On May 2, 1519, one of the most brilliant minds of the Renaissance passed away, leaving behind a timeless body of work.
Leonardo da Vinci remains one of the most fascinating figures of the Renaissance, a timeless symbol of the union of art, science, and humanism. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Tuscany, he distinguished himself as a painter, engineer, inventor, and visionary thinker. Works such as the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man reflect his quest for harmony, proper proportions, and universal beauty.
He died on May 2, 1519, at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, at the age of 67. With the LEONARDO 1519 collection, Col&MacArthur pays tribute, for the second time, to this Italian genius. Following the Da Vinci 500 commemorative edition launched in 2019, this new creation is a continuation of a sincere tribute, driven by respect for heritage and time.
LEONARDO1519 & Da Vinci's mirror writing: a unique watch complication, inspired by his way of writing
Powered by a Swiss reverse quartz movement, the LEONARDO 1519 collection pays discreet but profound homage to Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing: this backward language that some interpret as a way of preserving his ideas and veiling access to them.
Every detail of this watch creation draws on the world of the Italian master, echoing his iconic works and the modernity of his thinking. The symbolism incorporated into the watch can be discovered in its entirety on our website.
Da Vinci's codices, the Fibonacci sequence, the Vitruvian Man... and many other symbols to discover
All the symbolism incorporated into the LEONARDO 1519 has been carefully designed to echo the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. Each design element tells a facet of his genius. The hands, each distinct, pay homage to his many talents: a brush for the painter, a quill for the writer, and a knot symbolizing Italian nobility.
On the back of the case, an engraving inspired by Leonardo's statue in Milan celebrates the power of his legacy. On the dial, the discreet presence of the Fibonacci sequence, with only the number 144 appearing in the position that refers to his ambidexterity. Other details, such as a discreet self-portrait, a soldier from the mystery of The Battle of Anghiari, or birds from his Codex on Flight, enrich this horological narrative. And many other symbols can be discovered on our website.
A TIMELESS COLLABORATION WITH THE GUARDIANS OF DA VINCI'S LEGACY
In compliance with cultural and heritage rights, Col&MacArthur has established an official collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, the custodian of the Vitruvian Man. This rigorous approach gives our creation all its authenticity and legitimacy, elevating this timepiece to the rank of a work of art in its own right.
