Exploring the Intersection of Leica's Photographic Expertise and German Watchmaking Innovation

Leica, a powerhouse in precision photography, have successfully evolved their brand, harmoniously fusing their rich heritage with a bold foray into the world of high-end watchmaking. The recent Dubai Watch Week offered an engaging platform to converse with Leica’s key players, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and Henrik Ekdahl, unveiling the brand’s vision for its watch and accessories division.

This enriching dialogue unfolded the past, present, and future aspirations of one of Germany’s well-established manufacturers – a titan in the realm of photography, celebrated for unrivaled precision, unrivaled craftsmanship, and a distinctive visual brand identity. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, has significantly contributed to the company’s modern resurgence, while Henrik Ekdahl spearheads Leica’s ambitious watchmaking project.

Among Leica’s recent creations, the Leica ZM Monochrom Edition watches are a testament to the company’s desire to craft mechanical timepieces that are a true reflection of the brand’s design philosophy and technical prowess. These watches can be considered as the horological siblings to cameras like the newly launched Q3 Monochrom.

Despite a world involved in colour, Leica has conceptualized a dedicated black-and-white camera, offering its users an opportunity to explore the creative freedom in black-and-white photography. It brings the art down to its core – light and shadow. A nod to this photography orientation, both the ZM 1 and ZM 2 Monochrom Edition watches perfectly encapsulate this monochrome aesthetic of Leica’s dedicated black-and-white cameras.

Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case with a black PVD coating over the satin surfaces with polished bevels, the watches are an echo of the matte black finish of Leica’s cameras. Intriguingly, the watches embrace a monochrome look, further amplified through the use of black rhodium-plated, diamond-cut, sandblasted indices and hands. The sole exception to the monochrome motif is Leica’s iconic red dot on the crown, a mark that conceals a unique and ingenious solution for time-setting.