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How Durable Is The Pilot Vp's Mechanism(S)?

Filot Palcon

By Filot Palcon
in Japan - Asia

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Doug1426 Vintage

Doug1426

Posted
Posted

How long can a Pilot VP be expected to last? What usually breaks first?

I have 15+ VPs and never had a problem. Some I have used regularly for over 7 years. I expect my wallet will break before the mechanism on any of them, especially with the older LE models I want to buy.

"History Teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives." Abba Eban

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Tas Donor Pen

Tas

Posted
Posted

Mine is over five years and whilst its "matte black" finish is nicely wearing away the mechanism, touch wood, is still going strong.

 

Lovely pen :)

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mbankirer Extremely Rare

mbankirer

Posted
Posted

Over the many years and many VPs I've owned, i have had only one that "broke"...the very tiny spring that works the trap door, sprung. Sent it to the Namiki/Pilot service center, as directed when I contacted them, and received it back in full working condition in short time!

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tragique Rare

tragique

Posted
Posted

There are accounts on this forum of people using the same VP regularly for over 10-15 years. I'm sure at some point something would give, but the VP design has been around for decades and I'm sure much thought has been put into improving it over time.

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rickygene Mint

rickygene

Posted
Posted

My first VP was a black carbonesque. Bought in '01 I think and used it daily till I lost it in 2012. it showed no signs of wear in either the mechanism or in the finish over that time. I certainly didn't baby it. My usual method of carriage was clipped to a notepad and chucked in my work bag. They are amazingly durable. Bought another to replace it immediately - still a pen I use every day for quick notes. I now use my Custom 823 for longer writing sessions as I find it more comfortable to write with.

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Orthostylos Mint

Orthostylos

Posted
Posted

My daily carry is a matte black faceted vanishing point from 1993 (Namiki back then). Other than the clicker brassing, have never had a problem with the mechanism. Used daily except for a hiatus in 2005-8.

 

Hope to keep using for a long time to come.

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  • 1 year later...
Donald2 Rare

Donald2

Posted
Posted

Very nice! I'm thinking of getting the Matte Black VP with the Fine and the Extra Fine nib. I already own the VP in Black/Rhodium, Black/Gold and Red/Stainless Steel.

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tragique Rare

tragique

Posted
Posted (edited)

There are VPs still around from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. I think the mechanism has more than proven itself to be extremely dependable and reliable.

 

Quite a few people on FPN have been using the same VP for the past decade or two, without anything more than normal wear and tear on the body.

Edited by tragique
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