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 between 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, perfect proportions, and universal beauty.
He died on May 2, 1519, at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, at the age of 67. Through 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 continues a sincere homage, driven by respect for heritage and the passage of time.
LEONARDO1519 & Da Vinci's mirror writing: a unique horological complication, inspired by his writing style
Powered by a Swiss reverse quartz movement, the LEONARDO 1519 collection pays a discreet but profound tribute to Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing: this reversed language that some interpret as a way of preserving his ideas and veiling access to them.
Every detail of this timepiece draws inspiration from the world of the Italian master, echoing his iconic works and the modernity of his thinking. The symbols integrated into the watch can be fully explored on our website.
The Da Vinci codices, the Fibonacci sequence, the Vitruvian Man… and many other symbols to discover
All the symbols incorporated into the LEONARDO 1519 were carefully chosen to echo the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. Each element of the design tells a story about a facet of his genius. The hands, each distinct, pay homage to his many talents: a paintbrush for the painter, a quill for the writer, and a knot symbolizing Italian nobility.
On the case back, an engraving inspired by Leonardo's statue in Milan celebrates the power of his legacy. On the dial, the Fibonacci sequence is subtly present, with only the number 144 appearing in the position that alludes to his ambidexterity. Other details, such as a discreet self-portrait, a soldier from the mystery of the Battle of Anghiari, and birds from his Codex on Flight, enrich this horological narrative. And many more symbolic elements await discovery on our website.
A TIMELESS COLLABORATION WITH THE GUARDIANS OF THE DA VINCI LEGACY
Respecting cultural and heritage rights, Col&McArthur has established an official collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, home to the Vitruvian Man. This rigorous approach lends our creation its full authenticity and legitimacy, elevating this timepiece to the status of a true work of art.
