Leica, a brand that has long been associated with groundbreaking advancements in photography, is charting a compelling course into the domain of luxury mechanical watchmaking. The renowned camera manufacturer’s emblematic ZM 1 and ZM 2 watch collections mark this pioneering move, multi-faceted creations encompassing the wealth of Leica’s expertise and precision engineering. Both these novelties are powered by Leica’s debut in-house movements, the Caliber LH-10 and Caliber LH-20.
In partnership with German precision-engineering expert Lehmann Präzision, this illustrious brand has shaped these movements to reflect not just aesthetic supremacy but an unwavering devotion to mechanical precision and functionality. Indeed, the heart of these collections lies in the intricate movements nestled within the case, which echo a distinctly German approach to modern mechanical watchmaking.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary of its first camera production in 2025, the illustrious Leica, helmed by Ernst Leitz, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing optics and photography. With roots steeped in Wetzlar, Germany, as far back as 1914, Leica produced its groundbreaking ‘Kleinfilmkamera’ or ‘small-film-camera’. This invention not only miniaturized the method of photography, but also played a pivotal role in defining the compact form factor for cameras that would dominate global photography in years to come.