Which Parker Or Waterman Flagship Would You Get?

[Evergreen]

I now live near where modern Parker and Waterman pens are made in Nantes, France. As an American living in France I thought it would be neat to buy a classic new pen with roots in both countries from near the source. Which would you suggest as the classic, contemporary pen that is the best of the brand? And, in a choose between those two, which would you select? What are the major differences? So far I've been looking at the waterman Edson and the Parker Duofold.

[sirksael]

I think the Edson is more of an exceptional pen, a Parker duofold should rather be compared to a Waterman Exception.

 

I have never tried an Edson so I cannot comment on that, but the other pens are really more or less equivalent to me. Both come in a standard and an oversize model to suit your tastes, and both exist is a variety of trimmings.

 

From what I read, the edson is supposed to be in a class of its own above these models, there are some duofold limited editions that are around the same price but that just comes down to the model, the technology is identical to the standard duofolds.

 

For me personally, the waterman exception Sterling Silver is the one on my "want" list at the moment.

[rdh]

To me, it sort of depends on what you mean by classic and contemporary. Parker's pens have more classic styling, while Waterman is contemporary in its styling. I am sure that the parent company tries to keep the 2 brands distinct in that way. You have picked the flagships for each brand and it really comes down to your preferences. Try each out. Whichever strikes a chord with you is the one you should get.

 

Dave

[Quill1]

I have both a Edson and a Duofold Centennial, for me they are very special with their own unique ways. I chose them for how they look, feel and write. The Edson is very stiff and the Duofold is not ! I like both. It all comes down to your personal preferences. I think it cool that you are in place where both are now made. I know you will enjoy your final choices.

[jameswatts]

I have both, and as Quill1 stated, they are very individual pens. The Edson is much heavier, but the balance is perfect, posted or unposted. The nib is very stiff (mine is a fine) but it is extremely smooth -- without the toothiness that some very fine nibs have. The Duofold is a medium nib, and it practically skates over the surface of the page. When posted it is quite long, but it is so well balanced that I can use it without any discomfort for long periods of writing.

 

If I had to choose one over the other and money was no object, I'd probably go for the Edson because of its striking looks and its solid feel in the hand.

[Mags]

I love my Parker Duofold....it is a classic and writes well. Treat yourself to a stub nib too.

[georges zaslavsky]

Never an edson and never a modern Parker. A man 100 or a vintage duofold for sure but never something from newell rubber maid

[ParkerBeta]

Of the present day offerings from Parker, I would recommend the Duofold Centennial and the Premier stealth special edition. Both are cartridge converter fillers, but their designs are distinct, and both have superb balance. They are both good for serious writing.

[ArchiMark]

Both the Edson and Duofold are great pens....as others mentioned, the Edson is a very handsome pen and writes well, IF you like firm nibs....

 

As for the Duofold, there are many specific designs to choose from....

 

While it's hard to pick just one, the Duofold Senior Striped LE's are probably my top choice, contemporary design, derived from some vintage classic designs...they are on the pricier end of the Duofold line though.....

 

If they're too much for your budget, then there are many other handsome ones at lower cost. Just depends upon your design/color preferences. Such as the fun True Blue LE or non-LEs such as the Checks or Mosaics, etc....can't go wrong with whichever one you choose...and there are many to choose from!

[Silvermink]

I'd like a Waterman Exception.

[richardandtracy]

I made my choice a couple of years ago. A Pearl & Black Duofold. Nothing else looks quite so attractive. However, compared to the Broad Italic in my Duofold, a P51 seems quite flexy.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[wspohn]

We really need more information about your preferences and price range. You've had some good suggestions so far.

[jslallar]

I made my choice a couple of years ago. A Pearl & Black Duofold. Nothing else looks quite so attractive. However, compared to the Broad Italic in my Duofold, a P51 seems quite flexy.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

 

 

+1

 

IMHO:

EDSON: More than contemporary, it is futuristic even radical, beautiful. large heavy pen well balanced, very stiff and very smooth nib, good flow, a pen that should have been an icon but is NOT.

 

DUOFOLD: On the other hand IS an icon. Pearl and black, pearl and grey and blue marble finishes are beath takingly beautiful and must haves, gretaer nib variety abd choice, and though stiff, the nib feels less stiff than Edson, classic styling and history for the model.

 

Out here in Asia, Parker is the most famous and accessible of the big brands, more famous than MB, and Waterman and Sheaffer are close seconds.

[raging.dragon]

Waterman Edson. Preferably the first (120th anniversary?) stirling silver LE, if you can find it.

[olivier78860]

The Waterman Edson is a great pen, even if the nib is really firm. It has perfect balance and proportions, uncapped.

 

The Sérénité has a very nice design, but I feel it comes a bit cheap (the section isn't really well-worked on, in my opinion), so that would be my choice if I could find it for a very good price.

The Parker Duofold Centennial is a very great pen too, in godron pattern.

 

If I were to buy an Edson (I already have the blue one in M), I'd go for the Boucheron limited edition now, with a fine or medium nib (of course, nearly impossible to find for a non ridiculous price).

[leod]

a vintage offering from both brands

[wspohn]

The Waterman Edson is a great pen, even if the nib is really firm. It has perfect balance and proportions, uncapped.

 

The Sérénité has a very nice design, but I feel it comes a bit cheap (the section isn't really well-worked on, in my opinion), so that would be my choice if I could find it for a very good price.

The Parker Duofold Centennial is a very great pen too, in godron pattern.

 

If I were to buy an Edson (I already have the blue one in M), I'd go for the Boucheron limited edition now, with a fine or medium nib (of course, nearly impossible to find for a non ridiculous price).

 

 

The Boucheron is quite rare to see on the market, and as you say, always at least moderately expensive (and often more), and with 18K thin overlay, perhaps better suited to use at home than as a travelling pen (I normally use mine at home). The sterling version is a nice pen - the material seems to suit the shape of the pen.

[Evergreen]

Thanks for all the input. Regarding the request for more precise desires, I guess I'm looking for a good souvenir, a pen that is the best of the current era and will be a future icon. Plus butter smooth, hassle free medium nib. I would likely get the most conservative option of either pen, though the sapphire blue Edson and black and white duofold are temptingly stunning. Another question - is the exception now considered their flagship? Any thoughts on charleston and other top end watermen?

[raging.dragon]

Thanks for all the input. Regarding the request for more precise desires, I guess I'm looking for a good souvenir, a pen that is the best of the current era and will be a future icon. Plus butter smooth, hassle free medium nib. I would likely get the most conservative option of either pen, though the sapphire blue Edson and black and white duofold are temptingly stunning. Another question - is the exception now considered their flagship? Any thoughts on charleston and other top end watermen?

 

I believe the Edson, Serenity and Exception are the current Waterman flagship models.

[rdh]

You could also get a Parker Sonnet. Get the one in sterling silver cisele. This is the offspring of a previous flagship of the Parker line, the 75. It already is an icon. Personally, I would try to get a 75, although they are no longer in production. I thought I didn't really like small pens or metal pens, but the 75 cisele is terrific-looking, excellent-writing and extremely versatile. It has a unique and wonderful feel that is not found in other pens that have come across my path.

 

Dave