Manufacturer: Urban Jürgensen Year: 2017 Movement No: 80'257 Model Name: Big 8 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. FP1160, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Hermes Barenia leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Urban Jürgensen pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Urban Jürgensen Certificate of Authenticity dated December 22, 2017, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging. Literature: The Jürgensen Dynasty: Four Centuries of Watchmaking in Two Countries by John M.R. Knudsen.
Catalogue Essay
Since its acquisition in 1985 by Peter Baumberger and subsequent rebirth in the 1990s under the technical supervision of Derek Pratt and Kari Voutilainen, Urban Jürgensen has always maintained an immediately recognizable visual language with its elegant slim stepped cases, tear drop lugs, lavish guilloché dials and elaborate hands. Today, Kari Voutilainen himself is at the helm of the brand as its CEO after a change in ownership of the brand in 2021.
The present watch, a Big 8 is offered as a full set and perfectly encapsulates Urban Jürgensen's design philosophy with its immediately-recognizable teardrop lugs and a convex bezel. Finished to perfection, the case has been made in the "traditional" way, meaning that each component has been hand polished and made without the overuse of modern technology. The stainless steel case adds a sporty and modern edge to the timepiece.
The dial is a work of beauty, being decorated with a guilloché finish, made by hand. The numerals are made with enamel, and the contrasting patterns are delicate and a sight to behold.
The sheer amount of detail and care that have gone into the creation of this piece is quite incredible and the Big 8 presents an enormous quality of watchmaking.