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Timothée Chalamet’s Watch: The Danish Secret Behind Haute Horlogerie’s New Star

The platinum watch worn by Chalamet at the 83rd Golden Globes was a statement of quiet sophistication. It wasn’t a Patek Philippe or a Cartier, but something far rarer.

Por: Raquel Seijas
TIMOTHEE CHALAMET WATCH Urban Jurgensen
Timothée Chalamet wore the UJ-2 by Urban Jürgensen, a watch that embodies the remarkable fusion of Danish design and Swiss technical mastery / Photos Credit: Getty Images/Amy Sussman and Urban Jürgensen

On the red carpet of the 83rd Golden Globes, as Timothée Chalamet accepted his award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, all eyes were drawn not just to his custom Chrome Hearts suit, but to the understated elegance on his wrist.

The watch—platinum-cased, with a light silver guilloché dial and flame-blued hands—was a statement of quiet sophistication. It was not a Patek, nor a Cartier, but something far rarer: a timepiece from a brand with roots stretching back to 1773, a name that has long been whispered among the most discerning collectors of haute horlogerie.

The UJ-2 is fully handmade, requiring 565 hours of labor by a master watchmaker / Photo Urban Jürgensen

 This was no ordinary accessory. It was the Urban Jürgensen UJ-2, a watch that embodies a remarkable fusion of Danish design and Swiss technical mastery, and a brand that has just been reborn under the guidance of two of the industry’s most visionary figures.

The Enigma of Urban Jürgensen

Urban Jürgensen is not a name that rolls off the tongue like Rolex or Audemars Piguet. Yet, for those in the know, it represents one of watchmaking’s oldest and most storied dynasties.

Founded in Copenhagen in 1773 by Jürgen Jürgensen, the brand’s early reputation was built on marine chronometers so precise they guided ships across oceans. The Jürgensen family worked alongside legends like Abraham-Louis Breguet and John Arnold, shaping the very foundations of modern horology.

But what makes Urban Jürgensen’s return so compelling is not just its history, but the people now steering its future.

Timothée Chalamet wore Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 / Photo Credit: Getty Images/Amy Sussman

The Masterminds Behind the Revival

In 2021, a group of investors, led by the Rosenfield family and including the legendary independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, acquired Urban Jürgensen.

Voutilainen, a Finnish-Swiss artisan with eleven Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève awards to his name, is widely regarded as one of the greatest living watchmakers. His partnership with Alex Rosenfield, a former fashion and media executive, has injected new life into the brand, blending Voutilainen’s unparalleled craftsmanship with Rosenfield’s fresh cultural perspective.

“Urban Jürgensen has always been about the blend of Danish design and Swiss precision,” Voutilainen explains. “Our watches are clean, minimalistic, and graceful, reflecting Danish aesthetics, but driven by the kind of innovation and technical expertise that defines Swiss watchmaking excellence.”

The UJ-2: A Masterpiece of Craft and Philosophy

The UJ-2, the model Chalamet wore, is a testament to this philosophy. Each piece is fully handmade, requiring 565 hours of labor by a master watchmaker. Its double-wheel natural escapement—a mechanism inspired by Breguet and perfected by Voutilainen—ensures unparalleled precision. The hand-turned guilloché dial and flame-blued hands are hallmarks of the brand’s commitment to artistry.

Priced at CHF 105,000 (USD 130,700), the UJ-2 is available only by private appointment or direct inquiry, underscoring its exclusivity and the brand’s dedication to a personal, almost intimate, relationship with its clients.

 

Chalamet’s choice to wear the UJ-2 is significant. Known for his sartorial boldness, his embrace of Urban Jürgensen signals a shift in the cultural conversation around watches. It’s a nod to the connoisseurs, to those who value substance over logo, and craft over hype.

The Future of Urban Jürgensen

With Voutilainen now focusing on watchmaking and development as Board Member and Senior Strategic Advisor,  and Rosenfield leading the brand’s vision as Chief Executive Officer, Urban Jürgensen is poised to redefine what it means to be an independent haute horlogerie maison in the 21st century. Their goal is to celebrate the art of spending time meaningfully—whether in mastering a craft, pursuing a passion, or sharing moments with loved ones.

As Chalamet’s watch glinted under the Golden Globes lights, it did more than mark the passage of time. It announced the return of a legend, and the arrival of a new era in watchmaking—one where Danish elegance and Swiss precision come together to create something truly extraordinary.

Timothée Chalamet wore Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 / Photo Credit: Getty Images/Amy Sussman

Q&A about Urban Jürgensen

  • What makes Urban Jürgensen unique in haute horlogerie? Urban Jürgensen blends 250 years of Danish design elegance with Swiss technical mastery and handcrafted exclusivity.
  • Who are the key figures behind Urban Jürgensen’s revival? Master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen and CEO Alex Rosenfield lead the brand’s creative and strategic vision.
  • What is the significance of the UJ-2’s double-wheel natural escapement? Inspired by Breguet, it increases efficiency by 30% and exemplifies Urban Jürgensen’s pursuit of horological perfection.
  • How does Timothée Chalamet’s choice reflect current luxury trends? Chalamet’s UJ-2 signals a shift toward understated, heritage-rich luxury over traditional status symbols.
  • How can one acquire an Urban Jürgensen timepiece? Urban Jürgensen watches are available only by private appointment or direct inquiry, ensuring exclusivity.

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