Montblanc Classique Fountain Pen (2013) Review

[NHsueh]

I recently graduated from university and was given a Montblanc Classique fountain pen by my mother as a graduation gift. This is my review of the fountain pen. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. The pen has the gold trim, and the nib is 2-toned.

 

The Montblanc Classique fountain pen was bought from Penfriend (17 Fleet Street) in London, at a price of £370. The service given by a saleslady by the name of Rashpal was excellent, and I recommend anyone looking to buy a pen in London to go to Penfriend at 17 Fleet Street; Penfriend allows you to dip test the Montblanc fountain pen in ink, which is unlike the Montblanc boutiques at Harrods or Selfridges.

 

The Montblanc Classique fountain pen has a timeless design, and looks very nice.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img838/2989/t01n.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/6339/2qnn.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img844/8348/lw3b.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img96/9544/xw4e.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img543/3474/6unr.png

 

Interestingly, there have been some changes to the Montblanc Classique fountain pen, since at least 2013. Only the serial number is etched on the "clip ring" in a computerized font aligned towards the bottom of the ring (not centered!) opposite the clip; there is no "Germany" on the clip ring, unlike Montblanc pens produced in earlier years. However, on the underside of the clip, there is "Made in Germany" etched; there is no "Pix®" on the underside of the clip ring, unlike Montblanc pens produced in earlier years. On the nib, the gold content is marked as "Au 585" instead of the older "14K". However, if you do get a Montblanc fountain pen in the "old" style, that could be just because of old stock or inventory.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img199/6731/0gz5.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img27/2492/y86y.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img607/1373/z5k5.png

 

The metal threads of the nib section screw into a metal piece in the barrel.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img442/6766/qm0d.png

 

The screw in converter has a small metal coil in it to break surface tension and prevent feed starvation. Also, it says "Use Montblanc ink only"...

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img821/1839/jc9x.png

 

The fountain pen I was given was a Medium, and it wrote very smoothly without any skipping (I tried a few before I settled on the one I was gifted). Now, in my opinion, Montblanc makes the smoothest nibs out of the box. However, like almost every modern pen, it is quite possible that you can get a scratchy pen (misaligned tines) or skipping (baby bottom on the tip). This is why I think its best to test out the pen before you buy it, especially one as expensive as a Montblanc. When you find a Montblanc without any issues, the nib you get is the smoothest out of the box (in my opinion) of the various high end brands, and I have sampled other expensive fountain pens such as Graf von Faber-Castell. However, if you pick a Montblanc pen at random, if it has issues then it would feel the same as other misaligned or baby bottom high end fountain pens.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img845/9456/lvv2.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img834/9030/baa3.png

 

The closest pen the Montblanc classique can be compared to would be the Graf von Faber-Castell Intuition, which is similar in price. However, I find the Montblanc classique to look nicer.

 

I would thoroughly recommend this pen, but always make sure you try it before you buy it to ensure you get one that is perfect.

Edited July 31, 2013 by NHsueh

[acj27]

Lovely. Something to treasure...

 

 

Do you know if they had any choice of nibs to try on site as tempted to look at a BB on a classique / 146 at some point and like you would rather try before I buy...

[NHsueh]

Lovely. Something to treasure...

 

 

Do you know if they had any choice of nibs to try on site as tempted to look at a BB on a classique / 146 at some point and like you would rather try before I buy...

 

Are you in the UK too? When I was there they also had a F. You could call up before hand to ask if they have those nibs. Its a bit tricky to get to the store.

[georges zaslavsky]

nice classic pen enjoy your pen

[acj27]

 

Are you in the UK too? When I was there they also had a F. You could call up before hand to ask if they have those nibs. Its a bit tricky to get to the store.

 

 

Yes. I go to London a few times a year for various things. Will try giving them a call some time...

Thanks for the tip.

[Soer]

I recently graduated from university and was given a Montblanc Classique fountain pen by my mother as a graduation gift. This is my review of the fountain pen. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. The pen has the gold trim, and the nib is 2-toned.

 

The Montblanc Classique fountain pen was bought from Penfriend (17 Fleet Street) in London, at a price of £370. The service given by a saleslady by the name of Rashpal was excellent, and I recommend anyone looking to buy a pen in London to go to Penfriend at 17 Fleet Street; Penfriend allows you to dip test the Montblanc fountain pen in ink, which is unlike the Montblanc boutiques at Harrods or Selfridges.

 

The Montblanc Classique fountain pen has a timeless design, and looks very nice.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img838/2989/t01n.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img59/6339/2qnn.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img844/8348/lw3b.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img96/9544/xw4e.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img543/3474/6unr.png

 

Interestingly, there have been some changes to the Montblanc Classique fountain pen, since at least 2013. Only the serial number is etched on the "clip ring" in a computerized font aligned towards the bottom of the ring (not centered!) opposite the clip; there is no "Germany" on the clip ring, unlike Montblanc pens produced in earlier years. However, on the underside of the clip, there is "Made in Germany" etched; there is no "Pix®" on the underside of the clip ring, unlike Montblanc pens produced in earlier years. On the nib, the gold content is marked as "Au 585" instead of the older "14K". However, if you do get a Montblanc fountain pen in the "old" style, that could be just because of old stock or inventory.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img199/6731/0gz5.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img27/2492/y86y.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/1373/z5k5.png

 

The metal threads of the nib section screw into a metal piece in the barrel.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img442/6766/qm0d.png

 

The screw in converter has a small metal coil in it to break surface tension and prevent feed starvation. Also, it says "Use Montblanc ink only"...

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img821/1839/jc9x.png

 

The fountain pen I was given was a Medium, and it wrote very smoothly without any skipping (I tried a few before I settled on the one I was gifted). Now, in my opinion, Montblanc makes the smoothest nibs out of the box. However, like almost every modern pen, it is quite possible that you can get a scratchy pen (misaligned tines) or skipping (baby bottom on the tip). This is why I think its best to test out the pen before you buy it, especially one as expensive as a Montblanc. When you find a Montblanc without any issues, the nib you get is the smoothest out of the box (in my opinion) of the various high end brands, and I have sampled other expensive fountain pens such as Graf von Faber-Castell. However, if you pick a Montblanc pen at random, if it has issues then it would feel the same as other misaligned or baby bottom high end fountain pens.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img845/9456/lvv2.png

http://imageshack.us/a/img834/9030/baa3.png

 

The closest pen the Montblanc classique can be compared to would be the Graf von Faber-Castell Intuition, which is similar in price. However, I find the Montblanc classique to look nicer.

 

I would thoroughly recommend this pen, but always make sure you try it before you buy it to ensure you get one that is perfect.

 

 

Is this model MB145????

[hari317]

 

 

Is this model MB145????

 

yes. 145 is the older name. newer name is Classique.

http://www.montblanc.com/en/brand/writing-instruments/unisex/meisterstck/black-resin-gold/classique-fountain-pen-106514.aspx

[hari317]

I recently graduated from university and was given a Montblanc Classique fountain pen by my mother as a graduation gift. This is my review of the fountain pen. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. The pen has the gold trim, and the nib is 2-toned.

many congrats! You have been given a pen that will last you many many years of service.

[NHsueh]

many congrats! You have been given a pen that will last you many many years of service.

 

Thank you very much. I felt overcome with emotion when I received the pen as my parents are not rich so I know the sacrifices they made in order to give it to me.

[NHsueh]

 

 

Yes. I go to London a few times a year for various things. Will try giving them a call some time...

Thanks for the tip.

 

The Penfriend which has new (modern) pens is the one at 17 Fleet Street. You should get off at Chancery Lane if you are taking the tube.

[pp763]

Yes I bought a 146 platinum trim last monday and it has the exact same new features. Im not too happy though as the clip ring doesnt fit too well. Its not flush with the snow cap it bulges out at one side slightly. Im taking it in for an EF nib so ill mention it. Also the M nib it came with is scratchy and on the skinny side

[NHsueh]

Yes I bought a 146 platinum trim last monday and it has the exact same new features. Im not too happy though as the clip ring doesnt fit too well. Its not flush with the snow cap it bulges out at one side slightly. Im taking it in for an EF nib so ill mention it. Also the M nib it came with is scratchy and on the skinny side

 

Where did you buy your pen from?

[acj27]

 

The Penfriend which has new (modern) pens is the one at 17 Fleet Street. You should get off at Chancery Lane if you are taking the tube.

 

Only looked round the Burlington Arcade one before...

[pp763]

I bought it from my local AD in Manchester UK. Got some royal blue ink with it as well. Very nice ink

[NHsueh]

I bought it from my local AD in Manchester UK. Got some royal blue ink with it as well. Very nice ink

 

Just curious, but which AD was it?

[MBFan]

I like the new style of displaying the gold content on the nib, it looks more modern and refined. My first MB was the 145 (old style), I'm sure it'll serve you well. Congrats!

[pp763]

It was D M Robinson in Altrincham. First time ive had a glass of champagne with a pen purchase! I bought my 149 from them in 2000 for £280 and now this 146 for £480. What a difference

[Soer]

 

yes. 145 is the older name. newer name is Classique.

http://www.montblanc.com/en/brand/writing-instruments/unisex/meisterstck/black-resin-gold/classique-fountain-pen-106514.aspx

 

Thanks Hari for your response. :thumbup:

Do you know the size and the weight of the MB 145 or maybe a link, by any chance. :lol:

 

Thanks

[Montblanc owner and lover]

A wonderful pen that you'll keep and use your whole life with always the same pleasure while taking it in hand. Enjoy and congrats for your graduation!

[hari317]

 

Thanks Hari for your response. :thumbup:

Do you know the size and the weight of the MB 145 or maybe a link, by any chance. :lol:

 

Thanks

 

see if this thread helps.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/202821-the-meisterstuck-bordeaux-fp-family/

 

I don't have the weight information off hand, you might have to do a google assisted FPN search. HTH.