Which brand has the most elegant design?

[Richard]

By his definition a WWII Jeep would be the most elegant vehicle out there.

I think you're stretching to make a point.

 

In terms of engineering elegance, the Jeep M38A1 is indeed a truly elegant vehicle; it is simple, straightforward, reliable, and eminently suited to its intended function -- which is not to be an automobile for consumers but rather to be a brutishly tough utility vehicle for military use in all sorts of conditions, hospitable or otherwise.

 

The "51" is intended to be a consumer-grade writing instrument that works reliably under the broadest possible range of conditions, and at this it succeeds better than any other pen I know. This means that it's an elegant pen in the engineering sense.

 

And the capilary 61 should trump the "51" in all criteria.

Not so. The 61 does not fulfil its intended function as well as the "51" because the capillary system, although it is very reliable when properly cared for, requires more care than the fillers of the "51" -- especially the aerometric version. Furthermore, the inlaid arrow on the hood is an unnecessary part, liable to pop loose, and put there purely for show although it does actually serve to help some users align the nib. (But it's not necessary for that purpose, and Parker knew this when they designed it there.) Last, the plastic used in the 61 was deliberately chosen to reduce manufacturing costs -- you can injection-mold polystyrenes but not acrylics. With a reduction in cost there is inevitably a compromise elsewhere, and the compromise in this case comes in the form of an alarming tendency to crack.

 

The slip cap, while simple, wobbles and scrapes too much to meet my definition of "elegant".

Mine don't wobble or scrape. I can even push them on without careful alignment; they self-align and seat firmly with no wobbling. The modern 51 SE's cap, while ostensibly identical in function to the original, does scrape; but when I cap a 51 SE with a vintage cap, the cap just slides on smoothly with no scraping.

 

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/zoomed/51_cedar_sterling.jpg

Edited May 17, 2006 by Richard

[HesNot]

I suppose this does get into a discussion of what you consider to be "elegant". I am a "51" fan and consider it a wonderful example of modern design, both in form and function. I can understand (even if I don't agree) why some find it to be not as inspiring as I do (and as some others with a good deal more expertise do as well).

 

I don't like overlay designs and don't like a lot of metal other than a brushed flighter. So the Esterbrook "snake" pen doesn't really speak to me

 

I am also drawn to some other designs, however. I think the triumph nib Sheaffers and balances are wonderful designs, the triumph nibs being as close to a "51" profile uncapped as you can have with an open nib.

 

I also like some vintage and modern celluloid. From a purely aesthetic point of view, the CS Duro and 58 are beautiful designs made moreseo by the stunning array of materials in which they may be had.

[Richard]

As I said I'm FIRMLY in the "51" camp but I stand over my claim that the Falcon has a sexier nib

Sexier, yes. But not more elegant, at least not in the engineering sense, because it's not replaceable. If your Falcon's nib sheds iridium, or if you bend the nib irreparably, you have to replace the entire gripping section assembly. Finding one the right color, unless your pen is a Flighter, can be very difficult. The nib in a "51" can be replaced or straightened or, if desired, retipped; and this can usually be done without disassembling the pen or disturbing any other parts. That's elegant.

 

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/zoomed/51_blood.jpg

 

Hey, "51" fans, did you know that there exist Navy Gray Vacumatic "51"s? And how about a second Burgundy that's lighter than the usual one you find on aerometrics? True, both of 'em. I have a couple of Navy Gray Vac "51"s, and I just restored a Burgundy II aerometric for a client. These color variants, by the way, both appear to have been produced in England. Check out the revised color chart in my profile of the "51".

[Glenn-SC]

Can't agree with Glenn - I've several "51"s and the caps don't wobble or scrape. If they did I'd have them fixed ! One of the joys of the "51" is the way the cap oozes on like silk

Lets see,

a metal clutch ring + a metal clutch = metal on metal = scrapping

 

none of my "51"s from my first year to my SE "ooze" anywhere.

 

I didn't say they were loose. But there is enough free-play in the alignment when you put the cap on for it to wobble until it aligns and friction takes over.

 

I find a snap cap like a Lamy 2000 or a Waterman Carene far more satisfying than the "51" press fit.

 

And Richard, I never said the "51" wasn't suited for its function. They are like hammers. Hammers are good tools A good hammer is a joy to use and will last and perform for ever, Some are pretty cool looking and even come in neat colors. But it's not elegant.

 

As a FP the "51" works, very very well. I have several. They are great pens. They are not "art" and IMHO are not elegant. And, again IMHO, even another shade of grey is insufficient to reach "elegance".

 

I believe I have said more than enough.

[Richard]

Glenn, I think it comes down to the fact that because we approach this from differing viewpoints, we don't agree on the meaning of the word "elegant." No es problema.

[kissing]

i like Parker for their very wide range of designs to suit almost everyone ranging from the average joe who just wants a decent pen and the professional pen junkie who has a keen eye for beautiful pens.

[Dudley]

Viscontis are so beautiful~ but i dont trust myself with them, i drop stuff alot.

[marklavar]

For modern pens, Waterman wins hands down. I can't think of more attractive pens than the Edson, though the Exception isn't far behind.

 

S.T. Dupont is also up there, just behind Waterman.

[marklavar]

Viscontis are so beautiful~ but i dont trust myself with them, i drop stuff alot.

Yes, Visconti is another brand that knows how to make beautiful pens. But Dupont and Waterman pens feel more 'solid', more high quality somehow.

[marklavar]

i like Parker for their very wide range of designs to suit almost everyone ranging from the average joe who just wants a decent pen and the professional pen junkie who has a keen eye for beautiful pens.

I'm surprised so many people like the Parker 51 - I find it a boring, 'no frills' design. The best looking Parker is the Duofold, and the best of these are, in my opinion, Andreas Lambrou's masterpieces, the CP5 Modern and Vintage. I don't think Parker will ever dare to surpass these. When I hold a CP5 I feel like a millionaire - can you get a better feeling from a pen?

 

I've noticed a lot of people like Conway Stewart. Very nice pens, but really far too expensive!

[Slush99]

Parkers are really elegant pens.

[offbase]

I voted for Visconti, but if Stipula had been on the list, I'd have had a hard time choosing between the two. Honorable mention for Delta, as well. Italy may not win many wars (ducking), but man, can they make a pen!

[RyanL27]

I'm a little surprised by the lack of votes for Bexley. The new America the Beautiful in black with rose gold furniture is certainly elegant looking (even if it's a silly name for a pen IMHO).

 

Still, my vote goes to Aurora. There is something about the flowing shape of the clip on 88s and Optimas that I just love. I used to have a black and silver 88, and it's still the most elegant pen I've ever owned....wish I still had it.

[happy_time]

I don't much about FP yet.

I've seen Cross, Parker, Lamy, Mont Blanc, Waterman and Omas.

I voted for Mont Blanc, but also think Omas is pretty elegant as well.

[kissing]

I don't much about FP yet.

I've seen Cross, Parker, Lamy, Mont Blanc, Waterman and Omas.

I voted for Mont Blanc, but also think Omas is pretty elegant as well.

In other words...you mean to say

 

"They're ALL elegant!"

 

:roflmho: :ltcapd:

[wspohn]

And thinking of Metal pens one must certainly go with the all time classic....

Agree on the Parker 75. I have a couple of them and one of my favourites is an early flat tassie sterling Ciselle like yours that I just love writing with.

 

I think that the Waterman CF deserves more attention than it gets as well!

 

The nib, the clip - and on this one the Moire finish.

 

http://www.rhodo.citymax.com/i/non-rhodo/fa_10.JPG

[The Man]

Just making an comment, not complaining (I know there are limited spaces), but, I woulda' included S.T. DuPont as a choice. They got some REALLY nice numbers.

 

In terms of elegance, I chose Namiki, though (which IS my first choice anyways; I like my Cross Apogee for many other reasons that . . . don't need to include "elegance" -- though, that's certainly a reason to get a particular pen) as their Emperor and other series include some of my dream pens.

Edited July 25, 2006 by The Man

[FrankB]

From the manufacturers listed, I voted Parker. As a very small child, I saw a Parker '51' and nearly swooned. It was, for me, elegance plus. Yet, I am also taken by the current (1990+) Duofold line, that I think is a synthesis of elegant vintage and contemporary functionality.

 

BUT, you did not list Stipula. I think the oval-shaped Etruria O/S is as elegant as they come. It also speaks to vintage charm, and its shape is wonderfuly comfortable to hold. My unofficial vote is for the Stipula "Etruria."

[DavidM1]

el·e·gance n

1. a combination of graceful stylishness, distinction, and good taste in appearance, behaviour, or movement

2. a satisfying or admirable neatness, ingenious simplicity, or precision in something

3. an elegant thing or quality

 

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation.

 

 

I voted Lamy. I find a lot of their designs very elegant, and in particular the palladium Studio fountain pen.

 

Kelvin Tan's photos are gorgeous:

 

Lamy Studio Palladium

 

Here is another elegant photo from Michael Richter:

 

http://people.freenet.de/pensninks/Lamy%20Studio/Lamy%20Studio.jpg

 

Various other Lamy models, such as the rather pleasant 2000 series, also deserve a tick for contemporary elegance.

 

cheers,

 

David

Edited November 30, 2006 by DavidM1

[zyg]

For me, elegant means in subdued colors (I wouldn't attend meeting in the embassy in a motley suit), not extravagant in shape and with beautiful, large nib.

In my opinion, nib is the most beautiful part of the pen. I found that when I unscrew the cap, people first look at the nib. And really, nib is the heart of a pen. Large, nicely shaped nib will always catch people's eye. When I write a document, I often stop just to have a look at the nib, turn it around, look at different angles, etc.

I have no pens with hooded nibs in my collection, sorry fans of 51.

Today I am using black Visconti Van Gogh. This pen meets all my criteria of elegance. So do Meisterstuck 149 and 146.

Zyg