Leica L1 and L2 watches officially launched, available for sale only in seven stores around the world

I already reported that Leica had a “secret” presentation on their new L1 and L2 watches in November last year. Today, the Leica watches are already listed on the official Leica website:

Main 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)

I call Leica Store LA and the US prices are as follow:

• Leica L1: $10,000
• Leica L2: $14,000

The Leica watch case looks like the retro Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens case:

From Leica’s website:

Handcrafted foreverness and engineering excellence focused on the essential: Leica L1 and Leica L2. The first Leica watch collection is the perfect combination of more than 150 years of Leica’s brand culture, visionary design and unmatched quality. Clear and distinctive elementary design features, functionality, durability and sophisticated creative details set new standards in the watchmaking segment and ensure the new Leica is both: timeless and precise.

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 metres 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. Similarly, the specially developed container made of glass for the Leica watch is ideal for transporting and storing Leica M lenses, too. The patented push-crown with red ceramic insert is a typically stylish, technical and aesthetic finishing touch for both watches. A classic black calf leather strap with a distinctive red interior further adds to the subtle elegance of the Leica L1.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHT: PATENTED PUSH-CROWN

Designed to make a point. The patented “red-dot” push-crown is a unique combination of form and function. 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 second-hand 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. To complement the sophisticated technology, the “red dot”-design is as simple as it is iconic, establishing the push-crown is not only an attractive but also a very practical feature.

Here are the L1 and L2 technical specifications:

Leica L1 and Leica L2 Watches by NikonRumors on Scribd

The Leica L1 and L2 will be available only in selected stores:

Leica L3 watch with a mechanical alarm complication coming in 2019

More info on the Ernst Leitz Werkstätten and the new Leica watches