Photo Report: Watch (And Camera) Spotting At Leica’s Centennial Celebration In NYC
If one were to make a Venn diagram showing the overlap of Leica camera lovers and watch enthusiasts, it would almost be a perfect circle. This past weekend, the iconic German camera manufacturer hosted an all-out block party in front of their flagship boutique in NYC’s Meatpacking District. It was a convergence of enthusiasm for camera lovers and photography aficionados. The occasion? The celebration of 100 years of continuous camera manufacturing.
Leica 0-Serie no.112 circa 1923
The multi-day event began with a presentation for the press and friends of the brand. Leica saviors, Owner Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, were joined by the likes of legendary photographer Ralph Gibson as well as other Leica executives, to reflect on the legacy of Leica’s century of building some of the most important cameras in history. To punctuate that legacy, Leica prepared an exhibition of a selection of photographs from their archives. Additionally, lots from the upcoming Leitz Photographica Auction were on display, including Leica 0-Serie no. 112, the prototype camera that was delivered to Oskar Barnack himself.
This rare prototype, assembled in 1923 and personally accepted by Oskar Barnack (the inventor of the Leica small format camera), will headline the upcoming auction on June 27th at Leica Welt in Wetzlar, Germany. Other notable cameras on display include the 100th Leica serially produced—a Leica I Mod. A (Anastigmat), which was delivered to British advertising and marketing agency Ogilvy in 1925 and was the first Leica to arrive in the United Kingdom; and a Leica M3 with serial number 700,000 that was gifted to renowned sports photographer and skiing pioneer Stefan Kruckenhauser and is the first serial number of all M cameras. “The vintage camera auction hosted by Leica is the largest in the world and has been attracting collectors and investors for years,” says Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction.
Left to right – President of Leica North America Mike Giannasttasio, CEO of Leica Camera AG Matthias Harsch, Owner of Leica AG Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Art Director & Chief Representative of Leica Galleries Karin Rehn-Kaufmann
The auction preview coincides with the “100 Years of Leica” exhibition by Bruce Davidson and Sara Messinger from May 1st to June 15th. The Pop-Up Gallery will additionally showcase 100 historical images curated by Karin-Rehn Kaufmann, Art Director of Leica Galleries International. This celebration highlights Leica’s enduring legacy as a premium camera manufacturer with over 150 years of history and continued commitment to photographic excellence and innovation.
Following the presentation, the doors of the exhibition and Leica’s flagship were opened, while the street in between was closed, to make way for thousands of guests to descend with cameras in hand (as well as quite a number of killer watches on wrists). The festivities culminated Saturday evening with a private concert by Leica lover Jason Momoa’s band ÖOF TATATÁ at the Whitney Museum.
Scroll through for some images from the events, and if you’re in NYC over the next couple of weeks, be sure to stop by the exhibition.
Dr. Andreas Kaufmann gives remarks, a red prototype Leica APO lens on his M camera.
Karin Rehn Kaufmann and photographer Ralph Gibson (wearing a Rolex Submariner ref. 5512).
Richard Mille RM 30-01.
Leica ZM 12 Steel Blue Orange worn by Karin Rehn-Kaufmann.
Leica ZM 2 on the wrist of Dr. Andreas Kaufmann.
Selections from Leica’s archive for the 100-Year Exhibition.
Leica MP ‘Leitz Park’ by King Nerd.
Habring² Felix Copper.
Leica 0-Serie no.112 circa 1923.
Tag Heuer diver.
Filmmaker Roberto Monticello, aka the ‘Mayer of Meatpacking’.
Seiko 5 SNK803.
Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321.
Limited Edition Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “NEW YORK USA”.
The Leica Flagship boutique in Meatpacking, packed to capacity.
Panerai Luminor PAM00423 3 Day Power Reserve & Leica M10-P Safari.
Leica ZM 12 Steel Silver Grey.
Baltic MR Classic Salmon on BOR Bracelet.
Ladies Omega Constellation.
Longtime Leica enthusiast and actor Jason Momoa arrives at the Leica 100-Year Exhibition.
Single Owner Vintage Wakmann Chronograph, circa 1970s.
Vintage Leica 1, circa 1929.
Vintage Leica 1 with telescopic viewfinder.
A Leica ZM 2.
A Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570.
A Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT & a vintage Leica 3 c (circa 1946).
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 15720ST Diver Blue Dial.
Limited Edition Leica MP Grey Hammertone LHSA 1968-2003.
AN 18k White Gold Rolex GMT-Master II 126719.
A Breitling Navitimer & a gaggle of Leicas.
Photographer and Leica Ambassador Mathieu Bitton.
A Rolex Datejust ref. 1603.
A F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Havana Dial.
Hugh & Claudia Brownstone of Three Blind Men & An Elephant.
A Grand Seiko Spring Drive model.
A Leica ZM 1 Monochrom
A Tudor Pelagos.
A Cartier Roaster Chronograph.
A Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500 LN.
A Tag Heuer Formula 1 ref. 371.513.
Photographer Breana Helders Mazzagatte in Leica’s SL3 Campaign.
Jason Momoa takes the stage for a private performance with his band ÖOF TATATÁ.
ÖOF TATATÁ front man Mike Hayes.
A Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5261R-001.
A Timex World Time Reissue 39mm.
Jason Momoa wearing a Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition.
A vintage Rolex GMT 1675/3 ‘Rootbeer’.
Hodinkee
