The Jamie Weiss the Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 have acquired a “Urban Green” makeover and are equipped with a beautiful green Moo Medal. Both feature manual winding modular movements with playful complications inspired by the operation of the Leica camera. Three strap options are available: Black Calf or Crocodile, or Leica’s first Milanese bracelet.
When I’m running my watch brand, there are two common mistakes that my business is making. The first is that they’re not doing enough. I hope you have only one model that pimps infinitely and the hype will continue. Another mistake (and worse) is to overexpand. Flying brands believe they need to do everything at once everywhere. There are diving watches, chronographs, pilot watches, field watches, and more. It’s obviously a very nuanced line between doing too much and not enough, but that’s what you have to walk.
Thankfully, this is a complete line Leica walked. German companies best known for their formative roles in the development of extraordinary cameras and photography and optics are increasingly recognized as genuine watchmakers. Currently, their range covers four models in two families: complex manual winding ZM 1 and 2, and integrated bracelet sports, automatic ZM 11 and 12. Currently, Leica is expanding its range with elegant new dial colors of the flagship ZM 1 and 2, but like all the steps we’ve taken so far in our watch journey, this is a balanced movement that has been considered.
These “urban green” models not only represent the first green dials on the Leica watch, but also the first standard production color dials on the ZM 1 and 2 (there were the limited edition ZM 1 via brown blown 18kt gold, but the rest of the ZM 1 and 2S feature black dials). Again, the temptation is to provide a rainbow of different dial options for every model Leica makes, spinning each new shade into a spectacular new product. They’re not doing that. I’ve seen plays of ZM 11 and 12 plays in colour, and now it’s ZM 1 and 2 turns.
Of course, green dials are very trending at the moment, so the green ZMs 1 and 2 of these cities arrive at the perfect time. But they also offer something quite different from other clocks in the Leica Mountains. They certainly debut in the green, but they are also the brand’s first Fumé dial and the first to brush vertically.
Green is not the first color we immediately associate with the photographs – it would not be red, thanks to the legacy of the Reca’s red logo – but Leica explains that green was chosen to “provide a statement about the elegance and function of nature”, reflecting that nature is one of the most common subjects and inspiration for photographers.
Green has traditionally been used in the watch industry to mark prominent anniversaries, particularly by brands such as Rolex and (Grand) Seiko. In fact, Leica is celebrating this year’s big anniversary. We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm still camera. So, there’s a great through line to celebrate on the green, but I don’t think this is the last watch release I’ve seen from Leica this year…
Another notable feature that this release will debut is Leica’s first Milanese bracelet, which perfectly complements the clean designs of the ZM 1 and 2. It features a robust link and a large deployment clasp with 10 points of fine tuning (7 on one side and 3 on the other not adjustable). A total of three strap options are available for greenery in these cities. In addition to the aforementioned Milanese, a black calf or crocodile leather strap with a green contrast with steel pin buckle and dial matching is sewn to one side. Both are backed by Alcantara.
If you’re not familiar with ZM 1 and ZM 2, they are virtually the same watches, the latter boasting the additional GMT functions possible by the modular manual involving movement. Their core conceit is that their various features are inspired by photography. For example, rather than pulling out the crown and adjusting the time, press the red top button, like the shutter release of the crown, release the crown and hack the watch. Then, when you press the crown, the small opening changes from white to red, visually identifies that the time has stopped.
Other designs’ prosperity includes a power reserve indicator with a closed blade that indicates the remaining power, again resembling a shutter release. A ZM 2 AM/PM indicator similar to a camera dial. A pusher and crown evoking the camera dial and hardware, and a dome crystal that almost fisheye-like. Find out more about these different design clues here. But they are all very cool, contrasting with the delicious green dial adding an extra appeal.
Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green Pricing and Availability
Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green will be available worldwide from May 28, 2025 at select Reika stores and Leica online stores. Price: Includes $16,900. GST (Zm 1), including $22,900. GST (ZM 2)
Brand Leica Watch Model ZM 1 Urban Green
ZM 2 City Green Case Dimensions 41mm(d) x 14.5mm
