Waterman Carene Opinions

[MKIM97]

I've only recently started with fountain pens. Currently I own a steel Parker Vector, a P45, and a lacquer Sonnet, and I'm happy with all of my pens. Unfortunately, I saw the magnificent Waterman Carene.

 

All the prices I've seen are over $200, and I'd like to spend somewhere around $100, which I think might be possible if I wait for the opportunity. But what do FPN members think of this pen? I've been seeing mostly good stuff about it; could anyone elaborate? How would it compare to any of the pens I own?

 

Maybe a Hemisphere would be a better option...

Edited April 17, 2013 by MKIM97

[Koyote]

It's a nice pen - good weight and balance, nice styling, etc. Be aware that the cap does not post well, but it handles well without that.

 

The Carene is also a good way to get a factory stub nib. You can buy it from this guy (very reliable seller) and tell him you want a stub, and he'll do the swap:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A1U9NO092R5QX0

Edited April 16, 2013 by Koyote

[Left FPN]

Great pens, some have had flow issues but in the main I believe most are happy.

 

$100 might be tight, you may have to run a little higher. A Sea Garden has just sold in the Classifieds for £70 ($110) and with shipping that would have ended up at about $125. Sections alone are selling at close on your budget.

 

Nonetheless keep an eye on the bay where you should pick up a mint boxed pen for a reasonable price.

 

The Hemi is a totally different animal.

[Ernst Bitterman]

There's nothing WRONG with a Hemisphere, but Force is right about the radical difference in nature. The Carene is rather more interesting visually, but it's also a good deal heavier; not oppressively heavy, but you'll know you're moving something around. I came into a Carene by exactly the route Koyote mentions, including the stub, and I second the endorsement (although since then JML has had Waterman stepping on his throat a little bit on the matter of prices, so you're less likely to get a bargain).

 

I have some nearly unfounded concerns regarding finish durability, too; the only way this affects my interaction with the pen is that I decline to even attempt posting.

Edited April 17, 2013 by Ernst Bitterman

[Left FPN]

There's nothing WRONG with a Hemisphere, but Force is right about the radical difference in nature. The Carene is rather more interesting visually, but it's also a good deal heavier; not oppressively heavy, but you'll know you're moving something around. I came into a Carene by exactly the route Koyote mentions, including the stub, and I second the endorsement (although since then JML has had Waterman stepping on his throat a little bit on the matter of prices, so you're less likely to get a bargain).

 

I have some nearly unfounded concerns regarding finish durability, too; the only way this affects my interaction with the pen is that I decline to even attempt posting.

 

I do agree with Ernst ref the Hemi...especially the current ALL white with chrome trim S0920930 model

 

Did you know in Japan the Hemisphere is called the Metropolitan....true.

Edited April 17, 2013 by Force

[MKIM97]

I see. I guess I'll have to settle for a price quite a bit higher than $100. That's okay, though, if the Carene is worth it. I do like having a hefty pen, too.

 

I only mentioned the Hemi because it's a cheaper Waterman, and I don't know much about any Watermans.

[haldane3]

There's nothing WRONG with a Hemisphere, but Force is right about the radical difference in nature. The Carene is rather more interesting visually, but it's also a good deal heavier; not oppressively heavy, but you'll know you're moving something around. I came into a Carene by exactly the route Koyote mentions, including the stub, and I second the endorsement (although since then JML has had Waterman stepping on his throat a little bit on the matter of prices, so you're less likely to get a bargain).

 

I have some nearly unfounded concerns regarding finish durability, too; the only way this affects my interaction with the pen is that I decline to even attempt posting.

 

 

Ahh, so thats why JML's prices have been up! Couldn't figure why otherwise his prices shot up. Feared it was because I got such a good deal on an exception!

 

Dan

[MarneM]

I see. I guess I'll have to settle for a price quite a bit higher than $100. That's okay, though, if the Carene is worth it. I do like having a hefty pen, too.

 

I only mentioned the Hemi because it's a cheaper Waterman, and I don't know much about any Watermans.

 

I bought one recently, and I absolutely love it. It was definitely worth the price. If you go through penseller you do get a nice choice of nibs, too, depending on your preference. I got mine with a stub nib, which I find I really enjoy.

 

If you like a nice hefty pen, the Expert is even heavier than the Carene, and a touch cheaper (new). It doesn't have the same shape, but I had an Expert II as one of my first fountain pens, and it remains one of my favorite. The Expert 3 is out now (I think they're calling it "new generation" or something of the like) and they have some really nice looking models.

Edited April 18, 2013 by MarneM

[MKIM97]

A big part of the reason I want the Carene is due to its stunning looks, I have to admit, but the Expert looks good as well. Another reason I like the Carene is because of its gold inlaid nib - I know it won't be too different from a steel nib, but I can't help but think it'll have a few unique properties. If anything, I'd like to have the knowledge I own a gold nib.

 

Actually, this brings me to a question I have. Can you change the nib on the Carene? I ask because I've seen Carene nibs sold separately, and I would like to have the peace of mind knowing I'm not stuck with whatever nib size I choose.

[Ghost Plane]

The nib sections are availably separately - Lewertowski as Pen Seller From France and Pilotfish sell them in sizes ranging from XF to B to stub to obliques in both gold and silver trim. I've bought from Lewertowski and his service is excellent.

[sargetalon]

I can also vouch for Lewertowski. Swapped out the medium nib & section that came with my pen for an EF. Quick shipping and exactly as described. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer. Here is a pic of my coral reef careen. I love the color & look of this pen. Had to have it once I saw it. You won't be disappointed with this pen.

 

 

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f282/jdanley/1366378709_zps930f9a58.jpg

 

 

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f282/jdanley/1366378777_zpsc4a2e639.jpg

[MKIM97]

Wow, that's a pretty pen! Even though I personally don't like that color combination, overall it still looks stunning. I am very jealous.

 

I recently saw a Carene on the FPN Classifieds for a very VERY low price, but it was sold already. I guess my Carene hunt will continue on...

 

Here's another question: How's the stub nib on the Carene? All my pens (just three of them) are fine nib, so I'd like to try something different.

[MarneM]

Wow, that's a pretty pen! Even though I personally don't like that color combination, overall it still looks stunning. I am very jealous.

 

I recently saw a Carene on the FPN Classifieds for a very VERY low price, but it was sold already. I guess my Carene hunt will continue on...

 

Here's another question: How's the stub nib on the Carene? All my pens (just three of them) are fine nib, so I'd like to try something different.

 

I really enjoy the stub nib on my Carene -- it really adds something to my cursive writing.

 

This is mine:

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8527407293_d965c9d1af.jpg

And here is an example of the writing:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8539095683_2de530558f.jpg

I've actually gotten better at writing with the stub since I wrote this, and get more line variation than is evident here!

 

[Ghost Plane]

It feels as if it runs between an M and a B. Love 'em!

[MKIM97]

I feel like I should stop asking questions, because all of the answers just make me want a Carene more, although I doubt I will get one in the near future. Besides its "high" price (to me, a student), my parents are in control of all of my money, and they think it's ridiculous that I want a fountain pen even though I "already have two fountain pens; why do you need another?"

 

EDIT: I forgot to say, MarneM, you have the exact pen I want! I'd really like to get the Marine Amber pen with a stub nib.

Edited May 8, 2013 by MKIM97

[Eccles]

You wont find one much better than here.... http://www.firststopstationers.co.uk/acatalog/S0700880--Waterman-Carene-Marine-Amber-Fountain-Pen---Medium-S0700880.html

Reliable seller; I bought 2 high end Watermans from him.

And yes, the Marine Amber is my favourite Carene too, although I have other lovely ones as well.

Glenn.

[amble63]

You wont find one much better than here.... http://www.firststopstationers.co.uk/acatalog/S0700880--Waterman-Carene-Marine-Amber-Fountain-Pen---Medium-S0700880.html

Reliable seller; I bought 2 high end Watermans from him.

Someone can correct me if this is wrong, but I think if MKIM97 is outside of the UK, then the VAT is not charged.

[RMN]

Price is not bad. In the shops here it is €185, so this seems a good deal. But I would ask for a stub, they are nice.

 

Don't know the seller, myself.

 

 

D.ick

[MKIM97]

Wow, those are some good prices on that website! Thank you for the referral; I'll definitely look into their inventory further. I am wondering about nib sizes, though. It seems like all of their items are medium nib. I'll have to email them when I get around to purchasing something.

 

I am in the US, yes, so I shouldn't pay VAT.

Edited May 8, 2013 by MKIM97

[Eccles]

If you ask, they'll factory exchange the nib for you; takes a bit longer because they send it to France, which seems mad but not as much as pens from Australia going to Hong Kong for nib exchanges!

Anyway, that's how it's done in today's world.

There was no extra charge for the service, and it beats buying the pen as is and then having to pay for insured postage yourself to wherever the collection point is for the exchange... a mistake I made with my Edson.

Their P&P is flat rate and they actually spent a tad more on it than they charged me, and that was without taking packaging into account.

I had the respective factory stubs (aka 'italic' nibs) fitted to my Exception silver Night & Day and a blue Edson that I bought from there... nice!!! Well worth the wait, in my opinion.

Happy choosing.

Glenn.