutely rare, can you tell us why and how did you choose it? Respect for you stunning collection
Thanks a lot ))
I was looking to add an independent piece to my collection, came across Urban Jurgensen's Alfred offering (by a reference from my good friend and independent watches collector Rubar, who is also a member here) and looked no further. I am very happy with m...
now an attempt to rank these pieces from different angles
Aesthetically speaking : every piece is gorgeous on its own, too subjective to rank them against each other. Quality of execution : 1. Urban Jurgensen - no issues whatsoever. 2. Lange 1815 up&down - very high quality of execution, the only minor issue is ...
Each watch has its merits
jack Johnson, Thanks for the groups shot and personal notes. All three would be on my list of desirables. The L.U.C 1963 Chronometer is unusual as it was not meant to be a normal wrist watch. They had the pocket watch movement for the Geneva School of Wat...
Thanks, MTF. I absolutely love my Chopard 1963 Chronometer, don't get me wrong ))
It is going nowhere from my humble collection. Many mention the movement side, but I love the dial side just as much - the white lacquer dial with thickly drawn roman numerals is second to none.
You reviewed it very nicely and fair...
That’s a nice 3 dress watch to have, all dress watches but all very different which is what I like, no redundancy. It tells me ALS did an awesome job even it’s not an independent watch brand and even its under a huge umbrella. Thanks and congratulations o...
An update re accuracy of Urban Jurgensen Alfred
As a result of some better measurements I am now observing the accuracy being +4.5 sec/day in the 1st 24 hours after full wind and +3 sec/day during the 2nd 24-hour period after full wind. Not bad at all!
Very nice threesome.
I especially like the UJ. Amazing piece, lovely grainage on the dial.
Thank you! Please do visit the manufacture or one of the events they are a part of to observe and experience different pieces from their lineup.
Alfred is a modest piece, but they also have some stunners with guilloche and enamel dials.
Thank you! Love all three equally, but the UJ is the latest addition so the feelings are most fresh here ))
Each piece is distinct enough to be a keeper, though. They even have a bit different niche - Lange for dressy occasions where it is appropriate to wear YG, UJ/Chopard for more under-the-radar dressy occasions, and UJ for a dressy travel watch.
You've given that a lot of thought.
The UJ is really a nice piece. Enjoy it and them!
Very nice trio.
The 1815 Up & Down in WG is a watch I really like. I find the Chopard a bit too large for a dress watch. Thanks. Vte
Thanks for sharing...
Your pics and thoughts on all three especially the “Alfred”. It has certainly piqued my interest.
thank you )
Now I hope to lay my hands on Urban Jurgensen 1140C with detent escapement to come and rule them all ))
Very elegant collection
I like how each watch has its one unique attributes despite their simplicity. I love independents and so the Urban Jürgensen is my favorite but the Chopard has such a beautiful movement and the A Lange Sohne is just so amazing. Again, great collection
Thanks a lot, I agree that it is difficult to pick up a clear winner here but I also tend to think the UJ is my favorite by a close margin ))
Now, once (and, sigh, if) I acquire my grail UJ 1140c this would be the clear king of the pack.
Yes it would!!
The UJ 1140c is such an amazing watch on so many levels. You have a beautiful dial, amazing hands, amazing lugs, the case is beautiful and then, there is the detent escapement which brings the watch to a whole new level of awesomeness. It is an incredible...