A spirit of innovation — not for innovation’s sake but to answer a modern constraint — is etched deep within Montblanc’s multifaceted universe, spanning writing instruments, watches, leather goods and lifestyle accessories. In the past, it was difficult to travel with a fountain pen. People had to pack their ink and pens separately and there were frequent ink spillages. Montblanc came up with a solution – an integrated fountain pen that is safe for travelers. It was the birth of the Montblanc Meisterstück writing instrument in 1924 when Montblanc still went by its first name, Simplo. A hundred years later, Montblanc is celebrating the centenary of the Montblanc Meisterstück, a groundbreaking invention back then but a great icon of writing culture and an enduring symbol of innovation and craftsmanship by today’s standards.
In the decades to come, the Montblanc Meisterstück embraced both functional and aesthetical changes that reflected the changing tastes of society. Numerous influences from Montblanc’s new generation of leaders saw the writing instrument take on various forms, but is ultimately recognised by these hallmarks:
- A cigar form
- Montblanc’s emblem on the cap top
- A handcrafted Au585/14k and Au750/18k Gold Nib with the 4810 Engraving
- The three gold rings on the cap are Wilhelm Dziambor (left), Christian Lausen (right) and Claus Johannes Voss. These were the three people who had the most influence in the early years of the company.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Montblanc Meisterstück, the maison is releasing the Meisterstück The Origin Collection, which spotlights and celebrates the writing instrument’s origins and ongoing influence. These editions feature a design nib that features the year 2024 and the number 100. They also have a cap ring with the two milestone years.
Meisterstück The Origin Collection: Resin Editions
If Montblanc had to pick just one iteration of the Meisterstück to pay tribute to its original creations, it would be none other than the iconic 149, born in 1952. The classic Meisterstuck is full of superlatives. But it’s best known for its classically oversized cigar-shaped barrel, well-designed dimensions, and weight-distribution (both very important aspects of writing comfort). The Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin 149 features a precious black resin barrel and a cap with a fluid ink effect, enhanced with platinum-coated fittings, including the centenary cap ring and special anniversary clip. The solid Au750 gold nib, rhodium coated, is decorated with the centenary design.
Two other creations, the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin LeGrand and Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin Classique edition, accompany the 149. The former’s resin barrel and Montblanc emblem are outfitted in dark blue with a matching fluid ink effect cap, while the latter features resin green paired with gold-coated fittings. Both nibs have been crafted using solid Au585 gold that has been rhodium-coated.
Meisterstück The Origin Collection: Doué and Solitaire Editions
Luxury became synonymous with the Montblanc Meisterstück at the turn of the 1970s, ushering in a new era paved by Montblanc’s artisans and craftspeople. Ornate and refined decorations adorn the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué and Solitaire Editions caps inspired by a unique, archival collection that has never gone into production until now.
Two iterations, namely the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué LeGrand and Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué Classique, take the honour of using the special design. The former’s precious blue resin barrel is paired with a platinum-coated cap featuring the archive pattern in blue lacquer and a vintage Meisterstück logo engraving, while the Classique is rendered in green with a yellow gold treatment. Both nibs have been crafted in solid Au750. Fans of Montblanc will be thrilled to see the maison’s signature coral colour taking centre stage in the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Solitaire LeGrand edition, paired with a gold-coated design.
Meisterstück The Origin Collection: Accessories
What good is a pen without ink or canvas to bring ideas into reality? Montblanc’s answer to this question is a collection of ink colours in blue, coral, green and archival glass bottles. A blue calf leather Meisterstück 100 Notebook and a set of cards and envelopes complete the writing experience.
MensFolio.com was the first to publish this article.
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