These are the ZM 1, ZM 2 and ZM Monochrom Edition models and their affinity with the world of photography is very close. Starting with the presence of a patented push-piece crown which, like the shutter release button on a camera, is pressed rather than pulled. This simple operation serves to stop the movement, reset the seconds hand and allow the time to be set conveniently.
Coupled with the patented crown is a hand-wound mechanical movement, visible through the sapphire glass back. A calibre developed and produced in-house, as are most of the watch components, at the Lehmann Präzision factory, a Leica partner company.
In terms of design, too, there is no shortage of references to the brand's history: the knurled push-piece crown itself is inspired by the control dials of the M-series cameras, as is the GMT crown (found only on the ZM 2 series). The domed front glass is reminiscent of the front element of a camera lens, the power reserve indicator is gradually covered by a mechanism similar to the diaphragm blades of a lens. Finally, the iconic red dot appears in the ceramic insert of the push-piece crown.
The difference between the Leica ZM1 and ZM2 and the Monochrom Edition concerns not only the materials used for the case - stainless steel for the former and PVD-coated for the latter - but also the colours used. While the ZM1 and ZM2 models are enlivened by touches of silver and red on the dial, the Monochrom Edition takes its inspiration from the latest Leica M11 Monochrom camera by favouring black and white, with the exception of red on the crown, which is present on all models in the collection.
The strap of the Monochrom Edition watch also has an identical texture to that of the M11 Monochrom camera, being made of thick, coarse-grained black calfskin leather, and hand-stitched.
The Leica watches are available at selected Leica Stores worldwide and the recommended retail price is 9,500 euros for the ZM 1 version and 13,500 euros for the ZM 2, including VAT. While, for the ZM Monochrom, the recommended retail price starts at 11,550 euros for the ZM 1 Monochrom version and 15,450 euros for the ZM 2 Monochrom, VAT included.
