For a brand to garner a cult following it has to have a unique blend of distinctive design, quality and heritage, something camera maker Leica delivers in spades. The company has built a reputation for its clean and functional design, backed by engineering that makes its products some of the best in the world. And it’s this same approach that it has brought to its first watch collection, which after releasing teasers is now fully hitting the market. 

At first sight the design of the Leica L1 and L2 are unmistakably German, with their pleasingly balanced, minimalist dials and details that subtly reference some of Leica’s most iconic models. This is in no small part down to the involvement of Professor Achim Heine, who created the look of many of its past cameras and has brought this same refined eye to the exterior of the watches. Such features include the knurling on the crown and the pared-back silhouette of the watch hands and indices, while the domed watch glass nods to a camera lens. 

An intriguing element that sets these watches apart is the push crown, presenting an unconventional take on this feature. While most traditional crowns can be used to stop and adjust the time by being pulled out, here this is achieved instead by pressing it down – much like the clock of a camera. The first click stops the watch and the small second hand jumps to zero, while with a second click the movement is released again. 

This is thanks to the newly developed calibres created in partnership with precision technology specialist Lehmann Präzision GmbH. Developed and produced in its factories in the Black Forest region, it importantly allowed Leica to maintain the “Made in Germany” designation on the dial. Both the Leica L1 and L2 come equipped with a discreet date window and power reserve display, while the latter comes with a GMT and day/night indication. Both are manual winding, bringing a fittingly vintage and analogue final touch.

leica-camera.com