Revival of a Centuries-Old Watch Manufacturer, Celebrating 250 Years of Timekeeping Innovation
On a bustling Thursday evening last week, a unique gathering transpired within a Santa Monica hangar, transformed into a mesmerizing jazz clubs, attracting A-listers such as Rashida Jones, Ego Nwodim, and Dylan Efron. The event, however, wasn't about the celebrities, but the elite of the watchmaking industry. The occasion celebrated the new chapter of Urban Jürgensen, an iconic 252-year-old Danish watchmaker, with Rexhep Rexhepi, one of the world's leading watchmakers, being the real star of the night.
Industry insiders like Rexhepi were showered with attention, even catching the admiration of Milwaukee Bucks swingman Kyle Kuzma. This emphasis on independent watchmaking was a fitting move considering Urban Jürgensen's new owner, Andrew Rosenfield, a devoted patron of niche, technologically proficient brands.
Urban Jürgensen debuted three new watches last week as part of its relaunch, following a tumultuous journey that mirrors a rollercoaster ride on Rainbow Road. The brand's history is more like an anthology series, with continuous production but frequent changes in ownership, resulting in vastly different outcomes. For much of the 20th century, the brand grappled in obscurity until an acquisition in the 1980s ushered in a brief golden era.
That golden era had long passed before the Rosenfield family became aware of Urban Jürgensen's financial struggles through acquaintances. Andrew Rosenfield led a consortium to acquire the brand in 2021 and has since been working tirelessly to rejuvenate it. The challenge was to add an exciting new chapter to Urban Jürgensen's centuries-old independent brand's story without losing its essence.
To achieve this, installing a world-renowned watchmaker at the helm was a top priority. "The first real thing we did involving the company was to ask Kari Voutilainen if he would be involved," Alex Rosenfield shared. Kari Voutilainen, a Finnish watchmaker known for his impeccable hand finishing, stepped up as Co-CEO, leading the development of the new calibers. The movements feature finishes that echo the aesthetics of antique pocket watches and elements from the brand's history, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
Voutilainen's daughter, Venla Voutilainen, also joined the team as COO, overseeing aftersales service, further solidifying the tight-knit leadership dedicated to preserving the brand's legacy while moving into the future. Alongside Voutilainen, Alex Rosenfield leads marketing and sales, leveraging his collector's sensitivity and storytelling acumen to extend the brand's global reach without sacrificing its authentic, family-led independent spirit.
In essence, Urban Jürgensen's relaunch strategy focuses on honoring its rich watchmaking heritage through thoughtful reinterpretation and careful craftsmanship, with Kari Voutilainen serving as the creative and technical force behind the design and movement development of the new collection. His influence ensures the watches pay tribute to the past while embodying modern haute horlogerie excellence.
- The elusive world of independent watchmaking, a focus at the Urban Jürgensen relaunch event, aligns with Andrew Rosenfield's penchant for niche, technologically advanced brands, creating a perfect blend of style and innovation.
- The luster of A-list celebrities such as Rashida Jones, Ego Nwodim, and Dylan Efron, present at the event, pales in comparison to the captivating allure of Rexhep Rexhepi, the world-class watchmaker who stole the show.
- In the realm of science and space-and-astronomy, the intricate craftsmanship of Urban Jürgensen watches exemplifies the precision and attention to detail required to conquer the cosmos.
- The conversations around the latest fashion trends in fashion-and-beauty or the hottest stories in entertainment and pop-culture are dwarfed by the awe-inspiring artistry and history encapsulated in Urban Jürgensen's new collection.
- As technology continues to advance, Urban Jürgensen stands as a timeless beacon of haute horlogerie excellence, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, with Kari Voutilainen at the helm as a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and creative vision.
