I grew up across the identify Leica. My dad, a painter and proficient novice photographer, at all times had a number of movie cameras round the home, together with a minimum of one Leica at any given time. And at the same time as a toddler I had the sense that these had been the satisfaction of his assortment.
As my profession took me to journal publishing, Leica cameras had been in my area of consciousness as soon as once more, revered for his or her high quality, status, and use in print media. If a Leica was adequate for the likes Henri Cartier-Bresson, who might argue?
So I used to be intrigued once I discovered that this notable German firm was introducing two new watch fashions: the Leica L1 and the Leica L2. Apparently they’ve been within the works for a number of years, however for no matter motive their time is now.
Leica L1 (left) and Leica L2
Leica L1 and Leica L2
Proper from the gate, I used to be happy to notice that neither of the watches shout “camera-inspired timepiece” as is the tendency of many model extensions touting a backstory. Slightly, there are a few understated Leica design cues evident on the timepieces feeling extra like odes than ads, firm satisfaction trumping company plug.
Leica L2
The outside of each 41 mm stainless-steel watches is the work of Professor Achim Heine, who digicam buffs might know from a few of his different work on behalf of Leica. The case encompasses a good mixture of polished and brushed surfaces including additional curiosity to the already attention-grabbing case, greatest appreciated, I feel, from a crown-side view. The crown encompasses a distinguished pink dot recalling the Leica emblem, and the pusher at 2 o’clock units the date.
Leica L2 push crown
Leica L1 and Leica L2: push, don’t pull
Professor Heine defined the patented crown, “Along with Markus Lehmann [managing director of Lehmann Präzision GmbH, with whom Leica partnered], we expanded and fine-tuned the thought of the push crown. In distinction to standard designs – whereby the crown should be pulled out to cease the motion and regulate the time – we wished the crown to be pressed down, like the discharge button of a digicam.”
The second one pushes the crown, Heine continued, the watch stops and the small second hand jumps to zero in a fast reset movement.
“One other click on releases the motion once more,” he mentioned.
Pushing the crown additionally adjustments the small round indicator on the dial to the proper of heart from black to pink: voila, one other Leica pink dot.
Leica L2 dial particulars
Leica L1 and Leica L2: considerate design
The matte black aluminum dial is evident and properly balanced with white indices and easy palms marking the time. The date window, whose colour agreeably matches that of the dial, is at 3 o’clock, whereas a small seconds subdial that includes Roman numerals and a pink hand is at 6 o’clock. A digicam shutter-inspired energy reserve indicator is between 8 and 9 o’clock.
Leica L1 energy reserve indicator
“Leica Wetzlar/Made in Germany” – all in a sans serif font – are the one phrases on the dial, conveying an unfussy and succesful vibe. The domed sapphire crystal enclosing all of it is harking back to a head-on view of a digicam lens.
Leica L2
The L2 features a 12-hour observe on the perimeter of the dial to show the second time zone, which is complemented by a day/evening indication close to the date window. It’s actuated through the knurled crown at 4 o’clock.
Black leather-based straps lined in pink are a daring contact. They characteristic an ideal smattering of pink stitching on opposing sides, closest to the built-in lugs.
Leica L2 watch motion
Leica L1 and Leica L2: actions
The manually wound actions for the L1 and L2 – seen by way of the flat case backs – every have 26 jewels and supply 60 hours of energy reserve. I’d add right here that along with growing the 2 actions from what was as soon as an ETA 2892 base, Lehmann Präzision additionally produced elements at its Black Forest workshop. The roomy case again window showcases some good ending, indicative, I feel, of general high quality.
For extra info, please go to leica-camera.com/en-int/World-of-Leica/Leica-Watch.
Fast Info Leica L1
Case: 41 x 14.5 mm, stainless-steel; water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black aluminum
Motion: guide winding Caliber L1 by Lehmann Präzision, 60-hour energy reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Features: hours, minutes, (hacking) small seconds; date, energy reserve indicator
Value: $10,000/€9,500
Comment: at the moment solely accessible at Leica shops
Fast Info Leica L2
Case: 41 x 14.5 mm, stainless-steel; water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black aluminum
Motion: guide winding Caliber L2 by Lehmann Präzision, 60-hour energy reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Features: hours, minutes, (hacking) small seconds, date, energy reserve indicator; second time zone, day/evening indicator
Value: $14,000/€13,500
Comment: at the moment solely accessible at Leica shops
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