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. It was troublesome to travel with a pen a hundred years ago and beyond; people had to pack their pens and ink separately, and ink spillages were a common occurrence as well. This led Montblanc to devise a solution: an integrated fountain pen and one that was very safe for travellers. 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 or Au 750/18k gold nib with the 4810 engraving
- Three gold rings on the cap represent Wilhelm Dziambor, Christian Lausen and Claus Johannes Voss, the three individuals who had the greatest influence in shaping the company in its early years.
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 are decorated with a special design nib showing the number 100, the years 1924 and 2024, and a cap ring decorated with both 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. Superlatives run out for this much-loved classic, though it is most recognisable for its classical oversized cigar shape, well-designed proportions, and weight distribution (two very important aspects for 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 rhodium-coated solid Au750 gold nib is embellished 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 are crafted from rhodium-coated solid Au585 gold.
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 are crafted from solid Au750 gold. 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 is a writing instrument without ink and canvas for ideas to come into reality? Montblanc answers this question with a series of blue, green, and coral ink colours presented in glass ink bottles bearing the archival design. A blue calf leather Meisterstück 100 Notebook and a set of cards and envelopes complete the writing experience.
This article was first seen on MensFolio.com
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