Leonardo Momento Zero Grande 2.0 Art of Guilos (Iris, Rose Gold Trim) Review: Tactile Waves in Blue

Introduction

Leonardo is one of the most consistent modern fountain pen brands, and the Art of Guilos line shows why. This collection takes the Momento Zero Grande 2.0 platform and adds a distinctive guilloche-style engraving across the cap and barrel, giving an already well-proportioned pen a genuinely tactile finish. The version featured here is the Iris with rose gold trim, a darker blue with a flowing wave pattern, and it is available through Vanness Pens, which recently began distributing Leonardo in the US.

The Art of Guilos Line

The Art of Guilos line comprises three colors, each offered in two trims: Verde in silver or rose gold, Iris in silver or rose gold, and Indigo in rose gold or ruthenium. The engraving itself differs between them. Verde carries a repeating wave-like pattern, the Iris leans toward a flowing wave with enough spacing and visual variation that it never feels repetitive, and the Indigo uses a slightly more geometric pattern. Of the three, the Iris engraving and its shade of blue are the standouts, and the rose gold trim pairs beautifully with the darker blue.

One detail worth mentioning: on close inspection with a loupe, the end of each engraved line is punctuated by a slightly larger indentation. It is invisible to the naked eye and likely a byproduct of the engraving process, but the patterning itself remains consistent across every line.

Design and Build

The Momento Zero Grande models are large pens, and this one is no exception. It is a size I genuinely enjoy, and despite the dimensions it is not overly heavy. The top of the cap comes to a rounded conical point that transitions into Leonardo’s traditional wheel clip, which is both functional and good-looking. The cap angles upward at an even incline for most of its length, then straightens out over the final inch, punctuated by three thin bands. A small step leads to the barrel, which tapers evenly toward another band marking the start of the piston knob, which also ends in a rounded conical point.

Unusually for a limited edition, there is no exterior branding. That is a wise call, since an engraving over the guilloche pattern would have detracted from it. The cap twists off with a single rotation.

Nib, Section, and Filling System

Under the cap sits a number six nib, available in stainless steel or 14k gold, each offered in extra fine, fine, medium, broad, a 1.1 stub, plus elastic extra fine and elastic fine options. This example carries a stainless steel medium. The section is on the chunky side, which works well, and it transitions into a generous ink window after the cap threads.

One small quirk: the section carries a shallow engraving exactly where the thumb rests. In practice it is so shallow that it cannot be felt at all, so what looked like a potential annoyance turns out to be a non-issue.

This is a piston filler with a decent capacity, roughly 1.5 ml. Leonardo also sells a tool that allows full disassembly of the piston mechanism, useful for occasional maintenance such as adding silicone grease over the years.

Writing Performance

Inked with Leonardo Blue, the stainless steel medium nib leans toward the broad side of medium. The nib is fairly smooth with just a hint of pleasant feedback, and the ink flow is very generous. Reverse writing is a little scratchier but lays down a nice fine line, and during fast writing the feed keeps up very well.

The generous flow and wet line make the most of saturated inks, and the pairing with Leonardo’s own blue ink felt entirely appropriate.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Pricing depends on the nib: a steel-nibbed version runs around $270, while the 14k gold nib versions come in at about $425 and also include a bottle of Leonardo ink. The pen is long enough to use unposted comfortably, though the cap does post securely and deep enough that it does not unbalance the pen or add awkward rear length.

The proprietary disassembly tool is a nice touch, but keep in mind that the piston should never be removed while the pen is inked.

Buying Advice

If you like larger pens with a tactile finish, the Art of Guilos Iris is one of the most attractive interpretations in the line. Choose the steel nib if you want the best value, and the gold nib if you want the smoother upgrade plus a bottle of ink included. Because this is a limited-style release from a brand whose popular editions tend to disappear quickly, it is worth acting sooner rather than later, and having Vanness as an additional US retailer gives buyers another chance to pick one up before it is gone.

Conclusion

The Momento Zero Grande 2.0 Art of Guilos in Iris with rose gold trim adds something genuinely different to the Leonardo lineup: subtle tactile character, a beautiful shade of blue, and the dependable writing experience the platform is known for. For fans of the brand, it is a satisfying addition rather than a rehash.