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.

Leonardo Momento Zero vs. Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen Comparison
Leonardo Momento Zero vs. Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen Comparison

Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen Specifications:

  • Pen Body Material: Solid, Hand-Turned Italian Acrylic
  • Pen Length Closed: 5.9 in. / 150mm
  • Pen Length Open, Cap Off: 5.24 in. / 133mm
  • Pen Length Posted: 6.73 in. / 171mm
  • Cap Length: 2.67 in. / 67.7mm
  • Max Diameter (Pen): 0.66 in. / 16.7 mm
  • Total Weight: 1.2oz. / 34g
  • Nib: Harmonic Stainless Steel, #6 size (Bock) or 14kt Gold
  • Feed: Custom Ebonite
  • Filling Mechanism: Piston Converter (included)

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

Pen Nib Feed Filling Mechanism Body Material Closed Length Posted Length Pen Weight

Leonardo Momento Zero

Bock #6 Stainless Steel / 14kt Gold Option

Plastic

Cartridge/Converter

Italian acrylic

5.59 in. / 142mm

6.65 in. / 169mm

0.88 oz. / 25g

Leonardo Momento Zero Grande

Bock #6 Stainless Steel / 14kt Gold Option

Ebonite

Fixed Piston

Italian acrylic

5.90 in. / 150mm

6.73 in. / 171mm

1.20 oz. / 34g

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.

Leonardo Momento Zero vs. Momento Zero Grande Fountain Pen Comparison
Pen Nib Feed Filling Mechanism Body Material Closed Length Posted Length Pen Weight

Leonardo Momento Zero

Bock #6 Steel / 14kt Gold Option

Plastic

Cartridge/Converter

Italian acrylic

5.59 in. / 142mm

6.65 in. / 169mm

0.88 oz. / 25g

Leonardo Momento Zero Grande

Bock #6 Steel / 14kt Gold Option

Ebonite

Fixed Piston Converter

Italian acrylic

5.90 in. / 150mm

6.73 in. / 171mm

1.20 oz. / 34g

Pelikan Souveran 800 / 805

Pelikan 18kt Gold

Plastic

Differential Piston Mechanism

Cellulose Acetate + Resin (some have Italian Acrylic)

5.55 in. / 141mm

6.54 in. / 166mm

1.0 oz. / 28g

Visconti Homo Sapiens

Bock #6 18kt Gold (Previously 23kt Pd)

Plastic

Power Filler (Vacuum-fill)

Resin made from basaltic lava rock

5.70 in. / 146mm

6.80 in. / 173mm

1.5 oz. / 43g

Sailor 1911 King of Pen

Sailor 21kt Gold

Plastic

Cartridge/Converter

Injection molded resin

6.00 in. / 152.5mm

6.54 in. / 166mm

1.21 oz. / 34.4g

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.

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