Why is the Montblanc ballpoint pen so expensive? Here’s a look at the history and culture behind this brand.
A Montblanc fountain pen is a treasured keepsake passed down from generation to generation, but this pen manufacturer also makes ballpoint pens.
Why is the Montblanc ballpoint pen so expensive? The name of the manufacturer combined with the quality craftsmanship is all part of the reason.
If you are considering investing in Montblanc, make sure you know what you are getting. Here is a guide to this luxury brand and its pens and products.
Contents
What is a Montblanc Pen?
A Montblanc pen is a pen created by Montblanc, a Hamburg, Germany company that has been producing quality writing instruments since the early 20th century. In recent years, Montblanc has marketed their products as luxury writing utensils heavily, and as such the pens have become a status symbol.
In addition to luxury pens, Montblanc sells watches that rival Rolex, luxury tech, and leather bags and briefcases.
With this interesting mix of products, Montblanc has become a symbol of luxury in office and business products. These pens find their way to the hands of the president, celebrities, and other people in the public eye.
Is It Worth It?
The Montblanc ballpoint pen taps into the rich history of the Montblanc brand, but with a price tag of $240 to nearly $1,000, many wonder what makes a pen so special. A closer look at the history of the Montblanc brand and some features of its pens will help you better understand why these pens have such a high price.
After all, writing instruments do one thing, and purchasing one that is limited edition or higher cost may not be worth the investment. Here are some reasons that fans of Montblanc pens choose these pens time and time again.
1. Timeless Designs
In 1951, Montblanc introduced a pen with a torpedo shape to the market. This pen is thick at the grip, making it comfortable to hold. Even with many design changes over the decades, the basic shape of the Montblanc pen remains the same.
Montblanc pens come in gold and chrome in a range of colors, and fountain pens have pure gold nibs. They are heavy and have a smooth rolling design. All feature the signature snowcap on the pen cap, as well as the Montblanc logo and an individual serial number.
2. Refillable Pens
When you invest a few hundred dollars in a good pen, you want to know that it will last a lifetime. One of the benefits of this luxury brand is the fact that the pens are refillable. Whether you choose a ballpoint pen or a fountain pen, you can buy ink refills or a filling system to keep using it for many years.
3. Luxurious Materials
What sets Montblanc pens apart from other writing utensils is the luxurious materials they are made from. Specifically, the nibs of the fountain pens are made from gold ribbon, stamped by machine, and hand polished for precise and smooth writing.
Montblanc ballpoint pens do not have a gold nib, but the manufacturer does use gold and platinum plating throughout the pen’s design. Resin and precious lacquer also make up the ballpoint pen line.
Regardless of whether you buy a ballpoint or fountain pen, you can be confident the pen goes through rigorous testing to ensure smooth, comfortable writing. This individual attention is part of what makes these such popular pens, and the quality materials and hand polishing are what make them command such a high price.
A Pen with Warranty and Repair Options
Montblanc stands behind its products and its status as a luxury brand. If you have a problem with your pen, you can request repair or replacement under terms of the product warranty.
Popular Montblanc Pens
If you want to invest in a pen from one of the top pen manufacturers in the world, here are some popular products to consider.
Meisterstück Fountain Pen
The Meisterstück is a signature Montblanc fountain pen design. It hit the market in 1924, and since that time it has become the flagship product for the company.
The Meisterstück pen is designed with elegant metals, including 14- and 18-karat golds, including rose gold, embossed with the 4810 Montblanc symbol. The nibs of these fountain pens are buffed using a diamond, and they may have gems added to the intricate designs.
The craftsmanship of this pen leaves nothing to chance. It is even tested for smooth writing and the sound of the writing to ensure a luxurious writing experience for the user. With eight nib tip sizes available the Montblanc Meisterstück is truly a pen for anyone.
Meisterstück Classique Pen
The Meisterstück Classique pen is available in a ballpoint and fountain pen design. It is called Classique because of its classic look and shape. These pens have platinum-coated clips that carry an individual serial number. The pen itself is made from precious resin.
StarWalker Pen
The StarWalker Extreme Fountain Pen is a bold, masculine pen with a more modern design than the Meisterstück. The nib is 14-karat gold and ruthenium-coated. Black resin on the base and cap are both precision cut with diamonds to ensure a beautiful design.
For someone who wants a more urban, streamlined design, the StarWalker Ultra Black is a good choice. This fountain pen has a more contemporary design but still has the 14-karat gold nib.
The StarWalker line also has several ballpoint pens that have a smooth writing design. These pens are made from black resin and ruthenium, and it has a Montblanc emblem to showcase the quality.
Limited Editions
From time to time, Montblanc releases limited edition pens. These are available in just a short number, and they are some of the most high-end pens on the market. Limited edition pens pay homage to popular celebrities and cultural icons, like the Beatles or Walt Disney.
Watch for Fakes
Because Montblanc pens are so popular and carry such a high price tag, many people try to capitalize on this by making an inferior quality rollerball pen and passing it off as a Montblanc.
Watch out for fakes sold on sites like Amazon or eBay. One clear way to know you are looking at a fake is if the pen lacks a serial number or if it has an iridium nib.
A Final Word on Why Montblanc Ballpoint Pen Is Expensive
With a smooth writing experience, quality, luxury materials, a filler that allows you to use the pen for many years, and a top industry warranty, Montblanc ballpoint pens are some of the best in the market.
However, they also carry one of the highest price tags. Their role as a status symbol is part of the reason for this high price.
If you are looking to invest in a pen, Montblanc could be a quality investment. If you simply want a good pen for everyday writing, you may want to find a different, more affordable brand.
Want more? Check out our guide to the best fancy pens.
FAQs On Why Montblanc Ballpoint Pen Is Expensive
Are Montblanc ballpoint pens worth it?
If you are looking for a good pen, but are not interested in a particular brand image, then you may not want to invest in a Montblanc. If you want a status symbol from a world-renowned pen maker, then a Montblanc is a good choice.
What makes Montblanc pens so expensive?
Montblanc pens are expensive because they are considered a status symbol. They are a high-quality pen made from the finest materials with top craftsmanship.
Pen Buyer’s Guide Resources
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