Leonardo Momento Zero vs. Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen Comparison

Just like people, pens come in all shapes and sizes. When selecting a writing instrument, the Goldilocks principle is in effect - there's a pen that will fit just right for your hand. When a pen design becomes successful, like Leonardo's Momento Zero, the manufacturer may create a new version in a different size to accommodate a broader market.

Following the success of Leonardo's first pen design, Salvatore Matrone, co-founder of Leonardo Officina, launched the larger Momento Zero Grande in September 2019. Aside from the size difference, the bigger brother has other features that set it apart from its sibling.

Much like studying the difference between a Sailor 1911 Standard and 1911 Large, or the Pelikan Souveran 400 and the 600 series, the size difference between the Momento Zero and Momento Zero grande are subtle and noticed best when holding it.

Besides the size, there are several other upgraded features that set the Momento Zero Grande into a higher class of writing instrument.

The Grande's larger size, the premium Italian acrylic, the custom ebonite feed, and the higher-capacity filling mechanism are valid reasons why this pen can stand nib shoulder to nib shoulder with some of the heavyweights in the luxury pen market, namely the Pelikan Souveran 800, the Sailor 1911 King of Pen, and the Visconti Homo Sapiens.

One key difference between the Grande and its Grail-worthy competitors is the option for a stainless steel or 14kt gold nib. Check out how the Grande sizes up with the biggest grail pens in the Goldspot collection.

Beyond the video, the photos, and the comparison table, any experienced writer knows that the writing experience is most important. The Leonardo 14kt gold nib + ebonite feed combination does not disappoint. While the steel nib is admirable and offers a bit of bounce, the 14kt gold nib is glassy smooth with a higher degree of softness with a generous, wet flow. The bottom line is, the Grande's writing performance excels as a premium writing instrument.

We're excited to witness the evolution of the young Leonardo Officina Italiana brand. The larger Grande is an impressive addition to this collection and we're eager to see what's next from our pen pals in Italy.

Does this pen make your wish list? Let us know in the comments if you have a grail pen and what pen that is.