Suzanne Wong
I didn’t want to review this model, to be perfectly honest. I wanted to review the model with the red-and-black dial. (No prizes for guessing why.) However, I’ve been told that it builds character if you don’t always get what you want, so I’ll start off by saying that the Leica ZM 11 with sunray-finished blue dial has been extremely beneficial for my character development. That’s a mildly humorous way to lead into the point I actually want to make, which is that the Leica ZM 11 will challenge you. Seasoned horology enthusiasts tend to fall into certain modes of thinking and sets of assumptions when we talk about watches. This isn’t a bad thing. Mental models, as they’re called, are an essential part of gaining expertise in any subject — over time, we adopt them in order to make better and faster decisions based on prior experience. We think we know what being a legitimate watch company entails. We think we know what certain phrases (like “German watchmaking”) mean. We think we know the names of all those who make quality timepieces. None of this is totally true. We don’t really know anything, because knowledge is neither fixed nor finite. So when a legendary German camera-maker decides to enter the world of watches, it forces us to revisit and update our horological mental models. I’ve already talked elsewhere about how much I enjoy the Leica ZM 11, but what I haven’t mentioned as much is how philosophically perfect this is, that a company indelibly associated with photography and influencing how we see the world around us is now also responsible for adjusting our view of fine watchmaking.
Marie de Pimodan
When I heard that the Leica ZM 11 was going to accompany us to Scotland, I was simply overjoyed. And why was that? Because since this legendary brand launched its watchmaking activities, all the opportunities I'd had to discover their watches had fallen by the wayside. As I suspected, I was not disappointed by Leica watches. It's all a question of point of view, you might say. And indeed it is! The angle adopted, the perspective and the choice of point of view are obviously notions that run through the brand's expertise in the field of photography. This is also what guided the work on the ZM 11's dial. The dial is composed of two layers, and its gradation-like colour changes significantly depending on the angle of view adopted by the wearer. The effect is extremely well executed and entirely consistent with the expertise for which the German brand is renowned. It's a real visual pleasure, not to mention the ability to change the look of the watch with disconcerting ease thanks to the Leica Easy Change interchangeable strap system, reminiscent of the button used to unlock the lens on the brand's cameras. Simply press the red button to replace the titanium and steel strap with a vulcanised rubber or fabric strap. It's as quick and easy as a click.
Sophie Furley
The Leica ZM 11 is a watch that you really need to wear to appreciate. No number of photographs – even by the Leica photography experts, of which there are many – will ever do it justice. But slip it on your wrist, and all the fascinating angles and reflections come to life. What do I love about it? It is different for starters, and in a watch world with over 500 years of history and countless luxury brands on the market, that’s definitely something that isn’t so easy to do! The dial is intriguing with its slats made to look like blinds, its hands and numerals are rounded, picking up on the curves of the case, and the bracelet is integrated for a comfortable fit on the wrist. Turn the watch over and the difference continues with contemporary design touches on the movement that remind us that this is a German company. Like with previous Leica watch models, some nice touches tie the watch to the camera, such as the interchangeable strap/bracelet that works with a cool red button, just like the button used to change the lens on one of Leica’s cameras. The rim around the caseback also recalls the fonts used on camera lenses – all details that don’t go unnoticed and make this an interesting timepiece that is well worth checking out.
Allissa Pataki
I want to start my review by saying that I absolutely love Leica. I love their cameras, their high-quality German engineering and their classic and resolutely minimalist aesthetic. In short, everything that they stand for and that has made them so incredibly popular across the globe. So, it comes as no surprise that I was thrilled to discover that their latest ZM11 would be coming along with us on WorldTempus on Tour! I had heard about the piece from our Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Wong who had the pleasure of visiting their Manufacture recently, and which made me all the more eager to see it with my own eyes and (even better!) try it on my wrist. And what a treat it was!
Naturally, there’s a lot of ground to cover, so let me give it to you straight: Its Calibre LA-3001 is nestled in a 41mm stainless steel case and boasts an impressive 60-hour power reserve. It is water resistant to 100 metres – although I didn’t test this out as the Scottish lochs were frozen and I value my life! It also offers an “Easy Change” system for changing the strap to a bracelet and vice versa with a simple “click” of its red button. It was so convenient I tried on all the straps just for the fun of it (and for those of you wondering, the metal was my favourite). And last but not least, its multi-layered three-dimensional dial reveals a fascinating play of light, texture and depth. Basically, looking at the watch from the front, you cannot see the layers of the dial, it just looks like a pattern. But if you turn it to its side (or gaze from the top-down or bottom-up), you will discover the intricate play between these layers, and notice the blue popping out from between the wedges. At first glance simple, but truly mesmerizing once you discover its depth - what else could you expect from a camera company? However, I will say that it was – ironically - difficult to get a picture that would do the watch justice! I guess you will just have to believe me on this point – or better yet – try one on for yourself!
