The Urban Jrgensen Reference 1 was the first wristwatch produced during the revival of the brand in the 1980s, and is a wonderful representation of their aesthetics, with a classically styled dial and subtle blue features, yet fairly modern size of 39mm. Only 186 watches were produced for this reference between 1982 and 1986, with 15 later made in platinum.

Urban Jrgensenhave a rich and varied history, dating back to the late 18th century. The manufactures namesake, Urban Jrgensen (1776-1830), along with his father Jrgen Jrgensen, have long been credited with introducing the watch industry to Denmark. Shortly after the birth of his son in 1776, Jrgen Jrgensen moved to Le Locle in Switzerland to work with Jacques-Frdric Houriet, laying the foundations for a Danish-Swiss connection which still exists over 240 years later.

Peter Baumberger acquired the brand between the years of 1979 to 1985, and together with master English horologist Derek Pratt, set about carrying forward a legacy of elegant and complicated timepieces, whilst pioneering concepts of performance, stability, and movement aesthetics. TheReference 1 epitomises this period of Urban Jrgensens history in the best way, bringing together an impressive calendar chronograph movement, based on a highly refined Zenith El Primero calibre, with balanced aesthetics and a hand-finished dial. In fact, many of the dials throughout this period were engine-turned by Pratt himself.

Despite being amongst the most accomplished independent watchmakers of the last century, Pratt remains largely unrecognised within the field. He was a long-standing friend of George Daniels, and it is believed that the pair used to have lengthy telephone discussions every Sunday morning, sharing ideas back and forth between themselves, whilst also working closely together on more than one occasion.

The layout of the Reference 1 dial is fairly straightforward, despite the number of indications, with two dark blue date discs placed directly above the chronograph sub-dials. A moonphase sits above 6 oclock, and a date aperture can be found between 4 and 5 oclock. In keeping with their traditional aesthetics, the dial has brushed silver chapter rings and an intricate hand-guilloche patterns, with Roman numerals. Meanwhile, the dial is signed Urban Jrgensen Copenhagen in a cartouche placed below the twelve oclock marker.

The watch is powered by the calibre 3019PHF, an automatic movement. Additionally, at 39mm, the watch is fairly large by neo-vintage standards, yet incredibly comfortable owing to the relatively svelte profile and modest teardrop lugs. The watch is accompanied by a charming booklet with illustrations that instruct the owner how to wind and set the piece.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Urban Jrgensen Reference 1 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Urban Jrgensen Reference 1 is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs have virtually no signs of wear, the hallmarks between the lugs indicate previous light polishing whilst remaining identifiable and legible.

The watch comes with a complimentary service with Urban Jrgensen, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man.