Credits: Article and images by Nancy Olson @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2022/02/23/leica-l1-and-leica-l2-watches-say-cheese-and-smile/
I grew up around the name Leica. My dad, a painter and talented amateur photographer, always had several film cameras around the house, including at least one Leica at any given time. And even as a child I had the sense that these were the pride of his collection.
As my career took me to magazine publishing, Leica cameras were in my field of awareness once again, respected for their quality, reputation, and use in print media. If a Leica was good enough for the likes Henri Cartier-Bresson, who could argue?
So I was intrigued when I learned that this notable German company was introducing two new watch models: the Leica L1 and the Leica L2. Apparently they’ve been in the works for a few years, but for whatever reason their time is now.
Leica L1 and Leica L2
Right from the gate, I was pleased to note that neither of the watches shout “camera-inspired timepiece” as is the tendency of many brand extensions touting a backstory. Rather, there are a couple of understated Leica design cues evident on the timepieces feeling more like odes than advertisements, company pride trumping corporate plug.
The exterior of both 41 mm stainless steel watches is the work of Professor Achim Heine, who camera buffs may know from some of his other work on behalf of Leica. The case features a nice mix of polished and brushed surfaces adding further interest to the already interesting case, best appreciated, I think, from a crown-side view. The crown features a prominent red dot recalling the Leica logo, and the pusher at 2 o’clock sets the date.
Leica L1 and Leica L2: push, don’t pull
Professor Heine explained the patented crown, “Together with Markus Lehmann [managing director of Lehmann Präzision GmbH, with whom Leica partnered], 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 one pushes the crown, Heine continued, the watch stops and the small second hand jumps to zero in a quick reset motion.
“Another click releases the movement again,” he said.
Pushing the crown also changes the small circular indicator on the dial to the right of center from black to red: voila, another Leica red dot.
Leica L1 and Leica L2: thoughtful design
The matte black aluminum dial is clear and well balanced with white indices and simple hands marking the time. The date window, whose color agreeably matches that of the dial, is at 3 o’clock, while a small seconds subdial featuring Roman numerals and a red hand is at 6 o’clock. A camera shutter-inspired power reserve indicator is between 8 and 9 o’clock.
“Leica Wetzlar/Made in Germany” – all in a sans serif font – are the only words on the dial, conveying an unfussy and capable vibe. The domed sapphire crystal enclosing it all is reminiscent of a head-on view of a camera lens.
The L2 includes a 12-hour track on the perimeter of the dial to display the second time zone, which is complemented by a day/night indication near the date window. It is actuated via the knurled crown at 4 o’clock.
Black leather straps lined in red are a bold touch. They feature a perfect smattering of red stitching on opposing sides, closest to the integrated lugs.
Leica L1 and Leica L2: movements
The manually wound movements for the L1 and L2 – visible through the flat case backs – each have 26 jewels and offer 60 hours of power reserve. I might add here that in addition to developing the two movements from what was once an ETA 2892 base, Lehmann Präzision also produced components at its Black Forest workshop. The roomy case back window showcases some nice finishing, indicative, I think, of overall quality.
For more information, please visit leica-camera.com/en-int/World-of-Leica/Leica-Watch.
Quick Facts Leica L1
Case: 41 x 14.5 mm, stainless steel; water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black aluminum
Movement: manual winding Caliber L1 by Lehmann Präzision, 60-hour power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) small seconds; date, power reserve indicator
Price: $10,000/€9,500
Remark: currently only available at Leica stores
Quick Facts Leica L2
Case: 41 x 14.5 mm, stainless steel; water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black aluminum
Movement: manual winding Caliber L2 by Lehmann Präzision, 60-hour power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, (hacking) small seconds, date, power reserve indicator; second time zone, day/night indicator
Price: $14,000/€13,500
Remark: currently only available at Leica stores
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Credits: Article and images by Nancy Olson @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2022/02/23/leica-l1-and-leica-l2-watches-say-cheese-and-smile/