MONTBLANC as STATUS SYMBOL.... a turnoff for you?

[Uncial]

7 hours ago, Jordan N said:

I like the video, but it's not about MB. MB is used just as an example of positioning a product or service. He could make the same story about the watches. A $20 Timex and a $20,000 Rolex offer the same functionality. At the very end, you can buy a gray Bruno Cucinelli t-shirt – or 20 packages (80 grey t-shirts) at Costco. I'm not sure if most people will recognize the difference. I don't feel the difference. 

 

In the video, they didn't talk about fountain pens. That's good, as some people feel the difference: pen, nib, ink, paper. But with a rollerball, most people won't feel it. There is nothing special in MB rollerball refills. However, an MB rollerball may bring them some kind of inner satisfaction. They don't need to show that rollerball to anybody, they may feel well when they use it at home. 

 

A $20 Timex? I suspect you're showing you age  

You can buy a Rolex OP for around $5,500.....if you can be bothered waiting.

[SpecTP]

8 hours ago, arcfide said:

 

It is an older video. 

[txomsy]

12 hours ago, Jordan N said:

A $20 Timex and a $20,000 Rolex offer the same functionality.

It all depends on what kind of functionality you are looking for.

 

A Cohibas Habana cigar offers worse functionality than clear air, it will damage your lungs, increase (soft) drug (nicotine) dependence and free you out of a lot of pocket weight. Yet, still some people enjoy the smoke as much as to be willing to get rid of a part of their wealth for it. You can see a Cirque du Soleil representation in a movie. But somehow, many would argue it is not the same as actually being there live, even if it is in a cold, uncomfortable seat at a heavy toll. The same can be said of many other things.

 

My point is that there is more to value than what superficially meets the eye. That's a common fallacy of modern world, that everything (people included) are commodities and that all commodities are the same and should be judged only on direct, tangible functionality/productivity. Aye, it is not so, and some may provide a (possibly subjective) satisfaction, advantage or intangible benefit that others can't (maybe to a specific customer only). It may be better quality, materials, functionality... or it may be an 'spiritual' or 'pleasure' or 'subjective' feeling, but it is still worth investing in it.

 

So, in spite of any extra advantages in quality, functionality or materials that MB pens may have, there are many other intangibles worth paying for: allure, design, exclusivity, sprit de corps, durability, craft, and many, many more a person can factor in the price they are willing to pay. And yes, for some, maybe status symbolism as well.

 

Which got me thinking: carrying an MB also has an extra value, as people who bases their opinion in aspect rather than substance will give themselves away when they comment on your wearing a "status symbol", so you can recognize and guard yourself from them.

[txomsy]

Note, I'm not claiming that is specific only of Montblanc pens. Other FPs (and other products) may also share the same characteristics. Nor do they need to be expensive, sometimes it is enough being "blingy" (for some, just using an FP is already much of an status symbol) or having any distinctive quality.

[kazoolaw]

On 12/12/2021 at 12:36 PM, invisuu said:

 If I have to dress up so the security checks me before opening the door, no thanks, I'll pass. 

 

Fact or hyperbole?

[Jordan N]

6 hours ago, Uncial said:

 

A $20 Timex? I suspect you're showing you age  

You can buy a Rolex OP for around $5,500.....if you can be bothered waiting.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Marathon-by-Timex-46mm-Digital-Watch-Black-Silver-Tone-Case-with-Gray-Accents-Black-Resin-Strap/38229920 and that is a regular price. For Rolex, it's not the point you can buy it for $5,500, but some models can cost you $20,000 if that's what you want. I used Rolex as example, but could use Patek or something else. 

[Jordan N]

1 hour ago, kazoolaw said:

 

Fact or hyperbole?

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but in the USA and Canada, you can walk to an MB boutique wearing shorts and sleepers. Nobody cares, there is no need to dress up to visit any upscale store. Sometimes, it may be practical to dress up when buying clothing. E.g. it's easier to check dress shoes if you wear dress pants and socks. 

[maclink]

5 hours ago, txomsy said:

So, in spite of any extra advantages in quality, functionality or materials that MB pens may have, there are many other intangibles worth paying for: allure, design, exclusivity, sprit de corps, durability, craft, and many, many more a person can factor in the price they are willing to pay. And yes, for some, maybe status symbolism as well.

 

I agree.  I enjoyed the recently linked video and certainly can see with a lot of it.  No one can claim immunity from such influences, whether it be an aversion or attraction, both of which can lead to positions that gives the product more or less allure than it may deserve when examined more objectively.

 

What makes me really enjoy their fountain pens is that admixed with the brand heritage etc., is what I think are genuinely good writing instruments.  This is the essential ingredient that makes the brand work for and among hobbyists and serious fountain pen users.

[amberleadavis]

 

On 12/3/2021 at 2:02 AM, Uncial said:

 

Here Cross is solely and relentlessly marketed to the business community (and to 'yuppies' and the wealthy as a luxury status pen) in which Cross ballpoints are ubiquitous, but hand on heart I can say in all honesty that I have yet to see a city slicker (or a rural slicker) with anything other than a Cross ballpoint.

 

 

 

OH MY, I thought I was the only one who noticed this problem.  I do like Cross pens, but really it is nothing like my MBs.  And how can you see what Fpupulin does with his pens and not be "turned on"????

 

On 12/3/2021 at 7:15 PM, fpupulin said:

 

These are very wise words and a sound suggestion. I very rarely use one of my Montblanc pens in public. But in the privacy of my home, I find them formidable writing instruments.

 

See above, what you do with that calligraphy pen is amazing.

 

 

[amberleadavis]

On 12/3/2021 at 2:52 AM, Arcadian said:

 

It’s interesting that some of you have never experienced people recognising that it’s a Montblanc that you wield. But then, like the OP, I’m a lawyer surrounded by lawyers. They notice these things. As a subspecies we’re generally insane. 

 

 

 

 

Yes, and when I want to impress lawyers, I use my MB149. When I want to appear staid and reliable, I use a Sterling Silver pen, when I want to prove that I'm a Las Vegan, it is a custom pen with obnoxious colors that would only be appropriate in Vegas or New Orleans. 

[amberleadavis]

On 12/3/2021 at 5:37 AM, bunnspecial said:

The only time I've ever had someone I didn't know specifically comment about a Montblanc is at a watch show, which is a place with a lot of fountain pen interest and some sales to some degree, and the question is generally what it is and if it's for sale.

 

I'll pull out a 146 or 149 in an M or EF nib(depends on what I'm carrying) for fairly mundane stuff, and I've had people comment on my "fancy pen". Otherwise, I did at one point have an FP-using colleague who wasn't super deep into them but had a 146 that lived in his desk inked and was used for special occasions. He was surprised that I used mine every day, and of course never would try mine since, you know, they adapt to your hand and no one else can use them, but otherwise was only complimentary.

 

If someone doubts my FP nerd credentials, I rarely carry just one pen-usually I have something with a finer nib in BB or boring blue, a broader nib with a more interesting blue, and then something with either red or green. I typically will use all 3 repeatedly in a given workday, so it's not a point of loading up my pocket. The past week or so it's typically been a 149 B(my friction piston 60s one) with Penman Sapphire, a Vacumatic Senior Maxima with MB Midnight Blue(iron gall), and an MB 14 with Sheaffer Red. I'd go so far as to say that the Maxima is a much more "showy" pen than a 149, and probably has a value on par with some of my less expensive 149s.

 

On 12/3/2021 at 7:41 PM, langere said:

I think what the OP was actually describing was the "uniform" that the people in his profession wore.  That is quite common; many, if not most professions have ways of dressing that others of the same profession recognize.  Montblanc can play a part in that and, in fact, tries to insinuate itself into many professions, such as the legal one.

 

That does not mean you can't transgress and get away with it.  I would argue that having a Sailor rather than a Montblanc or perhaps a orange-and-black Delta makes you stand out in positive ways even if others are wearing standard items, such as Montblanc.

 

Great discussion!

 

Erick

 

Erick, I agree. The MB is part of the uniform, just like the black suit.

 

On 12/3/2021 at 9:57 PM, arcfide said:

 

I think there are some places where a little more personality in a pen could get you some good recognition in a positive way. However, for some professions, there is an *extremely* conservative bent, and deviating from that can have somewhat negative repercussions.

 

It is nice to get to an age and a stage in my career when I am comfortable rocking the conservative bent. I no longer wear high heals to court, and I even wore a coral suit with matching crocks to federal court.  (I didn't have a matching MB pen, so I used the sterling Sheaffer).  I love being a Nevadan. 

[Uncial]

6 hours ago, Jordan N said:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Marathon-by-Timex-46mm-Digital-Watch-Black-Silver-Tone-Case-with-Gray-Accents-Black-Resin-Strap/38229920 and that is a regular price. For Rolex, it's not the point you can buy it for $5,500, but some models can cost you $20,000 if that's what you want. I used Rolex as example, but could use Patek or something else. 

A digital? I mean, is that even considered a watch by those on a fountain pen forum? Come on; we are analogue people here - get with the programme.

 

(But yeah, touche, you win, i forgot about pesky digitals)

[Jordan N]

1 hour ago, Uncial said:

A digital? I mean, is that even considered a watch by those on a fountain pen forum? Come on; we are analogue people here - get with the programme.

 

(But yeah, touche, you win, i forgot about pesky digitals)

 

Regular price: https://www.amazon.com/Timex-Tribute-Collegiate-Quartz-Fabric/dp/B09D453BBX/ref=sr_1_13?crid=34WGIG2UWYHWF&keywords=timex+watches+for+men&qid=1644973907&sprefix=timex%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-13

😂

 

 

 

[Jordan N]

This is a great discussion, but I think things are different from country to country and from one region to another. West Coast (from San Diego to Vancouver) is more casual compared to New York, Boston or Toronto. The same applies to different professions. In my environment, 2/3 of the boardroom use laptops for taking notes. About 3/4 of contracts are signed online, even when negotiated in person. We receive 1-2 cheques per month and mail only one. I like writing and enjoy my pens, but I don't have many opportunities to show them. Some people may recognize MB pens, but most don't know the difference between MB and Jinhao. 

[inkstainedruth]

4 hours ago, amberleadavis said:

It is nice to get to an age and a stage in my career when I am comfortable rocking the conservative bent. I no longer wear high heals to court, and I even wore a coral suit with matching crocks to federal court.  (I didn't have a matching MB pen, so I used the sterling Sheaffer).  I love being a Nevadan. 

A long time ago, I was buying a two piece dress that sort of came across as a suit to my mind.  I said something to the sales clerk about "wearing it to job interviews", though, and the woman was APPALLED.  I did get her to SLIGHTLY concede when I said I would have been applying for graphic arts jobs, doing layout and paste-up....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[amberleadavis]

3 hours ago, Uncial said:

A digital? I mean, is that even considered a watch by those on a fountain pen forum? Come on; we are analogue people here - get with the programme.

 

(But yeah, touche, you win, i forgot about pesky digitals)

 

I get a lot more comments on my digital watches than I ever did on my Rolex.  . Of course, now I answer the phone more often and feel like Dick Tracy when I do.  (I'm just glad I don't have to talk into my shoe).

[amberleadavis]

2 minutes ago, inkstainedruth said:

A long time ago, I was buying a two piece dress that sort of came across as a suit to my mind.  I said something to the sales clerk about "wearing it to job interviews", though, and the woman was APPALLED.  I did get her to SLIGHTLY concede when I said I would have been applying for graphic arts jobs, doing layout and paste-up....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

 

I love it!

[inkstainedruth]

1 minute ago, amberleadavis said:

(I'm just glad I don't have to talk into my shoe).

(I see what you did there....)

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[amberleadavis]

31 minutes ago, inkstainedruth said:

(I see what you did there....)

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

I adore you!   You get me.

[SpecTP]

2 minutes ago, amberleadavis said:

 

I adore you!   You get me.

I didn't.. must have missed it by -][- much..