We wrote about the Valbray V.01 Chrono “two-faced” watch way back in 2010. That watch came with a trick dial that gave it two different dial layouts, the extra little feature is a shutter, like the one found on a camera. It makes sense to use the same type of a shutter feature on a watch to celebrate Leica’s, a camera maker, 100th anniversary.
The limited edition Valbray EL1 Chronograph watches look very similar to the V.01 watch, but I think the design is executed better here. The watches can be worn with a minimalist dial or with the shutter open to showcase the chronograph dial. The shutter is made out of 16 blades that opens and closes with the twist of the bezel.
In the open position, the dial features three sub-dials for the chronograph seconds, minutes, and hours, and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The outer dial has the words “Leica Camera”, the watch’s name, and other information relevant to this particular watch, in the same font found on Leica cameras. The watch’s name, EL, even pays tribute to one of the founders of the Leica brand, Ernst Leitz.
The EL1’s crown comes with the Leica logo and at the back; the watch comes with a darkened sapphire crystal, a nod to the black room.
The limited edition Leica x Valbray EL1 Chronograph watches are powered by Valjoux automatic movements and are limited to 100 pieces. The watches are available in black DLC cases (50 pieces) and titanium cases (50 pieces). Each numbered watch comes with black and brown leather straps, which are easily interchangeable with the provided tool. These watches will be available at select Valbray and Leica stores with price tags of approximately $24,500. Via: Valbra
