Chopard Superfast Fountain Pen

[dragon666]

Due to the paucity of reviews regarding Chopard fountain pens, I have decided to come out of retirement.

 

Bought from: Massdrop, $350 usd (excluding shipping). I decided to make a leap.

 

RRP: $1250 usd (Chopard website)

 

Average retail price: $500 usd (eg Jomashop)

 

I just want to say that I wrote a page-long review on Massdrop and the editors deleted it all. They only posted "This pen is (bleep), I own one". I am really annoyed with Massdrop for doing this (I spent at least 30 min writing an honest review).

 

I will not buy from Massdrop again.

 

 

MY REVIEW

 

Unboxing

• I threw the box away (I don't do "unboxing" and keep all my pens in a leather folio). I use all my pens as work tools. No offence to the "unboxers" out there. (besides, the box was annoying in that it was really hard to open... good riddance).

Initial impression & size

• A very well made pen that is of medium weight when held, with a heavier cap.
• It is about 13.8 cm long
• It is 15 mm at its widest (the top of the cap), 13 mm at the barrel, 11 mm at the tail

Positives

• The metal trims (likely rhodium plated) are of high quality, with good CNC machining of details and branding
• The plastic resin is matte finish and comfortable to touch. The plastic will probably become polished with use over time.
• Takes 1 & 1/2 turns to cap and uncap (which I really like)
• Pen size is lovely - similar to Peliakan M800
• The pen is of really lovely weight - not heavy, not light (like Pelikans). I like heavier fountain pens BTW
• The nib section is a nice size and perfect for writing. The cap threads are not felt.
• The deep striations on the barrel and cap line up when the cap is closed. Nice
• The 18K gold nib (rhodium plated) has a lovely flex to it (light to medium flex to me)
• The included cartridge converter is of very high quality and accommodates a large volume of ink (probably 1.5-1.75 mL)

Negatives

• The steering wheel on the cap looks cheap, although the execution is good
• The clip on the cap is bent 2-3 degrees to the right. It cannot be straightened by me (I have attempted copiously, trying to avoid breaking it). This peeves me off every time I look at the pen. AARRGGHH. Something that you DO NOT expect for a Luxe brand that retails for $1250. Like buying a Ferrari with a crooked steering wheel.
• The clip catch is right-angled (sharp) and it makes the pen hard to put into a shirt pocket (catches too much). Perhaps it prevents the pen from sliding out and falling onto the ground. Dunno, the jury is out.
• The nib tip is scratchy and provides a lot of baaddd feedback (even after making sure that the tines are aligned). This is the MOST IMPORTANT negative to me. I have not tried to polish the tip yet. Having said that, I have Mont Blanc pens that have terrible nibs out of the box too (which is why I don't buy them any more).
• This is a very overpriced pen, even for $350 usd. Pelikans are the best luxury pen in my opinion for similar cost, (good bang for your luxury buck).

 

Would I buy this pen again? Definitely not

 

Would I recommend this pen to others? Definitely not

 

Hope this was useful peeps.

 

(I was unsuccessful in uploading photos. I will keep trying)

 

Addendum: the nib became less scratchy and gave less feedback over time.

Edited March 22, 2019 by dragon666

[OCArt]

I think this is the pen you are reviewing.

 

Edited March 22, 2019 by OCArt

[dragon666]

yes

[AidenMark]

So more of a 'schmuck' pen (whip it out and sign the contract) than a writer. Shame, I have to admit I like the look of it.

[dragon666]

IMG_0828.jpg

[1nkulus]

So more of a 'schmuck' pen (whip it out and sign the contract) than a writer. Shame, I have to admit I like the look of it.

 

Even for that I would expect it to stand out with materials/size/colour.

Just another item to add to the lineup.

 

RRP $1250. Reminds me of a Parker IM with a fancy cap.

https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PR63773/parker-im-fountain-pen-black-with-gold-trim

[DrDebG]

Wow! I really appreciate your honest review! To bad that Massdrop deleted your review, but they are just a marketing company anyway and really don't care about the products they sell (I suspect).

 

I would suggest taking it (or sending it) to a good nibmeister particularly if you like the feel of the pen.

 

Good luck with it!

[flipper_gv]

So I guess the nib wasn't aligned and that's why it was so scratchy?

[dragon666]

" The nib tip is scratchy and provides a lot of baaddd feedback (even after making sure that the tines are aligned). "