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In an extraordinary nod to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, known for his unique ability to write and draw both backwards and with both hands, Col&MacArthur has introduced the Leonardo 1519. This watch defies conventional timekeeping by featuring a design that moves anti-clockwise, reflecting the inventive and unconventional nature of the Renaissance master himself. The Leonardo 1519 is not just a timepiece; it’s an homage to one of the most brilliant minds in history, capturing the essence of da Vinci’s innovations in its very mechanics.
The choice of the watch’s direction is inspired by the natural movement of shadows on a sundial in the northern hemisphere, which historically guided the design of early mechanical clocks to move ‘clockwise’. Col&MacArthur’s reimagining of this movement with the Leonardo 1519 poses a fascinating question: what if clocks had been developed in the southern hemisphere, where the shadow moves in the opposite direction? This thought experiment not only serves as a tribute to da Vinci’s love for challenging perceptions but also showcases the brand’s ingenuity in watchmaking.
Every aspect of the Leonardo 1519’s design is steeped in symbolism dedicated to da Vinci’s life and work. The watch features iconic images such as the Vitruvian Man, highlighting da Vinci’s exploration of human proportions, and elements from his sketch of the Battle of Anghiari, showcasing his artistry. Moreover, it incorporates the Fibonacci sequence, a nod to da Vinci’s application of mathematical principles to understand natural patterns, reflecting his interdisciplinary genius that spanned art, science, and mathematics.
The watch is available in several models to cater to different preferences. The Codex Reversed, with its quartz Ronda movement, offers a literal reversal of time, presenting a unique challenge in reading time that da Vinci himself might have appreciated. For those who value tradition yet want to own a piece of this homage, the Codex Classic and the Meccanica Classic provide the same high-quality craftsmanship with a conventional time movement.
Each model in the Leonardo 1519 collection is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Encased in stainless steel with sapphire glass and backed by a two-year warranty, these watches are designed to endure as long as the legacy they represent. The flagship Meccanica Classic features an automatic Japanese Miyota movement visible through an exhibition back, limited to 1,519 pieces in honor of the year of da Vinci’s death, making it a collector’s dream. The dial’s embossed “elevato” design plays with light and shadow, much like da Vinci’s own studies, adding layers of visual interest and depth.
Col&MacArthur’s reputation for integrating historical elements into their watches is well-established, with previous timepieces incorporating materials like fragments from the Berlin Wall and lunar dust. The Leonardo 1519 is a continuation of this tradition, a watch that’s not merely for keeping time but for sparking conversations about history, art, and innovation.
In summary, the Leonardo 1519 by Col&MacArthur is more than just a watch – it is a wearable piece of art and history that invites us to view time from a different perspective, much like Leonardo da Vinci did with every work of art and invention he created. This watch is a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions have transcended time, inspiring countless generations with his relentless curiosity and boundless creativity.
