Legendary Camera Maker Leica Debuts Their First Mechanical Watch Collection
Made in Germany, the Leica L1 and L2 timepieces are powered by a manually-wound movement developed from scratch
Sought out for their pioneering photographic and optical advancements, Wetzlar, Germany-based Leica (a longtime CH favorite) now debuts their first-ever Leica Watch collection. Though it’s a categoric expansion that may be unexpected by some (who missed the announcement back in 2018), it still bears the brand’s signature command of precision and premium materials. And, as it has been designed by the German industrial designer professor Achim Heine (who’s contributed to other iconic Leica implements), it’s evident where the language behind the cameras now informs the watches—from textured dial coating to the red dot on the push-crown.
The impeccably designed collection includes two 41mm stainless steel mechanical watches, aptly named the L1 and L2. Both models feature a manually-wound movement (the mechanical item that powers the watch without batteries) that was developed by the brand in collaboration with Lehmann Präzision GmbH; this complex component is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Further, both watches display hours, minutes and seconds, paired with a date window, status and power reserve indicators. The L2 differs in that it’s a GMT model and a second timezone can be indicated.
It’s worth drawing further attention to the patented push-crown, which was developed in collaboration with designer Markus Lehmann. Traditionally, crowns are pulled (or twisted); here, however, the crown is pushed down much the like shutter release of a Leica. It’s a thoughtful touch.
The watches can be purchased from select Leica stores across Europe, Asia, America and the Middle East, with prices ranging from roughly $10,000 for the L1 to $14,000 for the L2.
Images courtesy of Leica Camera AG
