Waterman Sérénité Limited Wood Edition disappoints

[hundenapf]

May the expectations have been high, the disappointment with this stick could not have been higher. More pleasure during unpacking this "mint" pen than unwrapping a fresh Apple Inc. product, even more displeasure trying to actually use it. I heard good things about its flow, mine has nothing at all, the nib even dries out from one word to the next, I can't get two continual strokes out of it without first letters, sometimes half words missing (tried 3 different Waterman blue inks, no black ones been near it).

 

Next ironic tidbit: the converter does not even fit into the barrel. I actually found your forum here while googling for converter problems with this pen and it seems at least one other user here had a not-fitting converter delivered in the mint box as well before. They must have been drunk with pride while packing these chopsticks at Waterman to forget checking if they even packed the correct parts nonetheless if they actually write. I was really looking forward so much to making this my favorite writing pen and now I can't even get continuos ink on a paper with it, which is why I may still be quite emotional about it, sorry for that. I expected a lot, but not total disappointment on many levels. What do the experienced Waterman customers here suggest, send it in to Sandford? Or does perhaps someone know an expert in Germany, Cologne or closeby who could have a look at it to check for factory faults? I'm a writer, not a pen expert

 

However, enjoy the useless eyecandy of unpacking the mint pen which was obviously rather built to look at it than to actually use it:

 

Edited March 26, 2009 by hundenapf

[CharlieP]

May the expectations have been high, the disappointment with this stick could not have been higher. More pleasure during unpacking this "mint" pen than unwrapping a fresh Apple Inc. product, even more displeasure trying to actually use it. I heard good things about its flow, mine has nothing at all, the nib even dries out from one word to the next, I can't get two continual strokes out of it without first letters, sometimes half words missing (tried 3 different Waterman blue inks, no black ones been near it).

 

Next ironic tidbit: the converter does not even fit into the barrel. I actually found your forum here while googling for converter problems with this pen and it seems at least one other user here had a not-fitting converter delivered in the mint box as well before. They must have been drunk with pride while packing these chopsticks at Waterman to forget checking if they even packed the correct parts nonetheless if they actually write. I was really looking forward so much to making this my favorite writing pen and now I can't even get continuos ink on a paper with it, which is why I may still be quite emotional about it, sorry for that. I expected a lot, but not total disappointment on many levels. What do the experienced Waterman customers here suggest, send it in to Sandford? Or does perhaps someone know an expert in Germany, Cologne or closeby who could have a look at it to check for factory faults? I'm a writer, not a pen expert

 

However, enjoy the useless eyecandy of unpacking the mint pen which was obviously rather built to look at it than to actually use it:

 

I feel really bad for you as I have 3 Watermans and each write flawlessly. It exudes expensive, so why not just send the pen back and chalk it up.

CharlieP

[welfvet]

Not being a Watermans user or major fan, I would suggest that your pen is worthy of being looked into if you really like the look and feel, as Watermans appear to have a good reputation for a no-quibble policy on nib exchanges and repairs of faulty bits.

 

Also, it is often stated here that new pens can be poor writers because they still have some of the manufacturing gunge inside, and a flush through with 9and correct me here if I am wrong) mild soapy water and then rinsed several times with clean water, should remove these residues and reveal the true potential of the pen.

 

Admittedly an expensive pen like this should work straight out of the box, but many here have had poor starts with quite pricey new pens that then, thanks to a clean or even a return to the manufacturer, ended up being satisfying acquisitions.

 

So I guess I'm saying that you could send it back, but it might also be worth persevering a bit if you haven't been irretrievable put off the pen.

 

Nic

 

[CharlieP]

I'm new at this sorry. My Waterman's all three, are a joy to use. IF you really like this pen--send it back as they should honor EVERYTHING!

CharlieP

[Flere-Imsaho]

Next ironic tidbit: the converter does not even fit into the barrel.

I do not think the converter is the problem, but the barrel.

If the converter realy does not fit then you have probably a rollerball barrel with a fountain pen nib unit in it.

Is there any indication on the sticker on the box that it should be a FP inside?

 

- Flere

 

[John Cullen]

Try the flush suggested above. Use room temp water and use a drop or two of palmolive dish liquid. do not use dishliquid that has particles or added scents or whatever else. keep it simple.

 

Run the converter up and down a zillion times flushing water in and out. It may flush out some gunk.

 

The nib on this looks like the nib on the Liaison. I recently bought a liaison and the nib did exactly what you are describing. I think the problem is with the flow and also with what is called the baby bottom effect. The tipping material is so rounded to keep the writing smooth that the ink can't quite make it all the way down the slit and onto the paper at first. (search for babybottom to understand this) Add a flow problem to that and you really have trouble. My pen also would not write if I turned my wrist in to the left by very much.

 

If you can return the pen, go ahead and return it for a refund.

 

If you can not return the pen, try the flush situation.

 

If that does not help, then I think you need to send it to Waterman or to a nib person. I opted to send mine to Richard Binder and for $25 he will make it right. I know, I know, I know.... You already paid a ton of money and this really sucks to have to consider paying more. I agree. But in the end I just want the pen to work.

 

If you like a very smooth and firm nib, this will probably be a great pen once you get in fixed. Personally I love the look of that pen!

 

I do know how frustrating this can be. Good luck, j

[hundenapf]

Is there any indication on the sticker on the box that it should be a FP inside?

 

Yes, the documents, box and the pen itself all carry the same limited edition number. The documents say "Fountain Pen" and the fountain pen looks like a fountain pen, nothing indicates that any tampering could have taken place after the packet was sealed in the factory.

 

And thanks John, these were really helpful points, I will do the research and try and find an expert.

Edited March 26, 2009 by hundenapf

[Flere-Imsaho]

Is there any indication on the sticker on the box that it should be a FP inside?

 

Yes, the documents, box and the pen itself all carry the same limited edition number. The documents say "Fountain Pen" and the fountain pen looks like a fountain pen, nothing indicates that any tampering could have taken place after the packet was sealed in the factory.

 

And thanks John, these were really helpful points, I will do the research and try and find an expert.

I have experienced a converter problem in the past, as you can read here.

- Flere

[hundenapf]

I have experienced a converter problem in the past, as you can read here.

- Flere

 

Ah yes, thanks for that info, that is most likely the problem with the converter then. Strange though is that the box actually was sealed, why would they put a wrong barrel on the pen in the factory? Do they have Rollerballs with identical Limited Edition Numbers as the Fountain Pens? Strange things... Well I'm eagerly flushing the nib with distilled water now, working on one problem at a time

[GardenWeasel]

That is a gorgeous pen!!

[hundenapf]

Could this indeed be the so-called baby bottom phenomenon ? Or is it not possible to judge from photos like these what the problem might be

I'm beginning to regret not being very knowledgeable about the technicalities of fountain pens, never had to think about anything like this with my Parker or MB ...

 

 

[wspohn]

You've just had bad luck - most of these pens work well right out of the box. If you bought new, send it back for warranty. If you bought used, as stated, Richard Binder can no doubt fix it. And if you send it to him, decide first if the nib suits you. The Serenite replacement nibs are brutally expensive (unless you get a free replacement under warranty) and it would be worth having Richard grind the nib to your preference while he is tuning it to be a good writer.

 

Coincidentally, I have a blue Serenite in my pocket today - and it writes beautifully, so don't give up, although I know what you have been through can be very frustrating.

[steersbylitning]

I have three Serenites, including one like yours, and have had no problems with any of them. I'm sorry your experience has been so frustrating.

 

I agree with the suggestion to flush the pen well. I have cartridges in my pens, and they seem to write well with them in place.

 

If all else fails, the manufacturer should back this product up.

 

Good luck!

[John Cullen]

I do not know enough to judge anything from the picture. sorry. You can check out other posts to get a good definition of baby bottom, if you have not already done so. But in essence it means the nib tipping material is so rounded that when the ink comes down the slit between the tines it does not at the end touch the paper. If that is the problem, the good news is that it is an esay fix.

 

If you can not send it back to waterman, a nib meister will solve the problem. There are all kinds of home solutions to these problems but with an expensive pen like this repair, in my opinion, should not be tried at home unless you really know what you are doing.

 

Again, I sympathize. When I drop big bucks on a pen and the thing does not work, I do feel cheated and very frustrated.

 

Keep us all posted. I think many of us like to know how problems are worked out by the pen companies and by people on their own just because we all have pen problems at some point of another. As you are finding out, QC is not always at its best.

 

j

[Albertotorinoitaly]

I just unpacked my new Waterman Sérénité Wood (Bois) FP and I realize I have the same problem that you mentioned. A roller barrel installed on a fountain pen nib unit. The converter dosn't fit. There is something inside, like an elastic sheet at the end of the barrel, that stops the converter at the last 3 mm.

I cannot see any "Sérénité" at moment :-)

Alberto

 

 

Next ironic tidbit: the converter does not even fit into the barrel.

I do not think the converter is the problem, but the barrel.

If the converter realy does not fit then you have probably a rollerball barrel with a fountain pen nib unit in it.

Is there any indication on the sticker on the box that it should be a FP inside?

 

- Flere

 

[jnd]

In my research on this model, I got the following numbers, which may prove useful:

 

Sanford/Waterman, Fine Writing Department: 1-800-237-8736 x1402

Sanford/Waterman, Fine Writing Department, Repair: 1-800-237-8736 x1428

 

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Yes, that is a baby bottom. I cannot tell you anything more from the picture unless I see the pen in person. Send it back first (If you are in Europe, send it to Europe. The US service has not been very good lately). Tell them that the converter does not fit, and the pen does not write properly.

 

Dillon

[Albertotorinoitaly]

Update: good news. Sanford France, in Saint Heblain, has fixed the barrel's mismatch. In one week, included shipping time. I am very happy, now. I think I'm going to marry Christine Pontif, from customer assistance. I have to ask my wife first.

Alberto

 

 

I just unpacked my new Waterman Sérénité Wood (Bois) FP and I realize I have the same problem that you mentioned. A roller barrel installed on a fountain pen nib unit. The converter dosn't fit. There is something inside, like an elastic sheet at the end of the barrel, that stops the converter at the last 3 mm.

I cannot see any "Sérénité" at moment :-)

Alberto

Edited May 19, 2009 by Albertotorinoitaly

[KenF5]

Ii've quite recently purchased a supposedly new Serenite of the later brush finish and black anodized variety, and share your amazement at the quality of the packaging. I think the pen must have been dipped many times to demonstrate it, because mine too had very poor ink flow characteristics. found after a little frustration that taking out the section / converter, pulling out the converter, and using an ear syringe...those bulbous little rubber things, filled with warm water, inserted firmly into the socket where the converter was, and gently squeezing worked. Don't apply powerful squeeze action..be gentle, and gradually add pressure till you see grotty fluid exit at the tip. Continue this, and occasionally let up pressure..then squeeze again. Repeat as necessary. Did that and now!! It' virtually instant starter, and my favourite nib repair guy warns against using much pressure when writing with these..he says they bend easily! I find it feels wonderful in the hand. By the way, I think those who believe the converter does not fit have not had any pointers in regard to use: stand the pen (less cap) in one hand, nib pointing up. With the other hand, twist silver ring left to right. Note section begins to rise. After about 1.5 turns you ought to be able to lift out section and converter. When reassembling, stand the rear cover in one hand, vertically. Run section and converter down inside, turning a little till it pops down...then turn ring right to left to clinch it in place. Write again if problems persist..