Fountain Pens

Leonardo Momento Zero Andromeda and Via Lattea: Two Space-Themed Limited Editions

A pair of space-themed Leonardo Momento Zero limited editions, one purple and polished, one matte and translucent, with different trim, nib finishes, and tiny production runs.

Two space-themed fountain pens, one glossy purple and one matte grey-violet, on a concrete surface

Introduction

Leonardo’s Momento Zero has quietly become one of the most dependable platforms in the mid-range fountain pen world, and the Italian retailer Stilo & Stile has turned it into a canvas for some genuinely striking limited editions. The latest collaboration brings two space-themed releases: the Momento Zero Andromeda, named for the nearest major galaxy to our own, and the Momento Zero Via Lattea, which is Italian for the Milky Way.

Both pens share the same well-proven Momento Zero body, but they take noticeably different approaches to the space theme, and that makes them interesting to compare side by side rather than choose blindly.

Glossy purple fountain pen resin showing marbled translucent character

What the Two Editions Have in Common

Underneath the different finishes, these are recognizably Momento Zero pens. The cap has a slightly tapered, rounded tip, and the clip is a wheeled design that is satisfying to use. At the cap-to-barrel transition there are three rings and a slight step down, after which the barrel tapers toward a blind cap end.

The section uses Leonardo’s ergonomic two-tier design: a lower tier steps up to a higher tier where the threads sit. Even if your grip lands on the threads, they are not sharp, and the step sits far enough back that it does not interfere with a comfortable hold. Both pens are long enough to use unposted, and while they post securely, the cap is not so heavy that it unbalances the pen.

One detail worth knowing: the blind cap end leaves relatively little of the converter exposed, which can make it awkward to twist when filling with the barrel on. Removing the barrel to fill is the more practical route, and it lets you see the fill quality directly. You can fill through the blind cap if you prefer, but most writers will probably skip it.

Andromeda: Polished Purple with Ruthenium Trim

The Andromeda leans into its namesake galaxy with a polished, deep purplish resin that does a convincing job of evoking a nebula-like atmosphere. The material is glossy and rich, and it reads as the moodier of the two pens.

The trim is where it diverges most clearly: ruthenium rather than polished silver, and that darker finish carries through onto the section housing and even the back portion of the converter. That continuity of finish is a small touch, but it is the kind of detail that makes a limited edition feel considered rather than merely recolored.

Andromeda is limited to 260 pieces, so availability is genuinely constrained.

Via Lattea: Matte Finish with Silver Trim

The Via Lattea takes a lighter, more atmospheric approach. Its resin has a matte finish with an irregular mix of opaque and translucent patches, giving every pen a slightly different character. It still carries a hint of translucency, though it is spotty rather than uniform, so do not expect it to work as an ink window.

Where the Andromeda goes dark, the Via Lattea uses silver-colored trim, including a rhodium-plated nib that pairs naturally with the lighter material. The result is a pen that feels airier and more understated, closer in spirit to a starfield than a nebula.

This is the rarer of the two by a wide margin: only 80 pieces exist.

Nibs and Filling

Both editions come with stainless steel nibs, and the two shown here were finished differently: a black nib on the Andromeda and a rhodium-plated nib on the Via Lattea. The tested units were a broad on the Andromeda and a medium on the Via Lattea.

Writing Performance

Neither nib is aimed at line variation. Both are on the stiffer side, so this is not the pen for flex enthusiasts, but the ink flow is generous. The medium nib delivers a decent, consistent flow, while the broad is notably wet, which suits the rich, saturated inks these pens invite.

Fountain pen nib laying down fresh purple ink on white paper

For everyday writing speed, both nibs keep up comfortably, with no skipping or hesitation during faster passages. The broad produces a noticeably wider, wetter line than the medium, so the choice mostly comes down to line width preference rather than quality.

Buying Advice

These are limited editions available through the Stilo & Stile website, and the math is simple: 260 Andromeda units and only 80 Via Lattea units means neither will linger. If the space theme and the finish differences appeal to you, deciding sooner rather than later is the pragmatic move.

Ink bottles and writing tools arranged on a desk with a finished writing sample

If you want the darker, moodier take, the polished purple Andromeda with ruthenium trim is the natural pick. If you prefer a lighter, matte material with silver trim and a rhodium nib, the Via Lattea is the rarer and more understated option. Pair either one with a fitting ink, something deep purple for the Andromeda or a vibrant blue for the Via Lattea, and the theme carries through beautifully.

Conclusion

Both editions show why this retailer’s Leonardo collaborations have built a following: strong materials, thoughtful trim details, and themes executed with more care than a simple color swap. The Momento Zero platform underneath is comfortable, reliable, and pleasant to write with, and the limited runs give these pens a genuine sense of occasion. Choose based on finish and trim preference, and move quickly if either one speaks to you.

Further reading

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