I went to a shop with the idea of picking up a Waterman Charleston. But I left the store with a green L'Etalon. (I find this often happens that I enter a store with something is mind and leave with something else.) I have not been able to find any reviews of the Waterman L'Etalon. What little I know is that it has been discontinued. Anyone happen to know why? I'm new to this forum and rather ignorant about fountain pen particulars. This doesn't seem to have interfered with my desire to obtain certain fountain pens. Nevertheless, I would like to know more about this recent purchase of mine. The pen has a good balanced weight that feels good and I prefer the fine nib. I thought it might be a bit scratchy at first but now it doesn't. Any additional information would be appreciated.

I am no Waterman expert, but I do remember in 1995 when I worked for Executive Essentials in Chicago that the Edison was originally labeled as a L'Etalon Edson. They were beautiful pens and came in blue or green. I regret not having purchased on of them for myself. The picture you have attached is not the same pen as I remember it, so I am of little help to you in your quest for an answer. Just an old observation. I do seem to recall L'Etalon was like their top of the line model.

As stated above, I'm new to this forum and I must say it is a great resource. It wasn't until after the posting that I was able to find a thorough bit of information on the L'Etalon elsewhere on the network. Please forgive the redundancy. The L'Etalon is my first Waterman and I admit that I got a bit excited about it.

I have a Waterman L'Etalon in sterling silver and must say it is one of my favorite cartridge/converter pens. It handles very well, the nib is superb (and very French in style), and it looks fantastic with the basketweave finish.

In my opinion, your purchase of the discontinued L'Etalon will give you many years of writing pleasure with a truly outstanding pen. Congratulations!

I think L'Etalon came out as Waterman was phasing out the Gentleman pens, but I am not sure (been a long time since I have been to Fahrney's). It was not top of the line, but upper mid-range; I think retail for the lacquered pens was around 250.00, with the gold -plated and the sterling versions costing 350.00+.

Now, as to why Waterman discontinues certain pens? I think it is just to make me mad!


diane

Edited to brag

I have 3: burgundy, green, gold-plated.

That's like my pen! I bought it in Toulouse in 2002 when 1 euro was equal to about 85 cents! (Now at 1 euro = $1.60, I can no longer afford it!
I too like the balance and the nib, although mine is medium.
One word of warning, don't drop your Etalon. Despite its heft, it is a fine delicate instrument.
Patrick
ps. Where did you find it?

Great pen and wonderful writer. enjoy it. I sold my green on with a Fine nib because it was a little too fine for me. I sort of regret it. I wish I could pick up one with a medium nib on the cheap but even after being discontinued these pens are not available ----at least I have not seen them----at reduced prices. enjoy it. j

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Hi JohnC,

Cheapest I have seen so far is 174.99 on eBay (pens_n_more, a very good seller). I got my green one when Pam Braun was clsoing them out for like 90.00, I think. My burgundy, I got that one from pencity for about 45.00


diane