Urban Jürgensen Big 8 - Rare dial execution - Full set from 2015
The Watch
Currently a hibernating giant among the stars of independent watchmaking, while the world waits for Kari Voutilainen's take on Urban Jürgensen to be revealed, there's still plenty to discover within the recently produced references, including this rare execution of the Big 8.
Rendered in stainless steel, this three-hander with date is one of the watchmaker's more traditional and elegant creations, yet it carries design choices that make it individual. Despite its well-balanced proportions and somewhat minimal case, the exterior of the Big 8 is not without distinction, as a generously stepped bezel and petite teardrop lugs contribute directly to its svelte profile and timeless appeal. First sold in 2015, the art of nuanced refinement exudes from all facets of this Big 8, and while the watch delivers a familiar quintessential dress watch impression, the specificity here lies within its uncompromising craftsmanship and individuality.
Connoisseurs of Urban Jürgensen will have already picked up on the seldom-seen features of this particular example's dial, as two key variations set this piece apart. First, the two brushed chapter rings house Roman numerals and minute markers printed in blue. Typically, we see Big 8 examples with black numerals, and while it is believed that it was possible to order one with blue, from our research, we're yet to find another like this. The rest of the dial carries hand guilloché work, with a horizontal barleycorn guilloché with a basketweave guilloché used for the subsidiary seconds register at six.
Timekeeping with the Big 8 is kept humble, hours, minutes, seconds, and date, with a restrained minute hand and an 'observatoire' hour hand both being heat blued with yellow gold accents. Within the subsidiary seconds register sits the date complication and a needle-style seconds hand, which also follows the heat-blued principles outlined by the hours and minutes. But there's more, as this example, with its blue Roman numerals also reads 'Copenhagen' below the watchmakers' signature within an arched cartouche – an element early Baumberger-era Urban Jürgensen pieces typically carry.
The Movement
It may be a shock to learn that the calibre powering this slender dress watch is, in fact, automatic: the Frédéric Piguet base, FP1160. Beating at 4Hz, don't let the base nature of this calibre take away from the lavishly decorated finish. Of significance is the 21k gold guilloché rotor signed with the 'UJS' crest and complete with Geneva striped bridges. Once more, the commitment to traditionally realised decoration harkens back to the origins of 18th-century Urban Jürgensen.
How It Wears
The Big 8 is a true blend of classic meets modern, haute meets every day. From its stepped bezel design to its teardrop lugs and wide open dial aperture, each facet of its configuration seemingly dials in on comfort. At 40mm yet with an incredible svelteness, the Big 8 is an extremely wearable piece - especially considering its stainless steel rendering. It's a piece that will only catch the eye of fellow passionate watch collectors, and it has many elements only you, the wearer, get to appreciate.
Condition
This Urban Jürgensen Big 8 is offered today as a complete set, including its original box, papers, and stainless steel pin buckle. The watch is presented in fantastic condition carry only minor hairline scratches. The watch is fitted to a Mr Watchley Light Grey Grain strap.
Origin
Widely acknowledged as the company that brought watchmaking to Denmark, Urban Jürgensen is a family-established manufacturer launched in 1773 by Jürgen Jürgensen. The Jürgensen family had a prolific 18th and 19th century to say the least, working closely with the likes of Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, Abraham-Louis Breguet and John Arnold. These close working relationships set the standards for fine watchmaking still upheld and referenced today.
Urban Jürgensen, the first son of Jürgen, continued building the family's brand, contributing to a 139-year run of Jürgensen family ownership lasting until 1912. A turmoil 20th century then followed, with numerous new owners. However, in 1985, Peter Baumberger and master watchmaker English Derek Pratt joined forces to return Urban Jürgensen to its traditional and haute sensibilities. Models were crafted that focused on handmade production and unwavering adherence to tenets outlined by its founding fathers. Despite officially acquiring the brand in 1985, the Reference 1 Calendar Chronograph debuted under Baumberger in 1982, followed by the Reference 2 Perpetual Calendar in 1990 and a time-only model, the Reference 5, during the 1990s. Around the beginning of the 2000s, the Reference 8 arrived, and while it continued the visual principles outlined by the earlier references, the proportions were upscaled to 37mm. As its name suggests, the Big 8 renders the Reference 8 in a larger, upscaled 40mm size.
In 2021, renowned Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen led investors to acquire Urban Jürgensen and establish himself as the new CEO. The direction the brand is now under Voutilainen's control but is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, he has publicly stated that he wishes to maintain the aesthetic and classical spirit of the Maison that was expertly portrayed by Baumberger and Pratt during the late 20th century, casting more attention and respect towards those celebrated pieces.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium.
No stock kept on site
* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *
| Reference | Big 8 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Caliber |
Calibre 1160
|
| Dial | Silver Guilloché & Blue numerals |
| Size (Case) | 40 mm |
| Material (Case) | Steel |
| Bracelet | Mr Watchley Strap |
| Buckle | Original UJS steel pin buckle |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Year | 2015 |
| Papers | Yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |