LOS ANGELES — Historic Scandinavian watch brand Urban Jurgensen has officially relaunched with the unveiling of three new timepieces in Los Angeles on June 5. The revival is driven by a partnership between American financier Andy Rosenfield, his son Alex, and renowned Finnish independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.
The launch follows more than three years of development. The new watches, which blend Swiss craftsmanship with Danish design heritage, range in price from US$125,000 to over US$400,000. The brand re-enters the market under the slogan, “Time well spent.”
“We are merging expert Swiss watchmaking with the Scandinavian legacy of the brand,” said Alex Rosenfield, who serves as co-CEO alongside Voutilainen. His father, Andy Rosenfield, a watch collector and president of Guggenheim Partners, owns 85% of the company along with a small group of investors. Voutilainen and his close circle hold the remaining 15%.
Urban Jurgensen dates back to 1773, when Danish watchmaker Jørgen Jürgensen began crafting pocket watches. His son Urban later took over and built the brand’s reputation for mechanical excellence and refined craftsmanship. After passing through generations, the company changed hands in the 20th century and gradually lost its prominence.
In 1979, Swiss collector Peter Baumberger purchased the brand and helped spark a revival, with British watchmaker Derek Pratt creating notable pieces such as the rare Pratt Oval. Voutilainen joined in 1996 to develop movements for wristwatches and refined his hallmark techniques while working at the firm.
Voutilainen is now celebrated for his intricate hand-finished movements and guilloché dials, crafted using traditional engine-turning machines. His involvement signals a commitment to both heritage and quality in the brand’s next chapter.
The three new Urban Jurgensen watches reflect this mix of tradition and innovation. Designed for both men and women, the watches feature 39mm and 39.5mm round cases with either modern shortened lugs or teardrop-shaped designs. Made in Switzerland, the timepieces are powered by in-house movements created by Voutilainen at the brand’s workshop in Biel.
Two of the models are based on modified versions of an existing Voutilainen caliber, offering a free-spring balance wheel and a direct double-wheel escapement. Each model is produced in limited numbers, emphasizing exclusivity and craftsmanship.
“Our aim is to build something joyful and approachable, while honoring the brand’s Danish roots,” said Andy Rosenfield.
The relaunch positions Urban Jurgensen for a new era in luxury watchmaking, uniting historic legacy with cutting-edge watch design.
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