New CS Models

[Immoteus]

I like the look of the Bard, although unposted it does remind me of a kit pen... And the rear of the regency looks a bit odd. It appears to be designed for writers with (really) high grips.

[Deirdre]

I think the cap of the Regency looks weirder than the rear, but I don't care for the lines on that pen at all.

[Ondina]

Not happy that they're Europe-only.

 

For a change, you mean? Well, you can always ask a nice European to get it and ship it over for you.

What do you mean for a change? They haven't had US-exclusive models afaik.

 

I don't have to ask a European to get it for me, heck, I can order off a European web site myself.

 

 

Most of the time is the other way around: the models are made only for the US market, and this happens in a 1:9 rate. See for example, the remake of the Pelikan Turtoise M400. Sells only in the US.

 

I did not mean to offend you suggesting you may have to ask a European member. Yes, you can order from a website. Will they ship outside Europe?

[Ondina]

So here's my disappointment.

 

1) These new colors are not being offered to US customers, but we know from the bespoke sale that most of the bespoke colors and also some colors in the regular range are being discontinued.

 

2) While many manufacturers make a model or two for a given market, or sometimes colors for a given market (as different cultures have different color biases), these new lines constitute half of CS's regular production pens. That feels like a slap to non-European customers.

 

I just feel like I got told that one of my favorite pen lines didn't want me as a customer.

 

Pens are often marketed that way in many other brands. Sailor's Profit line. Specific colors/models for certain markets ( I'm thinking on export models, or demo colors for example). Even limited editions just to be sold in one country that is not the one of origin. Inks being produced for shops/certain country only. So the slap is more often on Europeans than the other way around.

[Deirdre]

I did not mean to offend you suggesting you may have to ask a European member. Yes, you can order from a website. Will they ship outside Europe?

Oh, you didn't offend me, I'm much more difficult to offend than that. I was perplexed is all. I'm sure I could find one that would ship overseas.

 

The question is: do I really want to buy a pen when I've been specifically excluded as a customer?

 

In some cases, this could mean it would be more problematic to repair. For example, for Pelikan, if I buy an Asia-only model, their distributor won't handle service. I don't think CS is that kind of company, but I have to make the judgment about whether a pen is worth possible duty hassles, possible repair hassles, etc.

[Frits B]

I'll be interested to see the prices on these. If CS prices these lines at the level I expect (say, £250/$450 and over), it's going to be very hard to justify charging that much for C/C fillers with Bock nibs, handcrafted in the UK or not.

 

David

According to the mailing RRP is Bard GBP 370 / EUR 445, Raleigh GBP 380 / EUR 455, Regency GBP 295 / EUR 355, Winston GBP 395 / EUR 475, and Finesse GBP 545 / EUR 655.

 

 

 

[QM2]

I prefer the classic models in terms of looks, form, and gripping section design. And I am more than a little frustrated that every new model CS releases seems to be C/C only.

[MiniMaupassant]

These new models are ok, but like QM2, I prefer the classic models. (Please reinstate the 58 and Dandy). I was also disappointed about the (lack of) choice of filling systems.

I do love the Coral Green resin in the Regency, but not convinced about the wavy shape (and given the choice, I would rather have it on a 58).

Edited June 9, 2009 by MiniMaupassant

[rhosygell]

The Raleigh looks like a done over Waterman 94 with more bling - similar proportions and stepped barrel ends.

 

Seems to be a little pricey too.

Edited June 9, 2009 by rhosygell

[gylyf]

QUOTE (Frits B @ Jun 9 2009, 04:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'll be interested to see the prices on these. If CS prices these lines at the level I expect (say, £250/$450 and over), it's going to be very hard to justify charging that much for C/C fillers with Bock nibs, handcrafted in the UK or not.

 

David

According to the mailing RRP is Bard GBP 370 / EUR 445, Raleigh GBP 380 / EUR 455, Regency GBP 295 / EUR 355, Winston GBP 395 / EUR 475, and Finesse GBP 545 / EUR 655.

 

So one would be paying well over $500 for resin, a C/C filler, and a Bock nib. Most modern pens are overpriced, but I continue to be astounded by CS's prices.

[Bill Smith]

Interesting choice of marketing new models in one region and not worldwide. I doubt Mary Burke had a hand this decision but no doubt after reading this thread she will be asking questions.

[gylyf]

Also, from the brochure, it looks like these are destined for the Eurasian markets, not just Europe. In other words, CS is going where the money is these days.

 

From the brochure: "Conway Stewart is delighted to introduce a new collection for 2009 exclusively distributed to our Eurasian markets."

 

David

Edited June 9, 2009 by cellulophile

[jar]

If they are marketing to the Eurasian crowd, may I suggest two additional models, The Charles V and Suleiman Editions. Of course the Suleiman will have to be an ornate overlay while the Charles V should break apart into two functioning parts. :thumbup:

[Hoarder68]

The Finesse is the only one I would be interested in,and I am not sure about that.

[Deirdre]

The Finesse is the only one I would be interested in,and I am not sure about that.

No question I'm interested in the Finesse, and I don't mind c/c in a sterling pen.

[Deirdre]

If they are marketing to the Eurasian crowd, may I suggest two additional models, The Charles V and Suleiman Editions. Of course the Suleiman will have to be an ornate overlay while the Charles V should break apart into two functioning parts. :thumbup:

Okay, this made me laugh.

[Frits B]

Also, from the brochure, it looks like these are destined for the Eurasian markets, not just Europe. In other words, CS is going where the money is these days.

 

From the brochure: "Conway Stewart is delighted to introduce a new collection for 2009 exclusively distributed to our Eurasian markets."

 

David

Interestingly the mail I received says clearly "European".

[Deirdre]

Mary's pages say European too.

 

"European Editions

New for 2009 -- Exclusivey for European Markets"

[Carrie]

The e-mail states European market. I quite like the Raleigh or the Winston. The Finesse doesn't appeal to me with its metal section. The Bard I don't like with the step down to the section and the Regency looks nice until you get to the end of the barrel and then it looks like it's just gone a bit wrong.

[gylyf]

Mary's pages say European too.

 

"European Editions

New for 2009 -- Exclusivey for European Markets"

 

Actually, Mary's page also says "Eurasian." Here you go:

 

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f370/metafacticity/Picture1-1.png

 

You have to read the whole brochure, not just the big title ;-).

 

Best,

David

Edited June 9, 2009 by cellulophile