We love cameras, and we love watches. So this is the perfect opportunity to introduce Leica’s new wristwatches The L1 and the L2. Inspired by its cameras, the watch demonstrates a neat usage of the “Red-Dot” with a glass that reminds us of a camera lens. The price: $14,000 for the more advanced model. Would you buy it?

Leica new watches: LEICA L1 & LEICA L2

So Leica has entered into the watch business. In fact, Leica has been developing watches since 2018, but now this project came to fruition. Introducing Leia’s new watches, the LEICA L1 & LEICA L2.  The main difference between the L1 and L2 watches is that the latter has a second GMT complication for showing a different time zone, plus a day/night indicator. Major details are below.

Implementation of the “Red-Dot”

The watch (which is “Made in Germany”) owns a patented “red-dot” push-crown which is a unique combination of form and function. According to Leica, it was inspired by the shutter release button of a camera. The Leica watch push-crown is pressed, not pulled. Pressing the crown of the Leica L1 and Leica L2 triggers the secondhand reset and the status display on the dial switches from white to red. This mechanism can also be used to set the date with another date button while pressing the crown again re-engages the movement. The Leica L2 also features a GMT crown that can display both time zones with a single hand.

Watch’s glass: “Reminiscent of a camera lens”

Leica states that the domed watch glass reminiscent of a camera lens. The precise movement is framed by a transparent back and front glass made from non-scratch sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating. Mechanically, both models are manually-wound watches displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, a date window, status, and power reserve. The Leica L1 and Leica L2 are fitted with a scratch-proof domed sapphire crystal, a transparent case back, and are both water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters I ATM. The power reserve guarantees at least 60 hours of motion and is decked by evenly closing blades reminiscent of the shutters of a Leica camera.

Key features

• Patented push-crown
• Mode indicator
• Power reserve indicator
• Small second hand
• Date push-button
• Date window
• GMT turning bezel (Leica L2 only)
• Day/night indicator for the GMT function (Leica L2 only
• GMT crown (Leica L2 only)

Price and availability

Leica cameras are mega overpriced. Its watches are no different. Currently, the Leica watches will only be available in seven selected markets, China, Singapore, Japan, the USA, Austria, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. The price of the L1 is $10,000 and the L2 is $14,000. Should/would you buy one?