Leica ZM 12 Owner Review : Addictive, conceptual and convicing

Six months ago, I joined a friend who wanted to see a Leica camera he'd been eyeing for some time. Having never had the chance to see Leica watches, I took the opportunity to go with him. While he was talking about cameras with the sales rep, I started looking around the shop and ended up trying one on. I bought a green Leica ZM 12 and fell in love with it. Honestly, it was just as good as the Daytona I was wearing that day. Its 39mm steel case and 13mm thickness – a little less would have been ideal for me – give it a very natural presence on the wrist. Compact enough for everyday wear, it still commands attention, especially thanks to its integrated rubber strap. I'll have to buy the steel bracelet soon; it's particularly well-designed. Leica also mention water resistance up to 100 meters, which means you can wear it without a second thought, just like my Dayto. But what really won me over was the dial. Leica clearly uses a double-layered construction with an inner bezel and printed minute track, which gives the green dial a real sense of depth. The color is understated rather than garish, and it subtly changes with the light, making the watch interesting without overwhelming it. I also appreciate the simplicity of the hands: hours, minutes, and small seconds at 6 o'clock. This subdial gives the watch a discreet rhythm and contributes to the overall balance. Inside, the Leica LA-3002 automatic caliber, developed in collaboration with Chronode, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, and is guaranteed by Leica to be accurate to -4/+6 seconds per day. That's not as good as my Rolex, but it seems to keep up the pace. Ultimately, I bought this watch because it never gave the impression of being over the top. It remains understated and discreet. Its proportions are harmonious, the steel is simple, the green dial is deep, and the movement's specifications are reliable. An original, discreet and high-performance watch.