Leica L1 and L2 Watch Release Showcases Influences from Camera Designs

German camera company Leica has been moving into timepieces, introducing the Leica L1 and L2 watches. The collection marks a partnership between Leica and Deutsch manufacturer Lehmann Präzision.

This collaboration sees the two working to create a watch with a clean aesthetic that is also highly functional. The push crown is pressed down to stop the movement and adjust the time, and a second click releases the movement again. These details perfectly fit with Leica’s signature aesthetics, while also demonstrating precision timekeeping that Lehmann Präzision is known for, and German engineering.

“The look was inspired by Professor Achim Heine who, since he designed numerous Leica products over many years, has a profound understanding of the company’s aesthetic principles,” stated Dr. Kaufmann, Leica Camera AG supervisory board chairman.

The design of the watch nods to the distinctive elements of a camera. From the knurled push crown and GMT crown inspired by the M-series camera's control dials to the domed glass referencing the curve of a camera lens. The watches are powered by Leica's own mechanical movement with mechanical winding, and the push crown has a special ability to reset the small second hand, emphasizing the user experience.

Since the brand’s 2014 collaboration with Swiss company Valbray, Leica has made the switch to develop and produce the watches themselves in the German Black Forest, a well-established watchmaking region.

To browse and shop the collection, click here.