Waterman Edson

[I am not a number]

Waterman Edson – Red, Green and Blue Standard Editions

 

Initial Impressions - 10 out of 10.

 

You are most likely not going to buy an Edson on impulse, it's hardly the sort of thing that would find its way into a shopping basket during a momentary lapse of concentration at the checkout of your local pen store or internet retailer. Should this be the case, it is likely that it will be ejected from the basket once the total has been rung up and you realise that the amount indicated is quite a lot of money for a couple of bottles of ink and some nice paper...

 

I first saw one of these in the wild in Woods the Stationers in Bath, England about 12 years ago. I recall that I was on something of a Parker "51" kick at the time and I gazed in wonderment at the gaudy gewgaw thinking that whilst very striking (in the manner of a rather blinged-out supermodel), it was not for me. However, the seed was planted deep in my subconscious and the image kept popping up unbidden until I realised that it was in fact a masterpiece of design and a rather sumptuous representation of the pinnacle of modern fountain pen manufacture. In simple terms, I had to have one (and as I have found to my cost, much in the manner of some of the upper echelons of habit forming substances, one is never quite enough).

 

Starting with the outer box, devotees of the modern high-end products from the Waterman line will most likely recognise a striking similarity with the presentation of the Sérénité (I intend to review that strange and wonderful creation at some time in the near future). In the time honoured fashion the first layer is plain and understated (yet posesses an almost supernatural ability to pick up marks):

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/OuterBox800-1.jpg

 

This in turn reveal another fairly standard Waterman offering, but the real treat is in what lies within:

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/MainEvent2800.jpg

 

The package includes a rather natty booklet on the Edson, Two boxes of Cartridges and not a great deal else. After the adventure of the Conway Stewart Churchill packaging which amounted to a sort of treasure hunt, it is strangely reassuring to see that you get a pen, some ink and a bit of paperwork.

 

Appearance and Finish – 10 out of 10.

 

You are going to love it or hate it, there is not much room for a take it or leave it attitude with this pen. It is impossible to accurately describe the feeling of sheer quality that this pen exudes or the lustrous finish of the cap (or most impressive of all) the incredible translucent effect of the barrel colour which picks up available light and seems to re-radiate it. The three standard finishes are Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red and Emerald Green (the latter two are discontinued), there are LE variations and more recently a Black Diamond model has become available but as far as I am concerned, the standard colour versions please my eye the best.

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/SidebySideSepAdj800.jpg

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/Tricolour800.jpg

 

Design, Size and Weight - 10 out of 10.

 

Each time I pick up one of these pens I am slightly awe-struck by the beauty of the entire package. Every part of it belongs to every other part, it is almost organic in the way that its form defies so many conventions yet achieves a sublime balance. The weight is not inconsiderable but the very high quality brass construction of the pen accounts for this. Much is made of the leak-proof properties of this pen at altitude but unfortunately I had laid aside my military flying career before I picked up one of these pens. I have attempted to negotiate a proving flight with a colleague but his answer to my request to take a pen up to 24,000 feet, de-pressurise and check if it leaks would have called in more favours than he currently owes me (and by quite a long margin). In this case, I will have to reverse years of behaviour and just accept the advertising hype. The clip is sturdy and well constructed and the serial number of the pen is engraved on the side of it.

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/SidebySideVert800.jpg

 

The size and weight suit me perfectly - I prefer a pen of some substance to lightweight or small pens, especially if I am going to be writing for a while. I have awarded it full marks in this category because I am assessing for my preferences.

 

Fans of measurements may find these of use:

 

Weight Capped – 47.5 grams

Weight Uncapped – 27.3 grams

Length Capped – 15.2 cm

Length Uncapped – 13.1 cm

Length Posted – 15.6 cm

Barrel Diameter – 14.8 mm

Average Section Diameter – 12.3 mm

 

The Filling System – 10 out of 10.

 

It's a cartridge/converter (and a very pretty converter, coloured to go with the overall finish of the pen). I am giving it the highest score because as far as I can see, there is no reasonable alternative if the aesthetic of the pen and advertised proof against pressurisation-induced leaks are to remain intact.

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/FillingSystem800.jpg

 

As is my tendency, I favour the Stub (indicated as ST) and Oblique Broad (indicated by OGL) nibs, they make for a thirsty pen, but that is down to my own preferences and Waterman cannot be marked down for my extravagant tastes in ink dispensers.

 

The Nib – 10 out of 10.

 

Summed up in one word – "Stunning". It is something of a nail so fans of flex and feedback look away now, but it is smooth and performs exactly as I want from this pen. The 18k Gold masterpiece is comparable to a well-balanced sports car, it goes exactly where you direct it to and will not suddenly take unexpected diversions or leave you wondering who is in control. The look of it is also unique, another part of the allure of this pen for me.

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/SapphirePointing800.jpg http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/RubyPointing3800.jpg http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/EmeraldPointing2800.jpg

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/EdsonNibTrio800.jpg

 

Cost – 10 out of 10 at almost any price.

 

There is a saying that you get what you pay for. Anyone who is not in the market to pay some fairly serious money for one of these should leave the commentary now. If (and it can be a long search) you can pick one up in reasonable condition for $300 to $330 (at time of posting – Feb 2009) then the opportunity should be leapt on (or just PM me and I will snap it up in an instant). The Blue finish is the most sighted in the wild, the Reds and Greens far less so and therefore will sell at a higher premium. You could also end up paying extra for one of the funkier nibs (my beloved STs and OGLs leave me open to this kind of dilemma).

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/TricolourVerticalS5800-1.jpg

 

For those who cannot justify the expense or who simply cannot afford it, I would say without hesitation that the much more reasonably priced Waterman Carene will give a very reasonable approximation of the Edson experience at a significantly lower cost

 

Overall – 60 out of 60 - Yes, Full Marks!

 

The pen is named after the founder of the company which make the pen, Lewis Edson Waterman. It is to my mind the acme of their technological and design departments meeting to form something of unique beauty. The Edson is something that gradually took over my thoughts until I quite simply was put in the position whereby I couldn't imagine not having one. As things turned out, I was addicted to the way that form and function can so perfectly blend and have ended up in the very lucky situation where I now more than just the one example.

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/EdsonTrio800.jpg

 

For anyone who wished to claim that they had experienced all that fountain pens can offer and who had not tried this pen, I would simply suggest that they have missed out on something very special.

 

IANAN

Edited February 22, 2009 by I am not a number

[Peter from Sherwood Park]

Thank you for the review -- this looks like a great pen. I did not realize (or had forgotten) that the Edson came in green; my bank account may not thank you for bringing that to my attention.

[penguinmaster]

Very nice review of some very nice pens. That makes me totally envious! The green one is going to become a grail pen here pretty quick!

[ericthered2004]

A sumptuous review, IANAN, admitting measures of Temptation worthy of a veritable Daemon of the Dark One. Yet though Overstock.com has a Carene on sale at present, I shall Resist, and remain Pure. Plus they only have the medium.

 

Kind regards,

eric.

[wspohn]

Excellent review and I agree with your conclusions and ratings. I can see no flaws in these pens, and if you don't like them it would have to be on the basis that the aesthetics or nib just aren't your cuppa tea.

 

I have the blue, a sterling and a Boucheron, and hadn't considered buying any more, but I do like both the other colours you've shown. The current Black Diamond leaves me a bit indifferent, for some reason.

 

I have always figured that the nib unit makes the pen look as if it had been styled by Ming the Merciless - a sort of retro thing.

[ethernautrix]

Extravagant review notwithstanding, I have tried the Edson, and it is a lovely pen, and while I can appreciate your pen-perfection joy, I prefer my Aurora Optima. (I don't have to specify for everyone that it's my mileage varying, right? Cos we all understand that.)

 

I give your review a 10.

[Deirdre]

Ahh, the flock of colors all together! I love blue/green/red pen sets.

[Wolverine1]

I bought my Edson impulsively, when I was visiting Pam Braun's shop. And my experience has been similar to IANAN's. If I had the money handy, I'd buy another Edson right away. I'd like to get a Sterling Silver Edson, but, if that doesnt work out, I wouldnt mind getting another Blue Edson, with a fine nib.

[pankajwillis]

Great Review! I have been wanting one from a long time, unfortunately price constraints me at the moment.

 

Enjoy your pens! I would love to hear more about the cleaning aspect. Are they easy to clean. Is the nib easy to flush.

 

Edited February 6, 2009 by pankajwillis

[Makar]

Yep - spot on IANAN. This was certainly not my kind of pen a year or more ago but I had to just take the cap off my Edson blue and scribble a few lines with its smooooooth medium nib as I read your review. Diamine sapphire blue exuding from the nib of this beauty is almost sexual.. okay I've taken that too far. I reckon Diamine kelly green in the green Edson and caran d'ache sunset red in tother would just be superb. I want them all. But not this week unfortunately.

 

Thanks IANAN

 

Stephen

[bphollin]

I would happily eat ramen noodles for two months to fund an Edson, if only it had white metal instead of gold.

 

^{Note to self: stop reading IANAN's reviews of dangerously gorgeous pens.}

 

[I am not a number]

I would happily eat ramen noodles for two months to fund an Edson, if only it had white metal instead of gold.

Time to stock up on noodly goodness!

 

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/photoboris/1148973.jpg

The Black Diamond (image from Cyberpens) - Standard no affiliation blah.

 

Yes, I know that I'm not helping...

[vonderlasa]

Quality control is an issue. Thred barrel fell off my Edson, and had to be reglued.

[fuchsiaprincess]

Oh IANAN! I'm soooo envious! You have all three, and they all have broad stub nibs

 

Well done and thanks for a fantastic review!

 

Regards,

Soki

[skipwilliams]

What a classy pen. Classic. Solid. Practical. Thanks for a great review.

 

But what I REALLY like is the Boucheron, an overlay done about 10 years ago over an Edison. YUMM.

 

http://www.prices4antiques.com/item_images/medium/11/74/08-01.jpg

[kiavonne]

An Edson passed through my hands and I didn't even know it (it wasn't mine to behold). I saw another a short time later, and I completely fell into it. The Edson bug sure bit me hard.

 

Great review, IANAN!

 

[yachtsilverswan]

That’s quite a trio you’ve got there IANAN.

 

There is something quite special about the translucent iridescence of the Edson barrels.

 

Love the way the clip mirrors the nib design.

 

I really like the deco look of the Edson nib. They describe the nib as pseudo-inlaid because the distal triangle across the section is not truly connected to the feed, right?

 

Please post a writing sample from your stubs – that’s the nib I had wanted.

 

The Edson Black Diamond (for reasons that mystify me) was not available with a stub. As a matter of fact, there was a bit of a disagreement between my Brick & Mortar store and Waterman about whether the Black Diamond was available in Broad. Waterman said no. But when we called a second time, the Brick & Mortar was told that while the Black Diamond could not be ordered or shipped in Broad, but that I could order a Medium, and then return the pen to Waterman France for a free nib exchange to Broad. Only the French could consider this efficient.

 

There was a thread a few months back about co-ordinating pen color with necktie/bowtie. You, of course, are now mostly set for life (unless you like sterling silver cufflinks or black neckwear).

 

Your review reminded me how much I like this pen, so I pulled the Black Diamond out and inked it up for the weekend’s correspondence.

 

(chuckles) Trying to commandeer an RAF aircraft to buff up a fountain pen review – I like that. Now that’s enthusiasm. That’s the can-do attitude my country needs once again.

 

Ok, you may not be a number, but your pens certainly are – 10/10 (was my MB 149 looking when I said that?)

Edited February 7, 2009 by yachtsilverswan

[Classics]

I am getting myDiamond Black next week.

I can't wait

:roflmho: :roflmho:

 

[fuchsiaprincess]

What a classy pen. Classic. Solid. Practical. Thanks for a great review.

 

But what I REALLY like is the Boucheron, an overlay done about 10 years ago over an Edison. YUMM.

 

http://www.prices4antiques.com/item_images/medium/11/74/08-01.jpg

 

OMG!!! That's some serious PEN BLING!

[Ondina]

This is the kind of thread I should not be looking at, gives my heart too many extra beats per minute....

Great review, amazing pens.....totally awesome nibs. Thanks.