Leica presents the LEICA L1 and LEICA L2 watch models
3 months ago; in Wetzlar, I had the privilege to witness the launch of two new watches from the giant camera and lens maker Leica: the LEICA L1 and LEICA L2 – two remarkable timepieces with a patented push crown.
We were able to see first hand the watches with their creators in Germany , however we couldn’t share the news with you earlier. Today, we can finally talk about it and show you the amazing 2 new releases.
The design of the LEICA L1 and LEICA L2 draws inspiration from previous engineering masterpieces made in Wetzlar. The watches’ exterior was conceptualized by Professor Achim Heine, who has designed numerous Leica products in the past – giving him a profound understanding of the company’s aesthetic principles.
As a result, the LEICA L1 and LEICA L2 contain subtle references to signature features from Leica’s rich history. These include, for example, the delicate design of the watch hands and applied indices, the shape of the intricate stainless-steel case, the special knurling on the crowns, and the domed watch glass that recalls the front element of a camera lens.
Both models are powered by a complete newly developed mechanical movement with manual winding. The movement is visible through the transparent back made of resilient sapphire crystal. Maintaining the ‘Made in Germany’ designation was extremely important to Leica, which is why the company entered into a partnership with Lehmann Präzision GmbH.
As a result, the movement and most of the watches’ components were developed and produced in the Lehmann factory in Germany’s Black Forest region, ensuring an exceptional level of vertical range of manufacturing.
The Leica watches are a perfect combination of design and mechanical engineering. Besides the domed front crystal and the flat transparent back made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating, both watch models are distinguished by the patented push crown and its correlating status indicator on the dial. The push crown’s ability to reset the small second hand to zero is also a unique feature and adds yet another practical purpose to this aesthetically pleasing design element.
Professor Achim Heine explains: “Together with Markus Lehmann, we expanded and fine- tuned the idea of the push crown. In contrast to conventional designs – whereby the crown must be pulled out to stop the movement and adjust the time – we wanted the crown to be pressed down, like the release button of a camera. The moment you push the crown, the watch stops and the small second hand jumps to zero. Another click releases the movement again. This is an unusual detail that perfectly fits in with Leica.”
The LEICA L1 and the LEICA L2 will be available at select Leica Stores, starting February 8, 2022*. The price is 9,500 euros for the LEICA L1, and 13,500 euros for the LEICA L2; VAT included in both cases
