Waterman Serenite-review

[goodguy]

Got the Waterman Serenite today but since I got back from night shift I just opened the package drooled for a minute of the pen and went to sleep.

I was dreaming constantly about how I am inking the Serenite and writing with it while my cat goes "I wanna try it, I wanna try it".

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture033.jpg

I woke up with my cat next to me sleeping, I think he was dreaming about the pen too but I might be wrong, you never know with these cats if they dream about the pen or a juicy mouse :ltcapd:

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture034.jpg

In any case excited I went to look at my latest acquisition and what an unusual pen this is. I feel like I am ready to take the cap of take the Katana blade that is in the pen and start s mid age Japanese sword fight.

The shape of the pen is supposed to relax you and be harmonious and all that but for me it made me start to try to speak Japanese and say Ninja and Samurai. Sorry I hope I didn’t offend anyone simply the pen looks to me like it’s more a weapon that something that is harmonious. Oh well everybody and there imagination (and mine is filled right now with sword fights).

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture039.jpg

Ok I almost forgot it’s a pen so the design is stunning, simply stunning. This pen is all about looks and what a looker it is I love every aspect of the design of this pen. It’s got a round curvy shape that surprisingly feels nice in the hand. I was sure the curvy shape will make it feel weird but once in the hand the pen feels like any other pen. It’s apparent the designers of this pen didn’t want it only to look nice but also to be used.

The clip is shaped like a blade and the fat silver ring at the end of the barrel is shaped like threaded ropes, stunning simply stunning.

The cap is a slip cap and when removed to my surprise I see a Waterman made Sheaffer nib. Ok no this is not a Sheaffer nib but it sure looks like a Triumph nib. The difference is that the Triumph nib is completely round while this nib isnt hugging the feed all the way to the end, but then this small detail this nib looks like a Triumph nib. As a big Snorkel collector/fan I don’t mind even though I was never a huge fan of how the Triumph nib feels.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture041.jpg

Now I want to feel the pen with ink so I try to twist the section but it will not turn. I didn’t want to try harder so I went to the manual and to take the section it says I must turn the silver ring. I do that and indeed the section comes up (with no turning) like a little elevator, oh goody I love these little gadgets like things.

Well as expected this is a C/C filler. A bit disappointing that Waterman didn’t bother making this into some kind of a more interesting filler but I guess in this day and age asking for an interesting filling mechanism is too much for some pen makers.

The converter is long enough to hold a nice amount of ink so I ink it wipe the nib and put the section in the barrel. Few turns on the rings and the elevator ahh I mean the section lands back in the barrel securely and we are ready for business.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture043.jpg

Well right away the nib laid a nice wet line with no skipping and no hesitation as a good reliable pen should but and this is a big but the nib didn’t make me go Ooooh and Ahhhh. It is a bit dry for my taste (I love very wet nibs) but I felt as if there is very little feedback from the nib. This is the same thing I feel with Sheaffer Triumph nibs. Excellent nibs but somehow doesn’t make me go gaga. I think many FPN members will scratch there heads and say I am crazy but I am extremely finicky about the way my pens write and feedback is high on my desirability list. Other then that this really is a great writer. The pen feels extremely solid and very well made. It is light weight and feels very nice and balanced in the hand.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture044.jpg

So would I recommend for people to buy it. It depends of the price and how much you like stylish pens. This is without a doubt a stylish pen and a wonderful writer and will do everything other pens will do but it will not excite everybody due to a super smooth nib that leaves you a bit bored (well me for at least).For full retail price I would put the extra money and get a MB WE LE pen but that’s me. Luckily for me I didn’t even pay half retail price on it so it’s ok. If you get a good deal on it then run to get it because it is a looker and a nice writer.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture035.jpg

Oh and my cat (after a long sniff) liked the pen but had a little bored face after that,not sure what he ment by that,well maybe he was just tired,do you trust the cat ?

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture045.jpg

At the end I decided to take a picture of my second and only other Waterman pen in my collection.They actualy looks beautiful together

 

I need to add something I forgot to mention-I love the box of this pen.It really matches the curviness of the pen and the way it opens up makes me feel like I am opening a box full of surprizes.

Edited September 29, 2008 by goodguy

[Bryant]

I love the cat getting cozzy with it!

Thanks for the review Amir, I hope you enjoy it...

Here is my contribution to your review... (The same actual pen, before it was sent off to Canada)

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm78/FountainPenz/CIMG0033-3.jpg

[Maine Vintner]

Goodguy...

Once again a very nice review. Thank you.

 

Beautiful presentation and design but perhaps more form than function? Appears the cat is not giving any paws up on his one. Did we get a raised eyebrow?

 

If you want a Waterman with form AND function, I suggest the Carene. I am a big MB fan but the Carene is the one Waterman that makes my top 5 pen-roll alongside my 146, 149, and Schiller.

 

Best,

Vintner

[goodguy]

  Maine Vintner said:

Goodguy...

Once again a very nice review. Thank you.

 

Beautiful presentation and design but perhaps more form than function? Appears the cat is not giving any paws up on his one. Did we get a raised eyebrow?

 

If you want a Waterman with form AND function, I suggest the Carene. I am a big MB fan but the Carene is the one Waterman that makes my top 5 pen-roll alongside my 146, 149, and Schiller.

 

Best,

Vintner

Actualy my Edson is a super pen and even thoug its not perfect I wouldnt want it to change (maybe just a piston filler,some flex on the nib and a wee bit lighter) but other then that its a wonderful writer and a gorgeous pen so I wouldnt need any other Waterman at this time.

Dont get me wrong the Serenite is really a wonderful pens and a nice writer it simply has very little feedback and for me its a big deal.Many people would think I am crazy for being so finicky as this really a nice (even if its over priced) pen.

Edited September 29, 2008 by goodguy

[Maine Vintner]

  goodguy said:

  Maine Vintner said:

Goodguy...

Once again a very nice review. Thank you.

 

Beautiful presentation and design but perhaps more form than function? Appears the cat is not giving any paws up on his one. Did we get a raised eyebrow?

 

If you want a Waterman with form AND function, I suggest the Carene. I am a big MB fan but the Carene is the one Waterman that makes my top 5 pen-roll alongside my 146, 149, and Schiller.

 

Best,

Vintner

Actualy my Edson is a super pen and even thoug its not perfect I wouldnt want it to change (maybe just a piston filler,some flex on the nib and a wee bit lighter) but other then that its a wonderful writer and a gorgeous pen so I wouldnt need any other Waterman at this time.

Dont get me wrong the Serenite is really a wonderful pens and a nice writer it simply has very little feedback and for me its a big deal.Many people would think I am crazy for being so finicky as this really a nice (even if its over priced) pen.

 

You don't sound crazy or finicky to me - you like what you like, just as all of us Fountain Pen lovers do. I agree with you on the Edson - for such a beautiful high-end pen I often wondered why it's not a piston fill.

 

One question for you on the Serenite - does the c/c filler actually come apart from the pen or does the "elevator mechanism" somehow keep it attached? Thanks.

 

Enjoy your great new pen.

 

Best Regards,

Vintner

 

[Ghost Plane]

Looks like the cat only gave it 2 paws. :meow:

[goodguy]

  Ghost Plane said:

Looks like the cat only gave it 2 paws. :meow:

Well since he has only 2 then thats as much as he can do

[xmattxyzx]

Oh my god you have so many awesome pens.

[Ghost Plane]

  goodguy said:

  Ghost Plane said:

Looks like the cat only gave it 2 paws. :meow:

Well since he has only 2 then thats as much as he can do

He gave a 4 paw to a couple of your MBs

[Pen Nut]

Goodguy, great review and clear pics as well !

 

Yes I would buy one if I came across one but not sure if I would actively 'hunt one down'.

 

That said I did note a titainium version of the Serenite and was taken by it...... maybe it will slip on to my "hit list" shortly

[goodguy]

  Pen Nut said:

Goodguy, great review and clear pics as well !

 

Yes I would buy one if I came across one but not sure if I would actively 'hunt one down'.

 

That said I did note a titainium version of the Serenite and was taken by it...... maybe it will slip on to my "hit list" shortly

I think you will like it so good luck on that.

[J-san]

Very nice. I may have missed it in your review, but can you post the cap? I really like the curved design, reminds me of a quill pen.

[goodguy]

  J-san said:

Very nice. I may have missed it in your review, but can you post the cap? I really like the curved design, reminds me of a quill pen.

Yes you can post the cap easily and it doesnt offset the balance too much but I never post my pens.

[LOCHi]

Thanks for nice review - thats beautiful pen! Now I know what I have to buy after Parker Duofold....

[montrepassion]

A very pricy but beautiful pen if you ask me!

[adam11]

In my humble opinion, Serenite is one of the most beautiful and most stylish modern pens. I like this "orientalizzante" understated, but even so, pure luxury design. This is just on opposite side of the spectrum occupying by different kinds of gold, enamel, and other kitschy blingy blingy "writing instruments".

I wonder , though, how is to write with it...

Again, simply beautiful! Congratulations!

[Zekay]

As always, thanks for the great review of another very cool pen! I think the Serenité is a very beautiful pen, but somehow not one I want to own. I don't think I would use it much. The design is gorgeous though. And you are not the only one that thinks it looks like a katana sword, I had that exact idea when I saw pictures of one for the first time! Don't know why really, maybe just an overactive imagination.

 

Thanks for the great contribution!

 

Zekay

[Zekay]

Whoops! Double post!

Edited September 22, 2009 by Zekay

[MOVIESTAR]

Wow. Such a nice pen.

[breaker]

nice review