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Mont Blanc Trends And The Future


timtom33

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Hi everyone, first time poster, long time lurker!

 

Does anyone know if Mont Blanc will ever release any more pens like the Hemingway, Agatha Christie, 1912, 1914 etc?

 

I expect only Mont Blanc themselves can probably answer that, but curious what the feelings of others here on this forum are. I think everyone will agree that these are classic pens and the perfect balance of size and appealing design details.

 

The trend these days from Mont Blanc seems to be thinner pens, or very over the top pens, which whilst they are thicker, are also too blingy in my humble opinion.

 

Obviously i am late to the party and should have started collecting in the 90's onwards! I even missed out on the 1912 which is very nice and a 2016 release (I think)?

 

Thanks for your time and have a great day!

 

Regards,

 

Tom

Edited by timtom33
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~ timtom33:

 

Welcome to Fountain Pen Network!

The Montblanc Forum includes quite an active group of highly experienced Montblanc users.

Conjecture about future releases is problematic, as in Hamburg Montblanc has dozens of projects underway in various stages of development.

Every year the fresh fountain pen releases seem to include a few which appeal to those who like and respect Montblanc.

Thank you for taking time to join this forum.

Tom K.

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I took the OP’s post as a comment on the recent design direction of Montblanc, rather than a request for information about future releases. I kinda agree with him.

 

Take the writers editions, for example. The Kipling and Homer are both oversized and unsuitable as everyday pens, and the Hugo is too ornate. They fail the “could I really use this pen when people can see me” test. I can understand how the older Christie or Hemingway might appeal far more, and I like the Fitzgerald best.

 

Probably the Boheme and Heritage 1912 were the most recent examples of interesting and entirely usable new Montblanc models that could have wide appeal. It would be nice if something like these was available. I suspect the M doesn’t quite enthuse in the same way - I respect what Montblanc was trying but it came across to me as a simple student pen marketed as the last word in sophistication.

 

Bigger and more ornate don’t equate to better - not to me, anyway. In a way it seems like lazy design and a lack of ideas when the pen features so many cosmetic embellishments. That said, I don’t think other pen makers have released any new pen designs to match the Boheme or 1912 that I can recall, so Montblanc deserves great credit for those. We can’t expect a clever new pen concept every couple of years.

 

My 2c.

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No, I don‘t think they will issue pens like the Christie or Hemingway again. Those times are over.

 

I‘m a big fan of those „simple“ (or pure) Meisterstück interpretations with vintage design inspirations. But still I enjoy one or another new release. Even they speak a totally different language.

 

Sometimes I catch myself wishing for another new pen following the ideas of the 1990s edition. But on the other hand a nice Christie can still be found for less the price that most current Montblanc limited edition pens.

 

Cheers

 

Michael

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I took the OP’s post as a comment on the recent design direction of Montblanc, rather than a request for information about future releases. I kinda agree with him.

 

Take the writers editions, for example. The Kipling and Homer are both oversized and unsuitable as everyday pens, and the Hugo is too ornate. They fail the “could I really use this pen when people can see me” test. I can understand how the older Christie or Hemingway might appeal far more, and I like the Fitzgerald best.

 

Probably the Boheme and Heritage 1912 were the most recent examples of interesting and entirely usable new Montblanc models that could have wide appeal. It would be nice if something like these was available. I suspect the M doesn’t quite enthuse in the same way - I respect what Montblanc was trying but it came across to me as a simple student pen marketed as the last word in sophistication.

 

Bigger and more ornate don’t equate to better - not to me, anyway. In a way it seems like lazy design and a lack of ideas when the pen features so many cosmetic embellishments. That said, I don’t think other pen makers have released any new pen designs to match the Boheme or 1912 that I can recall, so Montblanc deserves great credit for those. We can’t expect a clever new pen concept every couple of years.

 

My 2c.

 

Thanks to both posters above for your comments on this thread thus far.

 

MoriartyR summed up better than I could my thoughts on the direction of current Mont Blanc lineup. They seem more like desk/pocket jewelry rather than practical and usable pens. You summed up my thoughts perfectly with your comments on the subject. Thank you! When you look back on some of the all time greats and what they got right, i am not seeing it in todays range. The older Writers Editions were meant to be used, by writers, but now they look like they just belong in a display case and are indeed too ornate and over complicated.

 

The M you mentioned is a good example of them going a step too far, even when trying to be understated and simple. The logo on the plateau is not necessary. Only pen i've seen with a logo facing the person opposite as you are writing and it looks awkward. It could have been like another 1912 which actually looks very subtle when using and that's a nice thing. Also like the weight of that pen and find most of the range very very light.

Edited by timtom33
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If you are determined it isn’t impossible to buy a brand new Heritage 1912 at or around the original selling price. I was late to the party too but I managed to obtain two this year with my preferred fine nibs (I liked the first one so much I had to find another). Finding a medium nib is easier.

 

I agree that the understated design is a big part of the attraction. The pen design speaks for itself, and even more so when you write with it. Any embellishment would detract from its appeal.

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If you are determined it isn’t impossible to buy a brand new Heritage 1912 at or around the original selling price. I was late to the party too but I managed to obtain two this year with my preferred fine nibs (I liked the first one so much I had to find another). Finding a medium nib is easier.

 

I agree that the understated design is a big part of the attraction. The pen design speaks for itself, and even more so when you write with it. Any embellishment would detract from its appeal.

 

I would very much like to obtain a 1912 and held one recently hence deciding it was a great pen. Where would you recommend finding a brand new one in a medium nib? I have asked around shops and also looked online, and nothing. Not willing to take the risk with ebay as i want to be sure its the real thing and they all seem to be used with incomplete or inconsistent boxes and papers etc.

Edited by timtom33
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No doubt others can give far better advice than me, but one of mine was the last in stock from a Montblanc certified retailer that I contacted and the other was on eBay but listed by a seller I could verify was a reputable brick & mortar pen store in Germany. I can’t believe that I got the only ones left in the world - there must be more sitting, boxed and unsold, in pen stores.

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A pen shop in Geneva has at least one in their stock. And i saw one in a department store where i bought one of my 1912s. I am coveting the not yet released egyptology. And give a second try to the calligraphy. I have a 20% coupon so the price is less steep.

Edited by nibtip
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Thanks for the advice guys! Good tips and i will keep looking at smaller independant pen shops, because as you say, they must have some sitting around and not sell as many as a big city.

 

On the subject of Egypotomia, i like the black and gold fountain pen! Only concern is it look quite thin, similar to the rouge et noir. But love the vintage look of the pen! I see it uses the same nib as the 1912 so it's going to write really nicely!

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The 1912 and the Petit Prince pens have struck the right notes for me. I don't think any of the WE's have appealed to me from the Defoe on.

Edited by Uncial
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That sounds very tasteful whfpn. I am looking to add a 149 but want something a bit different than the standard model. Something like this would do nicely!

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