100th Anniversary editions

[a student]

15 hours ago, JCC123 said:

You just described fountains pens. They are a dying tech. Most young folks don't even know how to read or write cursive. They pretty much know just how to type on a computer. So, they way Leica dealt with it is by raising prices and going upstream to keep the business going.

I suspect that it may be worthwhile distinguishing Leica from MB.

 

For one thing Leica excels in lenses, with possibly unmatchable quality. Production is limited because of limited specialist staff. The prices are high and lenses sell. 

 

As for the camera, it carries a certain mystique. The technology in Leica tends to be a few steps behind that available in say Canon or Nikon, but the "Leica Look", or perhaps the colour science has a charm for a particular circle of customers, as does the relative simplicity of its menus. There are invariably long waiting lists when a new Leica model comes out, and even though the tech gets dated, the camera tends to holds its value .The camera menus are among the simplest and the more intuitive vis a vis other brands.

 

The collector versions tend to be in the same price range as the corresponding model, albeit in more limited quantities. It also produces limited quantities of watches, simple in design and choice of materials, but in the higher price range, over ten thousand dollars a piece

 

Though it is seen as a luxury item, Leica itself does not make that claim as far as I know.. The prices range from from a few hundred dollars for the sofort to under ten thousand dollars for the newer M models, and the latter are by no means the most expensive cameras available- that may well be a Phase One characteristic 

 

ALL LEICA CAMERAS ARE EDC

 

For MB, writing instruments for which it is widely recognised, are only one part of the business that includes luggage and smaller leather goods, fragrances, watches, glasses, etc. And its luxury character is often announced by a guard at the MB boutique door. It was not always thus.

 

The writing instruments are produced in multiple versions annually, some ornate to a point of embarrassment for those who wish to use the thing for everyday writing- not the kind of pen that you could comfortably use whenever any writing is called for. The "precious resin" version is the nearest to EDC. Some are sufficiently expensive to serve solely as gifts for the politically powerful.

 

I would have thought that adding to the availability and variety of nibs, including calligraphic ones, might be the way to go for MB if it wishes to continue as a successful business in context of serious writers. It is of course now a luxury business independent of the writing instruments business

Edited July 16, 2024 by a student
typos

[a student]

1.  

6 minutes ago, a student said:

 

 

Edited July 16, 2024 by a student
Duplication

[Arcadian]

17 hours ago, a student said:

I would have thought that adding to the availability and variety of nibs, including calligraphic ones, might be the way to go for MB if it wishes to continue as a successful business in context of serious writers. It is of course now a luxury business independent of the writing instruments business

 

I like you post, and your analysis of Leica. I agree also with the above statement, and I think Montblanc does deserve credit - lots of it - for having launched the 149, 146 and Solitaire Calligraphy models over the past few years. They are serious fountain pens for actual writers. It is, however, a little blunted by their removal of some nib sizes from their free nib exchange program, so they now carry the price of a custom nib, i.e. somewhere along the lines of a couple of grand. It would be a stronger statement, and a superior way to own their history and legitimacy in the market, if they kept a sharp focus on being the very best purveyor of fountain pen nibs. That would, in my opinion, be a stronger foundation upon which to build. Otherwise they'll become just another watered down brand struggling to justify their own existence. Their leather goods won't get it done. They look good, but don't stand up to use very well. 

 

 - P. 

[Centurion]

13 hours ago, Arcadian said:

 

I like you post, and your analysis of Leica. I agree also with the above statement, and I think Montblanc does deserve credit - lots of it - for having launched the 149, 146 and Solitaire Calligraphy models over the past few years. They are serious fountain pens for actual writers. It is, however, a little blunted by their removal of some nib sizes from their free nib exchange program, so they now carry the price of a custom nib, i.e. somewhere along the lines of a couple of grand. It would be a stronger statement, and a superior way to own their history and legitimacy in the market, if they kept a sharp focus on being the very best purveyor of fountain pen nibs. That would, in my opinion, be a stronger foundation upon which to build. Otherwise they'll become just another watered down brand struggling to justify their own existence. Their leather goods won't get it done. They look good, but don't stand up to use very well. 

 

 - P. 

I agree . . . why remove some nib sizes from their free nib exchange program, does it really save them that much money? Or increase their profit greatly that the previous nibs are now considered custom orders? I think MB is the only full service (produces everything in the FP and has their own repair service[sort of]) fountain pen manufacturer with actual physical stores, and committing to that full-serviceness by having and keeping the widest range of nibs would just add to their reputation.

[JCC123]

On 7/16/2024 at 2:35 PM, a student said:

I suspect that it may be worthwhile distinguishing Leica from MB.

 

For one thing Leica excels in lenses, with possibly unmatchable quality. Production is limited because of limited specialist staff. The prices are high and lenses sell. 

 

As for the camera, it carries a certain mystique. The technology in Leica tends to be a few steps behind that available in say Canon or Nikon, but the "Leica Look", or perhaps the colour science has a charm for a particular circle of customers, as does the relative simplicity of its menus. There are invariably long waiting lists when a new Leica model comes out, and even though the tech gets dated, the camera tends to holds its value .The camera menus are among the simplest and the more intuitive vis a vis other brands.

 

The collector versions tend to be in the same price range as the corresponding model, albeit in more limited quantities. It also produces limited quantities of watches, simple in design and choice of materials, but in the higher price range, over ten thousand dollars a piece

 

Though it is seen as a luxury item, Leica itself does not make that claim as far as I know.. The prices range from from a few hundred dollars for the sofort to under ten thousand dollars for the newer M models, and the latter are by no means the most expensive cameras available- that may well be a Phase One characteristic 

 

ALL LEICA CAMERAS ARE EDC

 

For MB, writing instruments for which it is widely recognised, are only one part of the business that includes luggage and smaller leather goods, fragrances, watches, glasses, etc. And its luxury character is often announced by a guard at the MB boutique door. It was not always thus.

 

The writing instruments are produced in multiple versions annually, some ornate to a point of embarrassment for those who wish to use the thing for everyday writing- not the kind of pen that you could comfortably use whenever any writing is called for. The "precious resin" version is the nearest to EDC. Some are sufficiently expensive to serve solely as gifts for the politically powerful.

 

I would have thought that adding to the availability and variety of nibs, including calligraphic ones, might be the way to go for MB if it wishes to continue as a successful business in context of serious writers. It is of course now a luxury business independent of the writing instruments business

Not sure what your point is in creating an essay on Leica? If you can't see the similarities between these two brands/products and their market strategy, I'm not sure a 1000-word essay is going to help you.

[a student]

54 minutes ago, JCC123 said:

Not sure what your point is in creating an essay on Leica? If you can't see the similarities between these two brands/products and their market strategy, I'm not sure a 1000-word essay is going to help you.

Thank you for sharing your opinion.

Much obliged

[NoType]

On 7/16/2024 at 11:35 AM, a student said:

I suspect that it may be worthwhile distinguishing Leica from MB.

 

For one thing Leica excels in lenses, with possibly unmatchable quality. Production is limited because of limited specialist staff. The prices are high and lenses sell. 

 

As for the camera, it carries a certain mystique. The technology in Leica tends to be a few steps behind that available in say Canon or Nikon, but the "Leica Look", or perhaps the colour science has a charm for a particular circle of customers, as does the relative simplicity of its menus. There are invariably long waiting lists when a new Leica model comes out, and even though the tech gets dated, the camera tends to holds its value .The camera menus are among the simplest and the more intuitive vis a vis other brands.

 

The collector versions tend to be in the same price range as the corresponding model, albeit in more limited quantities. It also produces limited quantities of watches, simple in design and choice of materials, but in the higher price range, over ten thousand dollars a piece

 

Though it is seen as a luxury item, Leica itself does not make that claim as far as I know.. The prices range from from a few hundred dollars for the sofort to under ten thousand dollars for the newer M models, and the latter are by no means the most expensive cameras available- that may well be a Phase One characteristic 

 

ALL LEICA CAMERAS ARE EDC

 

For MB, writing instruments for which it is widely recognised, are only one part of the business that includes luggage and smaller leather goods, fragrances, watches, glasses, etc. And its luxury character is often announced by a guard at the MB boutique door. It was not always thus.

 

The writing instruments are produced in multiple versions annually, some ornate to a point of embarrassment for those who wish to use the thing for everyday writing- not the kind of pen that you could comfortably use whenever any writing is called for. The "precious resin" version is the nearest to EDC. Some are sufficiently expensive to serve solely as gifts for the politically powerful.

 

I would have thought that adding to the availability and variety of nibs, including calligraphic ones, might be the way to go for MB if it wishes to continue as a successful business in context of serious writers. It is of course now a luxury business independent of the writing instruments business

Thank you, @a student, for this analysis of Leica and Montblanc, which I found to be a fascinating, edifying, and nuanced comparison-and-contrast of these brands.  

[Karmachanic]

15 hours ago, Centurion said:

why remove some nib sizes from their free nib exchange program,

 

If I recall correctly this applies to BBB and OBBB nibs due to low demand.  EF, F, M, OM, B, BB OB, and OBB nibs are still available.

[Seney724]

2 minutes ago, Karmachanic said:

 

If I recall correctly this applies to BBB and OBBB nibs due to low demand.  EF, F, M, OM, B, BB OB, and OBB nibs are still available.

When purchasing a 149, my understanding is the nib exchange program will not allow a swap for a BBB but that an OBBB remains an option.

On the other hand, for a 146, neither the BBB nor the OBBB are available via the program.

 

[Centurion]

29 minutes ago, Seney724 said:

When purchasing a 149, my understanding is the nib exchange program will not allow a swap for a BBB but that an OBBB remains an option.

On the other hand, for a 146, neither the BBB nor the OBBB are available via the program.

 

That’s puzzling to me … the 146 has more choices than the 149? I suppose there are more  146 sold than the 149, but the 149 is supposed to be their flagship. 
 

The OBBB is more popular than the BBB? Hmm, maybe at BBB wideness, more FP writers want a more “interesting” look so OBBB is more in demand than BBB??

[Seney724]

1 minute ago, Centurion said:

That’s puzzling to me … the 146 has more choices than the 149? I suppose there are more  146 sold than the 149, but the 149 is supposed to be their flagship. 
 

 

I am sorry if I miscommunicated the point I was trying to make. 

No, I think it is the opposite, the 149 has more choices than the 146.

The 149 has all the choices that @Karmachanic mentions (EF, F, M, OM, B, BB OB, and OBB) plus the OBBB. 

The 146 has only the EF, F, M, OM, B, BB OB, and OBB

 

 

[a student]

@Arcadian @Centurion @NoType

Thank you indeed for your kind words.

 

Variety in nibs and ease of availability of that variety would be helpful for those of us who may have an interest in writing. I also appreciate the effort that Fritz-Shimpf makes in developing some MB nibs that may be quite attractive for writers though the price point goes up considerably and these versions are available for a limited time only as quantities tend to be limited.

 

Apologies for what might have been an issue only tangentially bearing upon the subject of 100 Anniversry Editions

[fpupulin]

Incomplete post...

[fpupulin]

Handwriting is not going away, or at least not any time soon. Each of the world’s cultures is deeply rooted in its own writing traditions. Everywhere in the world, people learn to read and, at exactly the same time, to write by hand. Even today, it is almost unimaginable for an educated person to be unable to handwrite their name, write a postcard or simply a short note at the moment.

 

Montblanc has its core in Western writing culture. Every other product in the Montblanc portfolio today draws its aura from the world-renowned writing instruments historically produced by the house. Montblanc leather is not in the same league as, for example, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta or Hermés, which have their core in the finest leather goods. You buy a Montblanc bag, or a belt or a wallet, not primarily for the quality of the leather, but because of the brand, whose reputation is in turn intimately linked to writing. This bond has a strong emotional and cultural component, and certainly represents a powerful brand asset for Montblanc, given the "nobility" of the act of writing in general (something that Gucci or Vuitton or Hermés cannot flaunt as one of their core values).

 

Montblanc is certainly aware of the value of this founding aspect of its identity, and its "Art of Writing" and "Montblanc de la Culture" campaigns, the recent (2023) "The Library Spirit" campaign, which took place at the London Library, (renowned for its legacy as a leading literary institution) or the beautiful book "Inspire Writing", testify to the interest that the brand maintains in the inspirational meaning of writing.

 

I found the short film directed by Wes Anderson with which Montblanc celebrates 100 years of Meisterstück (its most iconic writing instrument) very interesting, because even in this case, although leather goods and watches are presented, the emphasis is on writing. In the "writing room", on the second floor of the imaginary Montblanc Observatory, it seems completely natural to see Anderson himself and his two fellow actors intent, each with a different purpose, on one of the activities - if not anymore normal - certainly to be promoted socially, at least at home and among friends: writing.

 

In a world where, it seems, no one writes by hand anymore, Montblanc continues to insist on the expressive component of the individual character that handwriting represents, and to do so it maintains a varied catalog of nibs that few other houses - if any - can offer their customers to emphasize their writing personality. Yes, it is certainly a shame that the triple broad nib is no longer available as a standard option, but as customers of the brand I think we can consider ourselves more than pampered by the possibility of choosing - at no additional cost - between nine different nib grades.

 

This strong emphasis of the Hamburg maison on writing, even if writing instruments today perhaps represent a minor item in the company budget, is one of the values that I appreciate most about Montblanc and that makes me happy to participate in the Meisterstück's 100th Anniversary.

 

"Let's Write".

[NoType]

18 hours ago, fpupulin said:

Handwriting is not going away, or at least not any time soon. Each of the world’s cultures is deeply rooted in its own writing traditions. Everywhere in the world, people learn to read and, at exactly the same time, to write by hand. Even today, it is almost unimaginable for an educated person to be unable to handwrite their name, write a postcard or simply a short note at the moment.

 

Montblanc has its core in Western writing culture. Every other product in the Montblanc portfolio today draws its aura from the world-renowned writing instruments historically produced by the house. Montblanc leather is not in the same league as, for example, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta or Hermés, which have their core in the finest leather goods. You buy a Montblanc bag, or a belt or a wallet, not primarily for the quality of the leather, but because of the brand, whose reputation is in turn intimately linked to writing. This bond has a strong emotional and cultural component, and certainly represents a powerful brand asset for Montblanc, given the "nobility" of the act of writing in general (something that Gucci or Vuitton or Hermés cannot flaunt as one of their core values).

 

Montblanc is certainly aware of the value of this founding aspect of its identity, and its "Art of Writing" and "Montblanc de la Culture" campaigns, the recent (2023) "The Library Spirit" campaign, which took place at the London Library, (renowned for its legacy as a leading literary institution) or the beautiful book "Inspire Writing", testify to the interest that the brand maintains in the inspirational meaning of writing.

 

I found the short film directed by Wes Anderson with which Montblanc celebrates 100 years of Meisterstück (its most iconic writing instrument) very interesting, because even in this case, although leather goods and watches are presented, the emphasis is on writing. In the "writing room", on the second floor of the imaginary Montblanc Observatory, it seems completely natural to see Anderson himself and his two fellow actors intent, each with a different purpose, on one of the activities - if not anymore normal - certainly to be promoted socially, at least at home and among friends: writing.

 

In a world where, it seems, no one writes by hand anymore, Montblanc continues to insist on the expressive component of the individual character that handwriting represents, and to do so it maintains a varied catalog of nibs that few other houses - if any - can offer their customers to emphasize their writing personality. Yes, it is certainly a shame that the triple broad nib is no longer available as a standard option, but as customers of the brand I think we can consider ourselves more than pampered by the possibility of choosing - at no additional cost - between nine different nib grades.

 

This strong emphasis of the Hamburg maison on writing, even if writing instruments today perhaps represent a minor item in the company budget, is one of the values that I appreciate most about Montblanc and that makes me happy to participate in the Meisterstück's 100th Anniversary.

 

"Let's Write".

@fpupulin Thank you for this well reasoned, eloquent, and passionate contention of Montblanc vis-à-vis writing by hand.  It was a pleasure to peruse.

[Karmachanic]

19 hours ago, fpupulin said:

In a world where, it seems, no one writes by hand anymore

 

That would explain why: 

 

Fountain Pen Market Size was valued at USD 955.94 Millionin 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1107.77 Million by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of 2.51% During the Forecast Period 2023-2030.

 

 

My inability to restrain myself to purchasing no more  that one pen a year is, no doubt, a contributing factor.

[JCC123]

This report is hilarious. Those who have been into fountain pens for more than a few decades have seen this market completely collapse. Some of the names listed in the report are gone. Omas, Parker (Rubbermaid? Seriously?), Pelikan is basically done as well. Montblanc, the grand dame of the business raised prices by 3X in order to keep their revenues propped up. Soon, only the wealthiest people will be able to afford their pens, just like the few who can buy a Leica M. The writing is on the wall. This is a dying relic from the past century. Kind of like the horse and buggy. Sure, there are still ones around but think about who actually owns one or can afford it?

 

Most of the forum members here are older, like myself. The young ones are not buying expensive pens like Montblanc. They probably stick to the cheap Chinese brands or Lamy. Think of how many they need to buy to equal one Montblanc sale? Will their price points be a sustainable business without more volume? Trust me when I say this, the market will continue to shrink until only a few companies remain and sell very few pens. Again, think of the horse and buggy market.

[JCC123]

On 7/18/2024 at 4:03 PM, fpupulin said:

Handwriting is not going away, or at least not any time soon. Each of the world’s cultures is deeply rooted in its own writing traditions. Everywhere in the world, people learn to read and, at exactly the same time, to write by hand. Even today, it is almost unimaginable for an educated person to be unable to handwrite their name, write a postcard or simply a short note at the moment.

 

Montblanc has its core in Western writing culture. Every other product in the Montblanc portfolio today draws its aura from the world-renowned writing instruments historically produced by the house. Montblanc leather is not in the same league as, for example, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta or Hermés, which have their core in the finest leather goods. You buy a Montblanc bag, or a belt or a wallet, not primarily for the quality of the leather, but because of the brand, whose reputation is in turn intimately linked to writing. This bond has a strong emotional and cultural component, and certainly represents a powerful brand asset for Montblanc, given the "nobility" of the act of writing in general (something that Gucci or Vuitton or Hermés cannot flaunt as one of their core values).

 

Montblanc is certainly aware of the value of this founding aspect of its identity, and its "Art of Writing" and "Montblanc de la Culture" campaigns, the recent (2023) "The Library Spirit" campaign, which took place at the London Library, (renowned for its legacy as a leading literary institution) or the beautiful book "Inspire Writing", testify to the interest that the brand maintains in the inspirational meaning of writing.

 

I found the short film directed by Wes Anderson with which Montblanc celebrates 100 years of Meisterstück (its most iconic writing instrument) very interesting, because even in this case, although leather goods and watches are presented, the emphasis is on writing. In the "writing room", on the second floor of the imaginary Montblanc Observatory, it seems completely natural to see Anderson himself and his two fellow actors intent, each with a different purpose, on one of the activities - if not anymore normal - certainly to be promoted socially, at least at home and among friends: writing.

 

In a world where, it seems, no one writes by hand anymore, Montblanc continues to insist on the expressive component of the individual character that handwriting represents, and to do so it maintains a varied catalog of nibs that few other houses - if any - can offer their customers to emphasize their writing personality. Yes, it is certainly a shame that the triple broad nib is no longer available as a standard option, but as customers of the brand I think we can consider ourselves more than pampered by the possibility of choosing - at no additional cost - between nine different nib grades.

 

This strong emphasis of the Hamburg maison on writing, even if writing instruments today perhaps represent a minor item in the company budget, is one of the values that I appreciate most about Montblanc and that makes me happy to participate in the Meisterstück's 100th Anniversary.

 

"Let's Write".

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/10/gen-z-handwriting-teaching-cursive-history/671246/

[Surlyprof]

20 minutes ago, JCC123 said:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/10/gen-z-handwriting-teaching-cursive-history/671246/

This is very true.  I had to start giving my feedback notes to students either printed or typed.  Very annoying once you get hooked on fountain pens!

[Karmachanic]

4 hours ago, JCC123 said:

Soon, only the wealthiest people will be able to afford their pens

 

The majority of pen buyers will never purchase a MB.  In part due to the cost, even taking into consideration the used segment of the market..  Those looking to purchase the 100th Aniversary pens are not the majority of MB owners.  This does not mean that the FP market is not growing.