Montblanc Writers Edition 2009 - Thomas Mann Review

The WE Thomas Mann is the latest addition to my writer’s edition collection. It was a late birthday gift from my wife. She was aware of the collection that I have and for some reason, this was particularly hard to find. However, she managed to secure it and kept it as a surprise for me. With so many great pictures taken and published here in the forums by our fellow members, my expectation was high and it did not disappoint. I have a feeling it will probably be my newest WE for a longer time as I’m not too keen with the latest offering of the WE line for this year, but that’s a story for another day. Today, I’ll like to share my joy and satisfaction of this writing instrument, one that instantly became my favorite in my collection.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Sealed in a standard Writer’s Edition box, WE Thomas Mann has one of the more attractive cover design on its packaging. Inside it, the lacquer finish gives a beautiful shine, with its silver inlays giving just the right amount of touch of aesthetic to it.

DESIGN 9/10

One of the more understated pen in the WE line, I’ll rank this along with Dostoevsky, Voltaire, or maybe Kafka. The platinum inlays reminds of the architectural and design elements of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an architect who lived in the contemporary era of Thomas Mann. I can relate to the aesthetic which the design derives on, based on Modernism movement during that time, that focus on simple lines and economical elements, emphasizing on the beauty of its natural mass/form rather than using ornamental or patterns. I’d imagine it would fit in perfectly in a photo shoot in one of Mackintosh’s interior designs. If the design intent is to evoke the art movement during that era, it has accomplished it extremely well. I’d like to see more design like this with a concept and meaning, rather than just casual aesthetic. It just gives more depth to the product. The clip is platinum plated with and onyx colored zircon stone, adds a bit of interest to the whole composition.

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY 8.0/10.0

I deemed any lacquer finish pen as more superior to PMMA or ‘precious’ resin, given the better depth of color tone, durability and the solid feel when holding it. The platinum inlay adds more interest to the finish and actually gives more depth to the surface. The lines on the cap and barrel lines perfectly when capped, another proof of a well engineered instrument. However, I suspect not all parts are made of lacquer. The piston knob feels ‘light’ compared to the rest barrel, and has the amber glow under a reading light suggesting that it may be made of resin. I have no complains at all on the choice of material here but compared to the WE Shaw or Twain, the knob doesn’t have that smooth turning feel. In fact, it has a rather coarse almost like grinding feel to it when I turn it. I think Shaw has a better constructed turning knob design (made of lacquer with platinum plate caps) compared to this.

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION 8.0/10.0

The heavier than resin feel gives me more confidence of its durability and commands more respect as a limited edition pen. Its not too heavy for lengthy writing and I personally enjoy the extra weight that helps me relaxes my grip. Like most pen, I don’t post the cap when writing, and I find the length more than sufficient to write well, furthermore, I don’t think any extra weight will help with the balance.

NIB AND PERFORMANCE 9/10

This writes almost like my WE Twain, glass smooth, minimal feedback and the typical MB bolder than usual medium stoke lines. I enjoy medium nib as it is suitable for most purpose with its almost ball nib that lays a consistent quality of line, and writes well on almost all sort of surface of paper. Those who like to have some tooth may not enjoy this as it is meant to be a smooth writer. The nib design has the Buddenbrooks House façade engraved on it as a tribute to the writer, and can go into the ranks of other impressive nibs such as Verne and Shaw.

REFILL AND MAINTENANCE 9/10

Another trusty piston fill pen, works tremendously well and the only complain I have as mentioned above is the lack of smoothness I’d expected as with my other WE. The lacquer finish is smooth and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Cleaning the nib block seems easy and straightforward.

VALUE 7/10

My wife bought this at retail price earlier this year, before the price hike. She was lucky to acquire one of the few remaining stock. Looking at the current trend on eBay, a roller ball pen is already reaching the price of the this FP’s retail price tag back then. Given the increasing scarcity of this this item on the market, I reckon having it at yesterday’s retail price is still a good buy.

OVERALL 8.33/10

I think the highlight of this pen is in the design. All functional aspects such as mechanism and nib performance are already excellent, which are its basic expectations anyway. We have seen many other limited edition released by Montblanc to give that extra special factor in a writing instrument. What they did with Thomas Mann, and what I really liked about it, is the very fundamental idea of a simple execution that has all the sophistication of respectable well-thought of piece of writing instrument. The design, choice of material and execution is simple yet elegant, did not try too hard to impress, yet just enough to make one stop and appreciate the added value being put into it. One would not hesitate to pick it up and use it immediately and there are no worries or being extra careful on an otherwise over-ornamented/treated design of a pen that may distract thoughts and ideas to be put on paper. Will it become my long term favorite companion, only time will tell. Right now, I’m already anxious to finish off this review and get back into my journals.

Journals- Moleskine and Quo Vadis

I just love these journals, especially the limited edition ones, such as the CzipLee I_KL, Pac Man and Peanut as shown here. Also Quo Vadis releases some really nice alternative to Moleskine, and I feel the product is somewhat better in quality, and at a slightly higher price too.

Quo Vadis gives a good alternative to the legendary moleskin...

the limited edition I_KL small notebook

and the limited edition Pac Man edition....

the peanut medium notebook versions....

... the inlay for the I_KL notebook, with a character sheet describing all the moods and images that makes KL special

stickers for the pac man journal, reminds me of the legendary video game.

Here are some of the examples of journal entries which I started not too long ago, but seems to be losing discipline in keeping it updated. I think I will be posting some of these soon. They consist of my thoughts and my sketches of ideas and visuals which I'm trying to immortalize. They are mostly about my observation of the built environment, social and user's behaviour and most important of all, my comments and critiques on these issues.

Most of the Journals above could be purchased at this stationary shop in Bangsar, opposite Bangsar Village Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur. Also, Borders and Kinokuniya Bookshops everywhere and here in Abu Dhabi are also good sources for Moleskine.

Czip Lee Stationary Shop, comprehensive, good source for Lamy and Faber Castell pens and Moleskine and Quo Vadis...

Montblanc Dostoevsky Review, Writers Edition 1997

I have purchased this through a flagship boutique that seems to have a good inventory of past WE. The advantage of purchasing through them is that not only do I get to have a sealed box but the price is somewhat reasonable and in some cases cheaper than most online dealers. This was not a planned purchase, at least not immediate but being such a fast moving product, I know I could not wait. So, I walked home with a new and sealed box of Dostoevsky, one of the most unique and I must say tastefully done WE.

FIRST IMPRESSION
I’m impressed with the packaging for this pen. This is my first WE from the 90s. This is the letter set, where a copy of the author’s letter is included in the packaging that resemble a book, and within it, the standard book-like box which contains the pen. It seems like the letter was written during one of his most important works to a friend.

DESIGN 8/10
The straight barrel and simple ornamentation etched on the resin, clips and inlays gives it a uniform pattern throughout the pen. I just love the simplicity of it, and I feel it is perhaps one of the most elegantly done WE, not too much and just the right amount of details without trying too hard to make it special. A simple execution in design and yet it delivers exceptional results. The pattern repeats itself along the barrel and along the golden inlays giving it a consistent look throughout. The nib has a modified pattern, different from the rest but yet derives from the same geometrical basis. The golden clip tapers towards the end and ends with a sapphire stone color inlay, which blends well with the rest of the dark resin. The design of WE Dostoevsky is a subtle beauty and it somewhat grows into you. Very elegant indeed.

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY 7.5/10
This is an all resin pen, similar to most MB resin pens but one can feel it is a notch better than the standard range. Though light, it fees solid and firm in its construction, perhaps it has thicker resins. There are no loose ends, and all the joints or inlays are smooth. The golden pattern on the inlays are crisp and sharp. This pen was designed and built with love.

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION 8/10
Very similar and feel in terms of size as the 146, but without the cap on, writing block and the barrel is slightly longer, making this writing without being posted more comfortable. The light construction makes this a comfortable pen use for a long period of time. Overall a very comfortable pen to grip, and can easily be used as an everyday pen.

REFILL SYSTEM 8/10
The standard MB piston pen. The mechanism is smooth and work as well as expected. This is one of the WE that actually has an ink window (yeay!). It is almost a clear window with a bit of blue tint, complementing the sapphire stone color on the clip. At the moment, I’ve filled it up with Burgundy Red and it’s a joy to see the red ink through the window. 

NIB AND PERFORMANCE 7/10
The ink flow is very good and wet with decent feedback that gives you a feel of the grain of the paper. There is some skipping every now and then but that is reducing after a few rounds of flushing and constant uses. Optimal angle is somewhat narrow but once you get into that sweet spot, it just flows. It is rather stiff for an 18k. Here are some writing samples….

VALUE 8/10
As mentioned earlier, I have purchased this through one of the flagship store which offers a great selection of new and past WE. For something that is new, unopened, a special letter set and about 13 years old, I think I paid a rather good deal, considering some of the prices eBay.

SUMMARY 7.75
This has started me on the hunt of older WE. Dostoevsky was never on my list, until I laid eyes on it, and started to appreciate the simpler and more elegant designs of WEs. In my opinion, the Dostoevsky is a good value and interesting WE, a testament that good taste comes in simple statement and elegance.

Montblanc Jules Verne Review, Writers Edition 2003

It has been one of the most exciting week for me. I’ve been tracking an EMS for my WE Jules Verne for the past few days before its arrival and it came sooner than I thought. I was lucky enough to be able to obtain a new and unopened piece through an ebay seller from Taiwan. His response time was fast and delivery was prompt. Its like Christmas in March . Let’s dive into it shall we?

FIRST IMPRESSION
Sealed box, pristine and untouched within, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to obtain this piece. It’s a standard packaging for any WE, comes with the unwritten and unstamped warranty document. So, after few minutes going through the package, finally got to the pen. The soft cushioned holder for the pen is more secured and firm. This is handy just in case one gets too exciting , pops open the book-like box too hard and having the precious writing instrument plunging to the ground.
DESIGN 8.5/10
This is perhaps one of the more popular and sort after WE in the market, and I have been contacting few boutiques and even the ones that are directly in linked with Hamburg has no stock of this anymore. Seeing it in person, I can see why. The guilloche pattern looks magnificent below the clear lacquer coupled with the platinum plated ends and cap edges and clip. It seems like most photograph shows it almost in marine blue tone, but in reality, it has a strong tint of purple on it, and a lot more colours/tone that the human eye can see and cameras and computer monitors could not duplicate. The curve edges of the cap and the piston knob gives a smooth and maritime theme to it, as the pen is mainly based on his fictional writing. The nib, beautifully carved with the diving helmet motive, providing much of the visual interests. Without doubt, in my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful pens ever made.
CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY 8/10
The relatively heavier feel of the pen compared to other MB resin-type pen gives it a solid and confident feel. All the parts and joints are flawlessly assembled, joints are smooth and it feels like it can take all the underwater pressure like the Nautilus itself, and torpedo though deep waters. When capped, it has no loose joints, and firmly seal the pen. One can feel there is more metal in this pen than many other. There tend to be more condensation here, perhaps due to the metal parts.
WEIGHT AND BALANCE 7/10
Again, the weight is good, almost as heavy as the Shaw, given all the metal being used here. Writing it un-posted seems to be best as the cap may add to much weight and affects its balance.
NIB AND PERFORMANCE 8/10
One of the smoothest nib I have used, after the Mark Twain. It has a little of flex to it, and the flow is wet and consistent. One thing I do notice is the very weight of the pen seems to add a bit of pressure to the nib when writing, coupled with the silky smooth nib, giving it a different writing experience. I’m using Royal Blue at the moment and it’s and absolute bliss!
REFILL SYSTEM 8/10
This is a standard MB piston filler, can’t find fault in it and it works flawlessly. There’s no ink window here though, as I would love to see my blue ink flowing from it! The piston knob detached nicely from the rest of the barrel with ornate pattern rings at the edges. Just love those details.
VALUE 7/10
This is to date the most expensive pen I have paid. I feel is rather worth it for a new and untouched pen of such beauty.

SUMMARY 7.75
I seldom purchased anything online without knowing exactly how it feels or looks like in person and the one and only time I have laid eyes on this was through a glass case during and exhitbition at the local mall last month. This is one of the WE that any serious collector should have in their must have list.

Comparison nib with the 146 and 149

Comparison in size with the 146 and 149

Comparison between WE Mark Twain and WE Jules Verne design for the barrel shares the similar concept of using water and waves , one which uses etched resin and the other guilloche with lacquer.