most elegant black modern pen

[OboeJuan]

Clipless Danitrio Tame-Midori Mikado.

 

[HerosNSuch]

The Sailor 1911 Midsize is my vote.

Its understated size, high gloss finish, and nickel(I think) furniture all fit my definition of muted, understated elegance.

 

[chesnuts2roast]

Visconti black divina for me

[rogerb]

I am with Ondina on this... the Waterman LeMan 100 strikes me as being nearly perfectly 'balanced' in its length/thickness/weight proportions, it has a beautiful nib, and a very tasteful amount of gold trim.

 

Just looking at my black pens, I'd place the Black W'man Exception N&D equal second with the MB146...hard to compare the square with the 'cigar-shaped'. Both are nicely proportioned and trimmed, the MB possibly having the edge on the latter.

 

The Pilot Custom 845 Urushi runs them close, but, to my eye, the cap is just a bit too 'fat' for the barrel, the large knob on the clip mars the line, and the gold trim on the barrel is just a tad too near the end.

 

I don't have a Montblanc 149 but think it's just a bit too 'portly' to be truly elegant.

 

This is all JMO of course, and I wouldn't be so rude as to suggest that this is THE answer, or to imply that those holding other opinions are 'brainless'.

 

[trencherman]

Nobrainer: Pilot Custom 845 Urushi with a broad nib. Big, black and beautiful. If you only need one elegant black pen (and who needs more than one black pen,) this is it!

 

 

I was waiting for somebody to mention this. The classiest of fountain pens.

[FredRydr]

This is awful, but the most elegant black pen I've even seen was posted on the forum, probably in the the Italian subforum, but I cannot recall the name.

Okay, I decided I would search, and I found it, Yes it was in the Italian subforum, and it was owned by rrossinck! However, it turns out it isn't black, but just looks like it is in the photos. It is an Omas 360. It should be black!

 

It's here.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2283888047_f7847f8dd0.jpg

 

Fred

Edited November 2, 2008 by FredRydr

[petra]

Wow, how strange to see this thread pop up again, now, just a few days after I actually got my elegant black pen -- the winner is: Waterman Exception Day/Night with the platinum band down the side.

 

If I had a different kind of budget (dream on), I'd add the Visconti black Divina and the Dupont Olympio with the faceted section.

[yachtsilverswan]

For me, an elegant pen is large, black, traditionally shaped, and sparingly ornamented – the Montblanc 149. Large, like a limousine is large. Black, like a tuxedo is black.

 

A close runner-up would be Waterman’s Edson Black Diamond with it’s deco inspired pseudo-inlaid nib, gleaming black barrel and flat finished platinum cap. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=654211

 

A pen for use at an elegant affair is a bit different than an elegant pen. While either of the above pens would work, I often like my pen to show a bit of color against my dark suit, white summer dinner jacket, or black tuxedo. If I’m wearing a dark suit, I might choose an ornate dress pen to pick up some of the color in my tie and to match the metal of my cufflinks and belt buckle or braces hardware. I like the red and gold Montblanc Pope Julius II 888 edition (seen in my avatar) (http://www.pensinasia.com/888_pope_julius_...p-montblanc.htm ) or the sterling and blue Michel Perchin Blue Serpent for that mission. (https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=52092 )

 

For that once-a-year truly formal white tie affair, the flash of color I would use for a semi-formal evening would be inappropriate. The pen would need to be black, like the MB 149 or the Waterman Edson Black Diamond. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=654211

 

The trouble with posh affairs is not choosing which pen will be the night’s carry. The trouble is being charming enough to be invited back again next year.

Edited November 2, 2008 by yachtsilverswan

[Rasendyll]

How about the pen hat's actually named 'Black One"- Montegrappa's 'Nero Uno'?

 

A distinctive ocatonal shape, with lots of silver trim and a nib that (in the same manner as the Namiki Falcon) is a marvel of flex for a modern nib?

 

A distinctive style given dignity by it's black colouring.

[KenS]

 

Black Pelikan M 800

Mont Blanc 146

The 149 is just too big..

Ken.

[lapis]

Richard's question was perfect and I can really believe you that your question amounts to more of an analysis of inherent subjectivity than to any real choice or suggestion or recommendation.

 

For me, "Elegance" has something to do with a certain blend of simplicity and timelessness, but at the same time something which has at least a hint of pizzazz.

 

Now it comes: IMO I think an MB 146 or 149 is somehow very elegant, but I still wouldn't ever buy one or even recommend one as long as it doesn't write perfectly. So!

 

Joe

[asimplemaestro]

Waterman Exception. Beautiful pen but stands out as being different. Agree???

[fountainpen3232]

I have a mont blanc boheme with a blue stone. its a stout little pen that goes perfect for my coat pocket and i have a little bespoke good noir notebook that i carry (black pen, black notebook). perfect combo!

[lovemy51]

how about this P51?

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/140591-parker-51-double-jewel/

Edited August 19, 2012 by lovemy51

[jkingrph]

For the price, the Italix Parsons Essential

 

http://www.mrpen.co.uk/

 

I have one with a medium italic nib and it's fantastic in writing, and in looks every bit as elebant as one of the medium size Montblancs or Pelikans at nearly 7 to 10x the price.

[enricof]

My top 7 (can't choose):

 

MB 149

M1000

DT Mikado clipless tame midori (green black)

DT Densho raw ebonite (waiting for my clipless r.e. baby Genkai)

Aurora 88 (I prefer the silver trim)

Omas 360 Magnum

Man 100

 

And Balance OS for vintage.

[Scribblesoften]

I have to go with the Aurora 88, Mont Blanc 220, and the Parker 51. In black of course.

[hari317]

wow! a 4 year old thread. i am curious what pen petra decided on finally!

[Scribblesoften]

Back from the dead. She mentioned her purchase back in 2008 but perhaps she will chime in again here.

[ninobrn99]

edit: I should check the dates on these threads!!

Edited August 20, 2012 by ninobrn99