Waterman Expert II

[Galahad]

Well, this is my first real fountain pen, aside from the cheap calligraphy pens I used when I was a kid, as well as my first review, so here goes nothing!

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First Impressions 8.5/10

 

This pen comes in a nice, but not overly extravagant blue giftbox with the “Waterman Paris” mark and the Waterman logo on it. Inside the box the same logos and trades are on the inside cover, and the pen is held securely by a fabric strap and some small elastics hidden underneath. I couldn’t say for sure since I bought it locally, but I suspect it is held firmly enough that it should travel well without coming loose inside the case. Underneath the ‘tray’ that holds the pen is the instruction foldout with the warranty information and the filling instructions (in about a dozen languages) for both the cartridge and converter, both of which were included when I bought it. The only thing missing from the information on the pamphlet is to inform you that you can go to the website and register to increase your warranty from 3 to 5 years.

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview001.jpg

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview005.jpg

 

Appearance & Design 9.5/10

 

I have to just out and say it, but I *love* the look of this pen, maybe I am just giddy because it is my first real fountain pen, but it still doesn’t change my opinion of this pen. Black and Gold to me is the ideal colour combination, and I think it is done just right, not too showy, but not too stingy either. I know this is probably the most subjective category, so to each his own on this one. In my opinion the only thing that takes this pen from perfection is the little gold insert in the end of the cap, either it should have had the Waterman logo on it, or it could have just been black like the rest of the pen, but that is just me.

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview002.jpg

 

Weight & Dimensions 8/10

 

Make no mistake; this pen is fairly large and heavy. Even the Waterman website says it was designed for “masculine” hands. This shouldn’t discourage you if you don’t have XL-sized hands like I do, but you may find this pen tiring to use if that is the case. The whole reason I bought this pen was because of the size and weight, for my giant mitts, the other pens just felt like toys.

The pen weighs about 30g according to sources I have read, but I cannot confirm this though since I don’t have the necessary equipment, but I would say that it is quite heavy. It measures 140mm long while closed, 125mm long unposted, and 150mm posted, and near as I can tell, about 12mm wide at the thickest part. For normal writing, I prefer to use it posted, but for longer sessions I think it would probably be more comfortable unposted, as the cap adds quite a bit to the weight of the pen, which is fine for me, but like I said, some people might find this tiring.

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview009.jpg

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview010.jpg

 

Nib & Performance 9/10

 

The nib on this pen is a Fine point, and is of 23K Gold plated steel construction, and I am using it with Waterman Florida Blue ink from the bottle. When I first got the pen, it was very toothy, but I quickly deduced that one of the tines was ever so lightly out of alignment, and with just a little pressure from my fingernail, I was able to get it back to just where I thought it should be. Ever since then, it has been a dream to write with, starts quickly, even after a prolonged period of not being used, and is quite smooth, and a little on the wet side, but not overly so. I don’t know if I have any decent pictures to show here though, as for one thing, I am embarrassed by my handwriting (I’m working on it…), and two, I could not get my camera to take a good (focused) picture of the nib close-up.

 

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c308/Galahad_729/PenReview011.jpg

 

 

 

Filling System 8/10

Standard Cartridge/Converter system, not much to say that hasn’t already been said here, pretty easy to use, easy to fill, but the downside is the small ink capacity. That being said, I think it is a good introduction to fountain pens for new users like myself, it’s simple, and pretty much fool-proof, so I don’t have any major complaints about it.

 

Cost & Value 8/10

 

I bought this pen at a stationary store in Halifax called Duly Noted, and paid C$130. Perhaps that is a little pricey, but for Halifax that is par for the course. I might have been able to get a better deal online, but being my first pen, I wanted to try them in person, and since this was a graduation present, I didn’t really mind.

 

Conclusion Final score [51]: 8.5/10

 

Overall, I am very happy with this pen as my first fountain pen, and I am trying to find excuses to use it whenever I can to try to get some practice improving my handwriting. So this concludes my first review, hopefully of many in the future, and comments are more than welcome!

 

 

[Joe in Seattle]

Very nice review, great pics, appreciate the thought that went in to your remarks.

[bluefish65]

Nice review. I believe the Expert II was the second pen I purchased after I bought a Phileas to start with. I think it's a great pen and I used it extensively with no problems. Enjoy it!

 

Greg

 

Forgot to add: big congrats on your graduation! :clap1:

Edited June 4, 2009 by bluefish65

[TMac]

Galahad, very nice review. I have an Expert II and find it to be as good as you described.

[Peter from Sherwood Park]

Your review is spot on -- I am equally satisfied with my Expert II.

[dedalian]

Nice review of a good pen. I have one in brown. One little problem I have had is that the paint- black in your case can- get scratched off and the brass underneath shows very clearly. You might want to be careful how you store it. but overall a pen tht is definitely worth its price.

[sagavera]

I have the same pen with a medium nib in the Dune design. My advice is to be careful where the clip touches the barrel -- my pen is only about a year old and is not heavily used, but there is still a spot about half a centimeter in diameter at that point where the paint is completely scraped off, exposing the metal underneath.

 

Also, I experience significant splatter of the ink off the nib when the cap snaps on, either over the nib or posting the cap. Preventing the splatter requires very gentle snapping of the cap using two hands with the nib pointing upwards - otherwise ink gets everywhere.

 

But it writes relatively well.

[ajaxline]

Great review! I have a similar model, but with a medium nib and the silver trim. It is a wet writer that I like to use with Rhodia and Clairefontaine paper, loaded with either Waterman Florida Blue, or Private Reserve Midnight Blues ink.

 

Enjoy your pen!

 

Cheers,

A.J.

[matthewst1]

I like my Expert II as well. I have it in 'urban silver' with chrome trim. Not my most valuable pen by a long shot, but I take it around most places with me in my bag. It gets knocked around a lot but can certainly take it, and it writes well every time. The M nib on it even writes a little stubby! Great!

[WendyNC]

Lovely review and a very nice pen. I just did some quick checking online and I think you did just fine with the price.

[AvantGarde]

Hello, I'm thinking about getting my first fountain pen and am thinking about the Waterman Expert II, but am concerned that the gold plate would corrode or wear off. In your two years of owning this pen, has the gold corroded/worn off at all or am I just being a tad bit paranoid? Thanks ahead of time.

[ThirdeYe]

Hello, I'm thinking about getting my first fountain pen and am thinking about the Waterman Expert II, but am concerned that the gold plate would corrode or wear off. In your two years of owning this pen, has the gold corroded/worn off at all or am I just being a tad bit paranoid? Thanks ahead of time.

 

I bought mine second hand, and it is in perfect condition aside from some of the plating wearing off the nib where it meets the section. It hasn't worn off anywhere else. There isn't a single scratch on the pen, so it was obviously well taken care of.

[AvantGarde]

Hello, I'm thinking about getting my first fountain pen and am thinking about the Waterman Expert II, but am concerned that the gold plate would corrode or wear off. In your two years of owning this pen, has the gold corroded/worn off at all or am I just being a tad bit paranoid? Thanks ahead of time.

 

I bought mine second hand, and it is in perfect condition aside from some of the plating wearing off the nib where it meets the section. It hasn't worn off anywhere else. There isn't a single scratch on the pen, so it was obviously well taken care of.

 

Thanks for the clarification!

[laureat]

Nice review, very informative. I own the older type Expert I. It is one of my favorite pens. Lighter in weight compared to the Expert II. The finish, the laque, is indeed very easy to scratch. But its writing quality is super. Your review makes me consider the purchase of the second edition.

[VaN GoGh]

My first fountain pen is Expert II blue with golden trim (M). I really like this pen cause it's good for daily use . So if you will buy your first FP I think this will satisfied your needs.

[TopPop]

I really, really... really love the look of these pens.

 

I just got a new pen, but I've been finding it difficult to resist an Expert II...