I Like Montblanc As Much As The Next Guy, But........

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

Why is everybody some enamored by the 149 pen. It has to be one of the most boring pens of the last 100 years.

 

Yes it's huge, yes it has a huge nib, yes it has no style.

 

It would be nice if it came in other materials, or colors like other pens.

 

I own more than one Montblanc but I prefer the ones with mor style like the Platinum Plated Facet Classique or the Bohemé Pirouette Lilas and even my Starwalker Cool blue.

 

Come on Montblanc, make pens with more flair! I want to but more pens but the only interesting pens have been the limited editions.

 

It almost reminds me of the old Forf model T, you can get it in any color you want as long as it is Black.

[max dog]

Why meddle with perfection?

[Mister Mont Blanc]

I completely agree with you and am also a 149 lover. I felt the same way about their wallets but now seeing the 3+ new leather/wallet colors, new colored resins, and new pen designs, I think they'll keep making changes and I'm excited to see what they will create this new year! The 149 does have a few variations but they are quite more expensive than the regular model. I'm hoping they'll either rethink some model options OR create a whole new line in the same size as the 149 which would be awesome too. They are probably not wanting to mess with their classic design but nothing wrong with using a working method and changing it a bit for more exposure. I would love a "normalized" version of the Heritage 1914 for its size and mechanism, the 1912 is just too small for me.

[linearM]

My question is, are they worth the price? Is the quality really there compared to other pens or are you just paying for the name Mont Blanc? I don't own one because I can't afford one. I see so many for sale in the classifieds so people must have some reason for selling them...problems....over rated...just a status symbol? It also seems that there have been more questions within the last year regarding the need for repairs.

 

It is unfair of me to judge I suppose, not owning one, but I'm not too enamored with their style either.

 

Perhaps there is something new coming down the pike. In my son's watch magazine there was an article about Mont Blanc. It seems that pens are rather a small part of their total market sales. They are better know for their watches, running from $2000-$25000 if I recall. The new president of the company was the head of a watch company before and according to him new product lines are supposed to be coming out...so.

Edited December 27, 2014 by linearM

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

I like the look of the Coral colored Heritage 1914 but not it's 17K price tag.

 

Why meddle with perfection?

That is the point, they have not attained perfection.

 

Do no get me wrong however, they always need to keep this Ionic Black/gold trim pen as it is very special but please offer some other options.

[takkun]

Agreed. I've mentioned on other threads how much I love the pens they offered in the 50s-70s-- the oddly named Classics (2-digit/3-digit slim pens), the Noblesse, Carerra, and so on. The 149 is not bad, but it's huge, and everything else they offer just seems ridiculously ornate. I do like the Cruise line, but of course, I'm biased.

 

My 121 is a dream to write with, and one gorgeous, understated-looking pen (but still with plenty of gold trim). They know how to make some great writing pens, but I only wish they could follow their history and make some less ostentatious models. I know they're a very upmarket brand, but they used to make a whole line of very nice FPs and pencils. I'd like to see them focus more on writing quality than just selling that name.

Edited December 27, 2014 by takkun

[Hector67]

I think that exactly the thing with MB. It is a premium brand. 146,149 and all the other production pens are "entry level ". Sure you can buy them with accesories and prices can go somewhat high , but if you want different, unique, then Its going to cost you... they are not in the business of making everyone happy, they are in the business of making you want one.

[A1979]

Well, you can buy the solid gold version, the solid silver or the platinum...

[Medsen Fey]

Ariel Kullock does some incredible sterling silver overlays for a 149. You can get something beautiful and unique.

[Joane]

I don't write with a 149 because it's too big for my hand but I use a 144, 145 and 146 and I love the design of the Meisterstück line amd I love their feel in the hand while writing.

[meiers]

In my world all the Meisterstûck pens are very reliable workhorses. That is all I ask for.

[max dog]

I like the look of the Coral colored Heritage 1914 but not it's 17K price tag.

 

 

That is the point, they have not attained perfection.

 

Do no get me wrong however, they always need to keep this Ionic Black/gold trim pen as it is very special but please offer some other options.

While I agree it would be great for Montblanc to offer more variety in their offering, with the 149 they don't because the quickest way to kill an icon is to water it down with too many variations. Pelikan does the same with their flagship M1000. Only available in striated green or all black. You dont see tortoise, red, blue etc like with the m800, M600 etc. With Montblanc in the 146 there are a lot of variatons, but they protect the iconic 149. Lamy does that with their 2000, only available in all black and recently in stainless steel.

 

And as far as boring? I find the cigar shaped black gold trim silhouette of the Meisterstuck line timelessly elegant. Never tire of its looks.

Edited December 27, 2014 by max dog

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

I have seen some of these solid gold, or Solid sterling silver pens before but as far as I can tell they do not offer them anymore.

 

They may only offer them at their Boutique Shop but the nearest one a 12hr round trip to Chicago. So all I can go by is their website and authorized resellers websites.

 

As I have said, I previously bought some cool pens in the past but these do not seem to be available anymore.

 

I am not concerned about price because these are meant to be expensive and exclusive. I honestly would not want one if every Tom, Dick, or Harry had one. But at the same time if they were not well make works of art I would not buy one either.

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

While I agree it would be great for Montblanc to offer more variety in their offering, with the 149 they don't because the quickest way to kill an icon is to water it down with too many variations. Pelikan does the same with their flagship M1000. Only available in striated green or all black. You dont see tortoise, red, blue etc like with the m800, M600 etc. With Montblanc in the 146 there are a lot of variatons, but they protect the iconic 149. Lamy does that with their 2000, only available in all black and recently in stainless steel.

 

This is probably True, and I have no problem with that.

 

I am sure they ultimately know what they are doing because they are doing well for themselves. I also realize they cannot please everyone all the time.

 

I will just have to wait and I am sure that they will release a pen I will fall for just like in the past.

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

Ariel Kullock does some incredible sterling silver overlays for a 149. You can get something beautiful and unique.

Will have to check them out.

[I like mango cheesecake]

If you want different colours or designs then you should consider their we's, le's, and poa's

 

The 149 is meant to stand out by being simple. Yes the do have demonstrators and skeletons but personally I don't think those count

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

If you want different colours or designs then you should consider their we's, le's, and poa's

The 149 is meant to stand out by being simple. Yes the do have demonstrators and skeletons but personally I don't think those count

I have considered their WE, LE, and POAs. I really like the recent Leonardo DiVinci and even the Albert Einstein. I have looked back over the pens and the best looking ones are from the 90's more colors and materials. The ones from the 2000's onward (with a few exceptions) are all very monotone. The use of black resin or other dark resins is just too plain and unexciting. Which might be a true reflection of the people the pens represent.

 

I would like to see more hand carved sterling silver work, very ornate. Mother or pearl Montblanc Star. Some yellows, pinks, bright blues, lacquer over Guilloché.

 

Of course if they probably made a pen that I really feel in love with it would probable go or 10k and be out of my reach.

 

So I better watch what I wish for because I just might get it.

[jar]

My question is, are they worth the price? Is the quality really there compared to other pens or are you just paying for the name Mont Blanc?

 

Yes the quality is there. Also Montblanc pens in general are not more expensive than the other Top Tier pens.

[Mr. Pink]

Bottom line(s): If you don't like 'em, don't buy 'em.

There are lots of other pens on the market.

[s5blitzer]

Give me a classic 149.