Leica ZM 12: Leica’s new expensive watch launches with 100 m water resistance and a titanium case

After debuting in the world of luxury horology by launching its first-ever watch, the ZM 1, in early 2022, the premium camera maker Leica has now unveiled its latest high-end watch, the ZM 12. Leica introduced four dial colorways (three in steel and one in titanium): Steel Blue Orange, Steel Silver Grey, Steel Olive Black, and Titanium Chocolate Black. It comes as a successor to the Leica ZM 11, which debuted in 2023. The noticeable difference between the predecessor and the successor is the dial size; the latter is two millimeters smaller than the former, measuring 39 mm.

The small and elegant watch is made using 316L stainless steel and weighs around 66 grams. There's also a titanium case variant, which is built from grade 5 titanium and is 14 grams lighter than steel, weighing just 52 grams. The timepiece has a double-doomed sapphire crystal with internal laser-printed text and a hardened anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The Leica ZM 12's dial design is quite simple. It includes an inner bezel and a printed minute track for accurate time reading. Leica uses Swiss-Super LumiNova for its hands and indices, which improves visibility in darker conditions. Like other watches, it also features a screw-down crown.

At the heart of the ZM 12 is the Leica Calibre LA-3002 movement, developed in collaboration with Swiss movement specialist Chronode SA. According to Leica, the automatic caliber delivers a substantial 60-hour power reserve and guarantees accuracy between -4/+6 seconds per day. With a 100 m (~328 ft) water resistance, the timepiece can easily withstand normal water conditions. 

Leica offers a range of straps and bracelets for the ZM 12, including orange, technical textile beige, and black rubber straps, as well as stainless steel and titanium metal bracelets with dual folding butterfly-style clasps.

Available in four different colored dials, the Leica ZM 12 steel variant starts at $6,250, while the titanium variant will set you back $7,000. The straps and bracelets range from $550 to $1,350. The timepiece is now available for purchase via Leica's official website and Leica authorized dealers.