Montblanc Writers Edition - Jules Verne

[Sidestreaker]

It has been one of the most exciting week for me. I’ve been tracking an EMS for my WE Jules Verne for the past few days before its arrival and it came sooner than I thought. I was lucky enough to be able to obtain a new and unopened piece through an ebay seller from Taiwan. His response time was fast and delivery was prompt. Its like Christmas in March . Let’s dive into it shall we?

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141041.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141047.jpg

 

FIRST IMPRESSION

Sealed box, pristine and untouched within, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to obtain this piece. It’s a standard packaging for any WE, comes with the unwritten and unstamped warranty document. So, after few minutes going through the package, finally got to the pen. The soft cushioned holder for the pen is more secured and firm. This is handy just in case one gets too exciting , pops open the book-like box too hard and having the precious writing instrument plunging to the ground.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141061.jpg

 

DESIGN 8.5/10

This is perhaps one of the more popular and sort after WE in the market, and I have been contacting few boutiques and even the ones that are directly in linked with Hamburg has no stock of this anymore. Seeing it in person, I can see why. The guilloche pattern looks magnificent below the clear lacquer coupled with the platinum plated ends and cap edges and clip. It seems like most photograph shows it almost in marine blue tone, but in reality, it has a strong tint of purple on it, and a lot more colours/tone that the human eye can see and cameras and computer monitors could not duplicate. The curve edges of the cap and the piston knob gives a smooth and maritime theme to it, as the pen is mainly based on his fictional writing. The nib, beautifully carved with the diving helmet motive, providing much of the visual interests. Without doubt, in my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful pens ever made.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141082.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141064.jpg

 

 

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY 8/10

The relatively heavier feel of the pen compared to other MB resin-type pen gives it a solid and confident feel. All the parts and joints are flawlessly assembled, joints are smooth and it feels like it can take all the underwater pressure like the Nautilus itself, and torpedo though deep waters. When capped, it has no loose joints, and firmly seal the pen. One can feel there is more metal in this pen than many other. There tend to be more condensation here, perhaps due to the metal parts.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141089.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141092.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141094.jpg

 

 

WEIGHT AND BALANCE 7/10

Again, the weight is good, almost as heavy as the Shaw, given all the metal being used here. Writing it un-posted seems to be best as the cap may add to much weight and affects its balance.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141097.jpg

 

NIB AND PERFORMANCE 8/10

One of the smoothest nib I have used, after the Mark Twain. It has a little of flex to it, and the flow is wet and consistent. One thing I do notice is the very weight of the pen seems to add a bit of pressure to the nib when writing, coupled with the silky smooth nib, giving it a different writing experience. I’m using Royal Blue at the moment and it’s and absolute bliss!

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141111-1.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3191311.jpg

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3191313.jpg

 

REFILL SYSTEM 8/10

This is a standard MB piston filler, can’t find fault in it and it works flawlessly. There’s no ink window here though, as I would love to see my blue ink flowing from it! The piston knob detached nicely from the rest of the barrel with ornate pattern rings at the edges. Just love those details.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141116.jpg

 

VALUE 7/10

This is to date the most expensive pen I have paid. I got this online at USD 1100 which I feel is rather worth it for a new and untouched pen of such beauty.

 

SUMMARY 7.75

I seldom purchased anything online without knowing exactly how it feels or looks like in person and the one and only time I have laid eyes on this was through a glass case during and exhitbition at the local mall last month. This is one of the WE that any serious collector should have in their must have list.

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141123.jpg

Comparison nib with the 146 and 149

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141119.jpg

Comparison in size with the 146 and 149

 

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P3141164.jpg

Comparison between WE Mark Twain and WE Jules Verne design for the barrel shares the similar concept of using water and waves , one which uses etched resin and the other guilloche with lacquer.

[tuintu]

Wow! Verne is my favourite writer. Thanks for the review!

 

great writer and great pen. btw i'm jealous of your nice pen. :embarrassed_smile:

 

enjoy!

[rogerb]

Gosh, I wouldn't like to be one of your students ....such tough marking accompanying such glowing comments

Lovely pen!

[floydee1]

Jules Verne is one of my favorite writers.

 

 

The pen is an inspiration. Looks like like your review does him (and the pen) justice.

 

Enjoy

[Titanic9990]

i love the nib design, almost reminiscent of a buouy line yet quite elegant

[reprieve]

The Verne is one of my favorite Montblancs, and probably my second favorite WE. Mine came with a broad nib, but it is really more of a BB--it's very stubbish and very wet, a wonderful writer! The only downside for me is the pen's weight. I do like heavy pens, but this is one of the heaviest I own; I don't use it for marathon writing sessions.

[isaacrn]

Very lucky in deed. I have been wanting a Verne for some time. You dont see them come up for sale very often.

[Nuclear_Duchess]

Wow, I'd buy that pen just for the beautiful nib!

 

I'm usually not a fan of LE pens based around an author but this one has been done with real flair, evocative of his work without shoving it in your face. You only have to look at Conklin's Mark Twain Crescent Filler to see an example of it done badly!

[breaker]

excellent review and pics!

[canucklehaed]

Thanks for the great review!! This pen is certainly on my "must have" list. Enjoy!

[torstar]

When I dust it off for the rotation it takes a day for the hand muscles to adjust to the imbalance when posted.

 

And it's not quite long enough to write with unposted.

[colincarter]

what an awesome pen, great review aswell

 

i can see why these WE editions are sought after

[lsmith42]

Picking mine up this week. It's the only WE that ever interested me in any way. Great memories of reading Verne when I was a kid.

[Legal Eagle]

I really like the look of this pen. I've been drooling over it for a couple of years now; the nib is just awesome.

Great review!

[Sidestreaker]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Glad you like it :ltcapd:

[goodguy]

My Verne is my second most loved WE after my Hemi.

Enjoy your pen and thank you for the review

[lewis]

Beautiful pen. Not seen that one before so thanks for sharing.

[LateAwakening]

Does anyone know, which type of nibs are available (if at all nowadays) for the MB Jules Verne? I'm about to buy one myself and have a liking for cursive nibs, however I've only read about F and M nibs on this limited edition so far (and assume there was a B as well). Were there any other nibs and if yes, where can these still be obtained?

 

Regards,

André

[Thornton]

This has been at the top of my "to buy" list ever since I got my 149 last month. Thanks for a wonderful review of a beautiful pen.

[bassplayrr]

Beautiful pen befitting of the author's name.

 

That nib engraving takes the cake as my all time favorite.