Classic Century vs Century II

[Jerome Tarshis]

I own a gold-filled Cross Classic Century fountain pen that has two (possibly) repairable defects: its cap spins loosely, and when I write with the pen the barrel tends to unscrew itself from the section. In the past I thought of those as trivial defects that Cross would not consider to be covered under its lifetime warranty.

 

However, it seems from postings to FPN and from the FAQ on cross.com that Cross might think I had a complaint worthy of their attention, and I am therefore on the point of asking Cross about repairing my pen.

 

Cross reserves the right to replace pens it cannot repair. I feel quite fond of my pen, and especially of its nib. Before I let it out of my hands I'd like to know how it differs from the Century II. (Since I may find myself the owner of a Century II if I invoke the warranty.)

 

Some people think the earlier pen is better. What might be better about it, except that it's slimmer? Are there other differences?

[jirish1957]

As you might have seen from other posts, the Century cap appears to have been designed to spin freely- that's the case with the NOS I purchased recently. As for the section unscrewing, the threads may be worn. As a (granted somewhat cheesy) fix, you can try shimming it by putting a little scotch tape over the inside barrel threads to tighten in up. Try posting in the repair section of FPN for a better fix. I don't have a Century II for comparision, but it's a little heavier and has a different nib and trim. It's not necesarily better, it's just different... I got the Century, because I could pair it up with my Century ballpoint- the Century II doesn't match. If you like the pen I'd be reluctant to send if off if there is a risk you won't get it back. Jeff

[Jerome Tarshis]

I don't know about the cap of the Classic Century sold as NOS. The cap of my modern Aurora pen turns less freely, and it is not loose in the vertical direction. When the cap clicks on, it is secured.

 

By contrast, the cap of my Cross pen isn't equally secured after it clicks. It wiggles a bit if handled.

 

On the Cross Web site the FAQs for repairs include "Loose cap fit" with the suggestion "Return to Cross Service Department for evaluation." I infer that Cross can do something about loose caps.

 

As for fixing my loosened barrel threads, I'd rather not. Certainly not with Scotch tape. I am not Mr. Fix-it. Although I cringe from the possibility of receiving one of the company's youth-oriented newer designs in exchange for my pen, I believe it's most likely that I'd receive a Century II if my pen couldn't be repaired.

 

That is why I asked about differences between Classic Century and Century II. Wider barrel on the Century II, wider nib, 18 kt instead of 14 kt gold nibs, gold trim ring, possibly other differences. However, some of us at FPN appear to think the Classic Century was superior, and I'm curious to learn why.

Edited June 12, 2007 by Jerome Tarshis

[jirish1957]

My observation is that rather than sending the pen back to Cross, send it to Richard Binder or any of the other independents who do pen repairs- I suspect the cost would be modest for what you are trying to do. This would mean that a) it would be fixed and you'd get your pen back rather than a replacement. You might also check with Cross in advance regarding sending your pen back if they can't/won't fix it. A far as superiority as a writer goes, while they have different nibs, I believe they are pretty similiar. Beyond that, it is a matter of preference regarding the trim, weight, etc. Good luck. Jeff

[FranklinChristoph]

Jerome, you can also specifically request that Cross repair or return your pen without sending a replacement. They are quite used to receiving pens with sentimental value. Your best bet, and most cost efficient, is likely to return it to Cross.

 

Scott Franklin

Franklin-Christoph

[Jerome Tarshis]

This just in: I've sent Cross an inquiry by email. Maybe they'll put Scotch tape on the screw threads. Or maybe they'll have a different idea.

 

Thanks to all for helping. I won't use space on FPN to give a day-by-day report, but I may let our community know the final outcome when it happens.