The new Leica ZM 11 watches with automatic movements complement the earlier manually-wound ZM 1 and ZM 22 timepieces and come at a slightly more affordable price. The three new models include a titanium limited edition and two serial productions, one made from titanium and the other from stainless steel. While the original designs retail in the UK from £8,660 to £11,960, the ZM11 series extends from £5,845 to £6,575.
Above left: Titanium launch edition with black/red dial (here on the rubber strap). Centre: Steel with blue/black dial and steel band. Right: Titanium Coffee Black with warm-black dial and fabric band. Choice of band is optional, with a titanium metal band available for the titanium watches.
Engineered by Chronode, the Swiss movement developer, the automatic 35-jewel Leica Calibre LA-3001 is accurate to -4/+6 seconds per day variance. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive 60 hours of run time. According to Leica, attention to detail is evident in the meticulous sandblasting, brushing and polishing techniques. This creates a result reminiscent of the movement finishes found on the Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 watches. A press release states: “Encased in a 10 atm water-resistant titanium or stainless steel, 41 mm shell, this Calibre not only paves the way for future innovations in the ZM 11 Collection, but also encapsulates the hallmark aesthetics of Leica design”.
Crafted gradient
Leica says that the unusual graded watch face of the ZM 11 represents a canvas, where light and shadow create depth. The dual-layered dial of the Launch Edition transforms from a black to red, depending on the viewer’s perspective. In a world first, the designers have created the impression of gradient through mechanical craftsmanship, Leica claims. So far, manufacturers relied on printed visuals according to the press release. The brushed indexes with polished edges have a luminous filling to ensure high visibility in any lighting condition. The hands are diamond-cut and softly faceted. They feature a combination of deep-brushed and sand-blasted surfaces that reflect in the ambient light.
The appearance of the ZM 11 is adaptable through what the company calls the Leica Easy Change system to swap bands. Leica says that the mechanism is reminiscent of the lens release button on a Leica camera. Pressing the red dot allows a quick change. The options include steel or titanium bands, vulcanized rubber or textile straps. The wristbands are designed for comfort and are said to perfectly complement the design of the watch.
The ZM 11 range incorporates the Titanium Launch Edition, limited to 250 pieces and featuring a black and red dial; the Titanium Coffee Black with a warm-black dial; and the Steel Midnight Blue with its blue and black dial. Buyers have the choice of metal, rubber, or fabric straps.
Availability
Leica ZM 11 watches will be available from the end of November at selected Leica stores worldwide. They include stores in Germany, UK, Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, USA, Mexico, China, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Australia.
The recommended price of the collection starts at £5,845 for the ZM 11 in steel with the rubber band. The RRP rises to £7,575 for the ZM 11 Titanium with full titanium band. All prices include VAT in the United Kingdom.
Read about the Leica ZM 1 and ZM 2 watches
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