The Leica Watch is ‘Made in Germany’

From Camera to Leica Watch

Over at Leitz Park in Wetzlar, Germany you’ll find the Leica Camera AG headquarters complex. And more importantly right now – the “Ernst Leitz Werkstätten”. Founded by Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and majority shareholder of Leica Camera AG – the Ernst Leitz Werkstätten will be home to Leica’s new venture. The Leica Watch. Mechanically highly complex and sophisticated watches made in small numbers. An elaboration of ‘Made in Germany’ quality, and a diversification for the legend of the camera world.

Recommended Reading: How Leica Camera Became The Unicorn of Photography.

LEICA L1 and LEICA L2

Two watch models – the LEICA L1 and the LEICA L2 – will be available at launch. Both were designed by Professor Achim Heine who has overseen the design of many Leica Camera products. A man of experience in the Leica way, we see that signature Leica look in both watches: elegant hands and indexes. A finely-detailed, stainless-steel case. Special fluting on the crown and cambered glass, reminiscent of a camera lens.

Leica Watch – L1

In Detail

Both models employ a manually wound, mechanical (Lehmann) movement which has been newly developed and can be viewed through the glass case back made of sapphire crystal. Interestingly, the development, design and a large proportion of the components come from manufactures situated in Germanys’ Black Forest.

In further detail; the front glass is also made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, with the front being anti-reflective on both sides. Each model boasts a patented push-piece crown with a corresponding status display on the dial. The combination with the zero setting of the second hand is another unique feature.

Leica Watch – L2

Availability

The LEICA L1 and the LEICA L2 will be available in selected Leica Stores including the Leica Store Mayfair as well as at watch dealers worldwide from autumn 2018. The L2 model will also be available in a version with an 18 karat rose gold case. To mark the occasion of the Ernst Leitz Werkstätten commencing operation, limited special models of the two stainless steel versions with a red dial will be released.

Thoughts

We haven’t got our hands on either of the two watches yet but visually – they look stunning. Simple elegance, as with all Leica products. Less is more. A perfect marriage in today’s design world. And knowing Leica’s ‘normal’ levels of quality, we expect the Leica Watch to be not only aesthetically appealing, but also seriously reliable and robust. Pricing is not yet announced, but will likely start under €10,000 for the L1.