I'm a real fan of the new Frosty Steel finish, a translucent blue lacquer over a chain engraved cap and barrel. Very tough to photograph and get the pattern in without unwanted reflections. Should be at Cross dealers early September.


Cross Apogee Frosty Steel Fountain Pen


Cross Apogee Sable Ball-Point Pen


Cross Apogee Chrome Staccato Fountain Pen

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

FYI - Photos copyright © 2006 Jim Mamoulides / PenHero.com

I just received a Cross catalog today. It appears the Century II line also receives an updated FP. This model, in sterling silver, has a barrel which appears wider, with less taper toward the capped end. The text reads: "The elegant lines and conical top recall the iconic Classic Century, while the medium-diameter barrel offers a luxurious feel." [Item No. HN3009, priced at $200 MSRP.] This gives the Century II line more appeal, IMHO, to those who prefer a barrel not quite so thin.

Sorry I don't have a picture; the Cross website displays all pens capped.

If they would just make it a piston fill..... :doh:

Whooo-hoooo. I agree with PenHero -- that Frosty Steel number IS somethin' (I guess I like the engraved look).

Looks like they're gonna take a dark brown look with the box (or is that just due to the lighting) vs. the solid black they had for the engraved chrome, and the other two from the introductory Apogee models.

Still like my engraved chrome VERY VERY VERY much, though. If Cross'd do an 18-K gold-filled number, like they do for the Townsend FP line, I'd be quite interested (hmmm . . . time to call Cross customer service with the suggestion ).

Great job with this new seemingly "urban" line of the Apogees.



I think the Century II line does include a piston (-like?) fill, no? Cross calls theirs a "converter."

Hi all -
I'm new to the group, and wish to say this is a marvelous forum on one of my favorite instruments of creativity. That said, does anyone know if the new Apogees are still USA-manufactured, or has production totally gone overseas? My small collection of 70's and newer pens is primarily American-made, and I'd like to add an Apogee in black to my modest collection if it still comes from these shores. If not, I may add one anyways!

Thanks.
Hugh

Welcome to the Network, WriteAway!

The Apogees I've seen so far are marked "China" on the box. However, one of our forum members "refillczar" is a manager at Cross and he assures us that some pieces used on the pens are made in China, like the band around the barrel, the clip (etc) but the entire FP front section as well as it's assembly are done stateside.

I do like the Apogee's but have one 'issue' with the clip. The underside of the clip is too smooth, does not grab my pocket at all.

Has one one else found this?

I gotta' say I've not experienced that. At least in my case, the bottom of the clip (the "clamp" is what Richard Binder calls the area) is flush and tight right against the satin band; if that's not what's what's happening with your clip (i.e., if the clamp area seems to be bouncing off the satin band), aderoy, hmmm . . . I'd contact Cross to see if the mechanism needs a looksee.

I really like the finish on the sable version. Just wish they had gone with gold trim instead of the silver. Gold just works better with colors like that...IMO.