Leica is best known for its storied legacy in photography, but it’s been quietly building a presence in the watch world. This week, the German brand announced its latest additions to the ZM lineup: the Leica ZM 1 Urban Green and Leica ZM 2 Urban Green. These aren’t just color updates—they mark a continuation of Leica’s experiments with mechanical craftsmanship through a distinctly Leica lens. At first glance, the two models exude a calm, minimalistic elegance, but underneath that, there’s a lot of meticulous watchmaking and design thinking going on. Here’s a closer look at what Leica’s new Urban Green watches bring to the table.
A New Aesthetic Anchored in Nature
The standout design element is the fumé noir dial, which transitions subtly from green at the center to black at the edges. It’s not just a color choice—it’s a visual interpretation of Leica’s theme of balance between nature and modernity. The color gradient pairs with a stainless-steel Milanaise strap, creating a consistent look that leans more “quiet luxury” than flashy statement. Details like rhodium-plated, diamond-cut indices and hands, domed sapphire glass, and a finely blasted case surface underscore Leica’s commitment to design restraint. The dial features a vertical satinage pattern (a fine series of grooves) etched into high-strength aluminum, adding texture without disrupting the minimalist ethos.
Mechanical Movement, Leica Style
Both watches are powered by mechanical hand-wound movements developed in-house by Leica. This decision leans heavily into traditional watchmaking rather than smart tech—a deliberate nod to Leica’s mechanical camera roots. One of the more interesting technical features is the push-crown system. Borrowing from the feel of a camera’s shutter release, this crown halts the movement and resets the seconds hand with a single push. It’s a small innovation, but one that differentiates Leica’s watches from standard Swiss fare. The ZM 2 takes it a step further by adding a GMT function, which allows for tracking a second time zone using the same set of hands. A day/night indicator adds practical context to that secondary time display, making it easier to read across time zones.
Build and Wearability
The Milanaise strap, crafted from stainless steel with a full satin finish, plays a crucial role in both form and function. It’s adjustable, mesh-like, and built to wrap comfortably around any wrist. An integrated deployant buckle and quick-change spring bars on both ends allow for easy strap replacement, which is a thoughtful feature for those who like to switch things up. The watch’s build quality reflects Leica’s manufacturing standards. It’s not trying to shout luxury, but the refinement is obvious in the way everything fits together—from the way the crown operates to the tactile finish of the case and strap.
Continuing a Quiet Expansion
These new models are part of a slow but steady expansion into the luxury watch space that began in 2022. Leica isn’t trying to compete with the big Swiss names, but instead carves out a niche where photographic legacy and horological craftsmanship can intersect. The ZM 1 Urban Green is priced at $10,850, while the ZM 2 Urban Green comes in at $14,950. Both are available globally from May 28, 2025, in select Leica Stores.
Technical Sheet
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Names | Leica ZM 1 Urban Green, Leica ZM 2 Urban Green |
| Movement Type | Mechanical hand-wound (developed by Leica) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with finely blasted surfaces |
| Dial | Fumé noir gradient (green to black) with vertical satinage grooves |
| Indices & Hands | Rhodium-plated, diamond-cut |
| Glass | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel Milanaise strap, full satin finish |
| Buckle | Integrated deployant clasp with quick-change spring bars |
| Crown | Patented push-crown (halts movement and resets seconds hand) |
| GMT Function (ZM 2 only) | Yes |
| Day/Night Indicator (ZM 2 only) | Yes |
| Release Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Price | ZM 1: $10,850 / ZM 2: $14,950 |
| Availability | Select Leica Stores worldwide |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany |