Introducing The New Leica ZM1 and ZM2 Urban Green

The German company Leica has long been known for its expertise in optics and photography. But few know that its roots trace back to watchmaking, company founder Ernst Leitz I gained valuable experience working for a Swiss watchmaker before establishing his own company in 1870, originally named Ernst Leitz, which later became Leica. These early horological skills laid the foundation for what we are seeing today. In recent years, the brand has turned its attention to timekeeping, with its watchmaking arm carefully cultivated since 2018. 

Now, Leica marks a symbolic milestone, 100 years since the debut of the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35 mm camera that revolutionised photography. To celebrate the occasion, Leica introduces the ZM1 and ZM2 Urban Green, a duo that brings a new colour and fresh texture to its Zeitmesser collection.

Both models share a 41 mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 14.5 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48.1 mm. The transparent caseback reveals the bold architecture of the calibre, particularly the exposed balance wheel at 4 o’clock. The watches are water-resistant to 50 metres, suitable for everyday wear.

The new Urban Green dial marks Leica’s first foray into fumé styling and its debut use of the green colour in the ZM1 and ZM2 collections. The smoky green gradient fades into black at the edges and is finished with vertical brushing that adds depth and texture. Leica says the green was chosen to evoke nature’s elegance and mirror how photographers often find inspiration outdoors, a nod to the brand’s DNA.

The ZM1 features hours, minutes, small seconds, a date window, and a power reserve indicator shaped like shutter blades. The ZM2 builds on this with a second time zone displayed via an internal rotating 12-hour bezel and an AM/PM indicator reminiscent of a camera dial, positioned beneath the date window.

Both watches are powered by the manual-winding LH-1001 movement. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 60-hour power reserve. Buyers can choose from three strap options: a black calf leather strap, a black alligator strap, or Leica’s first-ever Milanese bracelet. The leather options are stitched in dial-matching green and backed with soft Alcantara. The stainless steel Milanese bracelet features a robust deployant clasp engraved with the Leica logo and 10 points of micro-adjustment, seven on one side, three on the other.

The ZM1 and ZM2 Urban Green models join the brand’s permanent collection. The ZM1 Urban Green is priced at $11,545 / AED 42,400 with the bracelet and $11,180 / AED 41,700 with the strap. The ZM2 Urban Green is priced at $15,645 / AED 57,800 with the bracelet and $15,280 / AED 57,100 with the strap.

For more information, visit Leica’s official website.