Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green Watches

The Leica ZM 1 Urban Green: A Masterclass in Minimalist Horology

The Leica ZM 1 Urban Green, part of the celebrated Leica ZM series introduced in 2022, channels the same obsessive attention to detail that has defined Leica’s 150-year legacy in optics and engineering. Priced at $10,850, the Leica ZM 1 Urban Green brings more than prestige—it brings purpose, merging the language of photography with high horology.

The timepiece is visually anchored by a mesmerizing fumé noir dial that transitions from forest green at its core to jet black at the edges, evoking the atmospheric beauty of twilight in an urban landscape. This chromatic depth is housed beneath the domed sapphire glass, complemented by a finely blasted case surface and a satin-finished high-strength aluminum dial enhanced by subtle vertical grooves—a texture known in horological circles as satinage vertical.

What distinguishes the Leica ZM 1 from the sea of luxury three-hand watches is its patented push-crown system—Leica’s ingenious nod to the shutter release mechanism of its iconic cameras. One press halts the movement and resets the second hand, allowing for precise time-setting. It’s a tactile reminder of Leica’s mastery of reinterpreting mechanical functions in fresh, intuitive ways.

Tying it all together is a robust stainless-steel Milanaise strap, hand-finished with a solid satin sheen and engraved with the Leica name. The integrated adjustable deployant clasp and quick-change spring bars signal that no detail is overlooked—form and function here are equal partners.

The Leica ZM 2 Urban Green: Dual-Time Elegance for the Global Collector

For the collector who needs more than just elegance from their wristwear, the Leica ZM 2 Urban Green offers additional layers of mechanical complexity and travel-ready utility. Retailing at $14,950, the ZM 2 builds upon the foundation laid by its sibling and elevates it with a dual-time GMT function and a discreet day/night indicator—ideal features for the international aficionado.

At its core, the Leica ZM 2 shares the same visual cues as the ZM 1: the gradient fumé noir dial, rhodium-plated diamond-cut hands, and that signature minimalist case design crafted with unrelenting precision in Germany. But with added GMT functionality—controlled seamlessly via the same intuitive push-crown—this model transcends mere aesthetics. The day/night indicator subtly informs the wearer of the passage of time in their alternate zone, proving both functional and poetic.

Like the ZM 1, the ZM 2 is powered by a mechanical hand-wound movement developed exclusively by Leica. The experience of winding the watch each day further connects the owner to the tactile rituals of craftsmanship, mirroring the slow, intentional focus of analog photography.

The Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 Urban Green models will be available exclusively through select Leica Stores.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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