Leica L1 and L2 Watches

Is it a logical leap to go from making some of the world’s best cameras to wristwatches? Perhaps not, but some of it makes sense when you look at Leica’s first horological venture. Mechanical intricacy, minimalist styling, and plenty of black. The L1 and L2 (GMT) were announced back in 2018, but it seems the 2022 release equates to the 1979 Orson Welles commercial for Paul Masson where he said, “We will sell no wine before it’s time.” Both watches have 41mm stainless steel cases, matte and textured black dials like camera bodies, intricate hands and markers, knurled crowns that mimic camera shutter buttons, and a domed sapphire crystal meant to echo a camera lens. The patented crown’s red button actuates the small seconds subdial, a truly special feature. The manual-wind movement is perhaps the most special since it was custom built in partnership with Germany’s Lehmann.