Aurora Optima Burgundy

[Calabria]

Hi all,

 

I have set my sights on Aurora Optima for Christmas, and think the Burgundy Auroloid is quite beautiful. Unfortunately, I like the older version of the cap band more than the newer one. The older version is still available in some corners of the world, but given Aurora's somewhat temperamental nib situation, I hesitate to buy the pen unseen and untried.

 

My question is this: Do you agree that the older version of the cap band is more elegant than the somewhat clunky newer version? Or is that just in my head?

 

And when it comes to buying, should I go to John, or locally (New York), or Malaysia? Or are there other suggestions?

 

Btw, if someone has an Il Sole kicking around, I'd go for that , too :clap1:

 

Thanks,

Derek

[eric47]

I prefer the old band too. But the new band doesn't look as bad to me with the chrome finish.

 

All my Optimas have the old bands -- took a bit of patience, searching, etc. I did have a green with the new band -- a replacement Aurora sent me for an original shrunken green pen. But I just traded that at a pen show for one with an old band.

 

What's the temperamental Aurora nib situation? I think I had only one miss out of 10+; that one need professional smoothing. But if you're that worried about the nib, then buy locally -- try before you buy!

Edited December 12, 2011 by eric47

[Calabria]

I prefer the old band too. But the new band doesn't look as bad to me with the chrome finish.

 

All my Optimas have the old bands -- took a bit of patience, searching, etc. I did have a green with the new band -- a replacement Aurora sent me for an original shrunken green pen. But I just traded that at a pen show for one with an old band.

 

What's the temperamental Aurora nib situation? I think I had only one miss out of 10+; that one need professional smoothing. But if you're that worried about the nib, then buy locally -- try before you buy!

 

Thanks - do you know what Auroloide actually is? Resin? Or another recipe for making Celluloid?

 

I agree, in chrome the new band has its own charm, kind of like a new car. Pictures don't do it justice.

[R A Miller]

....think the Burgundy Auroloid is quite beautiful. Unfortunately, I like the older version of the cap band more than the newer one....

I think the Burgundy Auroloid Optima has only been made with the new style cap band. I hope I'm wrong as eventually I want to add a Burgundy Optima to my collection.

 

 

My question is this: Do you agree that the older version of the cap band is more elegant than the somewhat clunky newer version? Or is that just in my head?

For me there is no comparison, the older version of the cap band is superior in appearance. I do agree that the new style cap band in chrome isn't too bad.

[eric47]

Thanks - do you know what Auroloide actually is? Resin? Or another recipe for making Celluloid?

It's a resin. I'm pretty sure it's PMMA, Polymethyl methacrylate.

 

I think the Burgundy Auroloid Optima has only been made with the new style cap band. I hope I'm wrong as eventually I want to add a Burgundy Optima to my collection.

Wrong, wrong, and wrong! The Burgundy was made with the old style cap band; I have one.

[R A Miller]

Wrong, wrong, and wrong! The Burgundy was made with the old style cap band; I have one.

Great news! I can keep looking for one.

[rhosygell]

Try to buy in your country of residence - Aurora's international warranty is an absolute waste of ink, paper and reading time. At least then when something goes wrong (not if....) you have the local agent / distributor to fight your corner unlike here in the UK. I have now given up entirely on Aurora.

[Calabria]

Thanks for all the input.

 

I have jumped the gun and gone locally :embarrassed_smile:

 

The new band style is clearly not as subtle as the old one, but I finally decided to "buy the pen for the nib, not the looks" so I went to a local dealer. About Aurora nibs (I called them "temperamental," but no, we won't talk about the subtle meanings of "feedback" here...), I tried three medium nibs, and like Goldilocks in the fairytale, I found one was as fine as a Japanese medium; one was as broad as a Japanese B, and one was perfect for me - what I would call a true Aurora M. It was on a yellow Talentum, which is also a really beautiful pen.

 

All's well that ends well. The pen is beautiful and characteristically superior to other piston fillers (I find).

 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

[Calabria]

I've attached a picture of the new band -