A historic invention, the detent (or chronometer) escapement is one of the most accurate types of escapements. Developed in the mid-18th Century, it was mostly used in marine chronometers. The balance wheel in the detent escapement swings undisturbed during most of its cycle except during the brief impulse period, which is only given once per cycle. It runs virtually without friction. However, this escapement was very sensitive to shocks and thus was never made in a wristwatch format… until a dream team at Urban Jurgensen composed of Derek Pratt, Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Francois Mojon changed horological history.

In 2003, Urban Jürgensen’s master watchmaker Derek Pratt started working on a pivoted detent escapement in an existing Unitas caliber. After encouraging results, it was decided that a wristwatch movement with a pivoted detent escapement would be created in a series. The project was then handed over to Jean-Francois Mojon, a movement constructor and watchmaker. The third member of this incredible "galactic team" was Kari Voutilainen, who was trusted with not only the difficult task of finishing, regulating and assembling the first series prototypes but also creating the beautiful guilloché dials. The prototype of the new caliber P8 with its patented chronometer escapement and safety system was introduced at the Basel Fair in 2011. The same year, the Urban Jürgensen P8 caliber won first prize for best innovation at the SIAR Mexico fair. Another important award was achieved in 2014 when the UJS reference 11C SC received the first prize in the GPHG Men’s category.

The present example furthermore stands out with its incredible hand-painted 3-colour (grey-black-white) enamel dial that is a masterpiece of art and craft with several unique features. Besides the miniature hand-painted inscriptions, the final transparent "fondant de Genève" flint glass enamel layer gives a stunning deepness and shine to the dial, which is not found anywhere else. While there have been a few prototypes of the Detent Chronometer seen in the market, this is believed to be the first example of a fully finished piece to appear at auction. Furthermore, even though the model was to be limited to 20 pieces, it is believed that the present example is the only piece produced.