Leica's ZM Urban Green Watches Capitalize on Smoky Trend, Boasting Gradient Design
Leica's Big Return to the Wristwatch World
Ernst Leitz would be shocked to discover his precision engineering legacy in 1863 transformed into wristwatches a whopping 160 years later. Yet here we are, as Leica unveils its stunning ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green models, representing a new chapter in their horological journey initially set in motion three years ago.
From Cameras to Complications
Leica dipped its toes into serious watchmaking a decade ago with a limited collaboration. Since then, they painstakingly crafted a team of horological dreamers including Achim Heine, Andreas Strehler, Markus Lehmann, and Reinhard Meis from A. Lange & Söhne. The ZM series, which debuted early 2022, was the culmination of their efforts – evident by the push-crown that resembles camera shutter buttons, far from a bland slapping of the red dot onto someone else's movement.
The Urban Green disguises the ZM line's familiarity, boasting the first colored dials aside from the precious red gold with a brown dial limited edition back in 2023. Leica perfected the exquisite fumé noir gradient effect, which gives these watches a unique, camera lens-like appearance under the dome-shaped sapphire crystal.
Green and Beautiful
Green dials are experiencing a moment right now, but Leica puts its own twist on the trend with the fumé noir design. This layout feels like gazing through a lens at a breathtaking landscape, especially under the sapphire crystal resonant of camera lenses. The aluminum dial's vertical brushing offers another layer of visual complexity that goes beyond simple colors, changing with light at different angles.
Case specs remain the same as ever: 41mm diameter, 14.5mm thickness for both waterproof 316L stainless steel cases. Yet the Urban Green's dial almost makes one forget they've seen this before. Leica's first metal bracelet, the Milanese steel — brushed and accented with a deployant clasp featuring micro-adjustments — works wonderfully with these models.
Engineered in Germany
Leica's timepieces maintain the same in-house, hand-wound movements from Germany, which means 60 hours of power reserve for these Urban Green pieces. The beat rate stays solid at 4Hz within the ZM 1 and ZM 2. The ZM 2 boasts an additional GMT function and a day/night indicator with a dial that visually mimics camera mode settings.
The Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green watches celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm camera. With these releases, along with special camera limited editions already, it's easy to see Leica celebrating its jubilee year in style.
Spec Sheet
- Model: Leica ZM 1 & ZM 2 Urban Green
- Case Size: 41mm
- Dial: Aluminum with fumé noir gradient
- Strap Options: Milanese steel bracelet, Black calf/alligator leather straps
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Leica Caliber (manual-winding)
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- GMT Function: ZM 2 only
- Pricing: Leica ZM 1 Urban Green: $10,850 Leica ZM 2 Urban Green: $14,950
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green watches offer collectors and enthusiasts a harmonious union of Leica's optical and mechanical engineering traditions with cutting-edge luxury watchmaking. These timepieces cater to those who appreciate the convergence of technological innovation and aesthetically pleasing design, all at exquisite price points.
The Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green watches embody a harmonious blend of traditional optical engineering and contemporary watchmaking technology, featuring unique dial designs reminiscent of camera lens aesthetics. These stylish gadgets, a testament to Leica's heritage, offer a push-crown inspired by camera shutter buttons and in-house German movements.
