Independents

The launch of the UJ-1 & UJ-2 , two of the three watches made by Kari Voutilainen to revive the Urban Jürgensen brand have been welcomed on our site with moderate enthusiasm: The new Urban Jürgensen Collection . However, I personally find the UJ-1 , which...  

It’s the UJ-1 that speaks to me, in particular.

I like the layouts and the finishing. One thing I don’t like is the 12 o’clock. It sure if it’s a 0? Or ()? Dial side, I like the tourbillon piece better. I am not a fan of the smaller chapter ring on the blue.

For me too, dial and movement sides, it’s the UJ-1 that really stands out. Best, Emmanuel

...far too cute. Silly, in fact. I love older UJs, but these have zero appeal to me...

meaning of the 0. I understand your dislike but don’t share it.

One of my great pleasures in the watch world was meeting and talking with Derek Pratt. What a nice and humble guy he was. I talked with him and Kari for awhile, not knowing who either of them were... Cazalea We were all just “watch guys” 20 years ago... ...  

These guys are humble craftsmen and creators and I’m not surprised that they are nice people. Best, Emmanuel

...and appear to be far thicker than their listed dimensions. Classic UJ may have needed a lift, but these are a miss. In addition, they have one of the most annoying websites I've ever seen.

And I fully respect your dislike for these watches, but I feel very differently. Best, Emmanuel

What a beauty 👌🏻

made to revive the brand. I like it very much, at least on photos. Best, Emmanuel

I find there are many elements that are well done but the whole somehow does not have the coherence I would wish for. I know that neither Kari nor UJ were known for thin watches but these really are very, very thick - so not quite sure what a use case wou... 

I might be too enthusiastic, as I've never seen the UJ-1 in real life (the only model I really care about, but strongly care about). Thickness and price (or at least the positioning of the brand) might be strong issues, I am aware of that. But I love the ... 

I am sure a lot of effort went into the relaunch but not quite sure if this portfolio is the right one at the right time. I guess, time will tell 🤷🏻‍♂️

To me the UJ-1 is a bit controversial for the following reasons: (i) the original Oval watch used a spring detent escapement and I am not sure D.P. would be thrilled to know that his movement architecture in the Oval is being reimagined with a simpler Swi... 

thank you for sharing your doubts. I fully understand them and I realise that I might be too enthusiastic. But I love the Oval and I find this wristwatch tribute very appealing, at least on photos... But I should maybe be more skeptical. Best, Emmanuel

It’s just that D.P. was an emblematic watchmaker of the era and Oval aledgedly was regarded by him as one of his greatest creations. So any remake effort would be under a magnifying glass here for “worthiness” and moral clarity.

To me the lugs on a case have to be extremely visually appealing. Especially in a dress watch. It would be like looking at a beautiful woman and a stunning dress with very short legs.

Now I can’t unsee it! 🤣

All the more so since I personally like this unusual design, at least on photos. A hands-on experience would be absolutely necessary here. Best, Emmanuel

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. On photos, I find these lugs very interesting: not only different, but giving the case a very nice look. But I would have to see the UJ-1 in real life. Maybe someday. Best, Emmanuel

I would need to see these lugs in real life because I personally like them on photos... Best, Emmanuel