Did the complimentary nib exchange change recently?

[Laurion96]

I recently asked a couple boutiques about a complimentary nib exchange for a Montblanc I was able to get from PenBoutique. They mentioned no complimentary exchange is available for fountain pens unless purchased directly from MontBlanc. Is this different from previous? I’ve sent in a pen and got a nib exchange complimentary, from an authorized retailer. Did it change recently?

[NoType]

3 hours ago, Laurion96 said:

I recently asked a couple boutiques about a complimentary nib exchange for a Montblanc I was able to get from PenBoutique. They mentioned no complimentary exchange is available for fountain pens unless purchased directly from MontBlanc. Is this different from previous? I’ve sent in a pen and got a nib exchange complimentary, from an authorized retailer. Did it change recently?

@Laurion96 No, the policy for complimentary nib exchanges has not changed.  The purchase needs to have been made by an authorised retailer no more than six weeks before the request for the nib exchange (no more than one year before for numbered limited editions), and a stamped warranty card or sales receipt must be presented upon request.  

 

As Pen Boutique is an authorised retailer for Montblanc, if the request is made within the requisite time period, any Montblanc boutique should be able to arrange the complimentary nib exchange with confirmation of the date of purchase from an authorised retailer. 

 

When I was denied a complimentary nib exchange last year by the local boutique (and five others I had called) because none of them realised that my Writers Edition Brothers Grimm 9800 FP was a numbered limited edition and thus I had up to one year after purchase in order to request a complimentary nib exchange, I called the Montblanc US Customer Service phone number (1.800.995.4810) and an ambassador contacted each boutique manager I had spoken to and corrected their misapprehension.  Then that ambassador arranged for the local boutique to contact me and issue an invitation to visit the boutique to drop off my Grimm 9800 FP for a complimentary nib exchange.  And just like that, after presenting to the local boutique my stamped warranty card showing the date of purchase from an authorised retailer, I was able to exchange my M nib for a BB nib at no charge (the boutique arranged the shipping and Montblanc covered its costs).

 

I suggest contacting Montblanc 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-us/customer-service/contact-us

and letting them know that you purchased a pen from an authorised retailer and would like a complimentary nib exchange.  An ambassador will be able to help you.

[Laurion96]

7 hours ago, NoType said:

@Laurion96 No, the policy for complimentary nib exchanges has not changed.  The purchase needs to have been made by an authorised retailer no more than six weeks before the request for the nib exchange (no more than one year before for numbered limited editions), and a stamped warranty card or sales receipt must be presented upon request.  

 

As Pen Boutique is an authorised retailer for Montblanc, if the request is made within the requisite time period, any Montblanc boutique should be able to arrange the complimentary nib exchange with confirmation of the date of purchase from an authorised retailer. 

 

When I was denied a complimentary nib exchange last year by the local boutique (and five others I had called) because none of them realised that my Writers Edition Brothers Grimm 9800 FP was a numbered limited edition and thus I had up to one year after purchase in order to request a complimentary nib exchange, I called the Montblanc US Customer Service phone number (1.800.995.4810) and an ambassador contacted each boutique manager I had spoken to and corrected their misapprehension.  Then that ambassador arranged for the local boutique to contact me and issue an invitation to visit the boutique to drop off my Grimm 9800 FP for a complimentary nib exchange.  And just like that, after presenting to the local boutique my stamped warranty card showing the date of purchase from an authorised retailer, I was able to exchange my M nib for a BB nib at no charge (the boutique arranged the shipping and Montblanc covered its costs).

 

I suggest contacting Montblanc 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-us/customer-service/contact-us

and letting them know that you purchased a pen from an authorised retailer and would like a complimentary nib exchange.  An ambassador will be able to help you.

Thank you! That’s exactly what I thought. I had thought maybe it changed since MB isn’t renewing their retailers for some, but that helps me out! I just bought the Naruto and the Origin black. Now I just wish I could get the Naruto Ink!

[Laurion96]

7 hours ago, NoType said:

@Laurion96 No, the policy for complimentary nib exchanges has not changed.  The purchase needs to have been made by an authorised retailer no more than six weeks before the request for the nib exchange (no more than one year before for numbered limited editions), and a stamped warranty card or sales receipt must be presented upon request.  

 

As Pen Boutique is an authorised retailer for Montblanc, if the request is made within the requisite time period, any Montblanc boutique should be able to arrange the complimentary nib exchange with confirmation of the date of purchase from an authorised retailer. 

 

When I was denied a complimentary nib exchange last year by the local boutique (and five others I had called) because none of them realised that my Writers Edition Brothers Grimm 9800 FP was a numbered limited edition and thus I had up to one year after purchase in order to request a complimentary nib exchange, I called the Montblanc US Customer Service phone number (1.800.995.4810) and an ambassador contacted each boutique manager I had spoken to and corrected their misapprehension.  Then that ambassador arranged for the local boutique to contact me and issue an invitation to visit the boutique to drop off my Grimm 9800 FP for a complimentary nib exchange.  And just like that, after presenting to the local boutique my stamped warranty card showing the date of purchase from an authorised retailer, I was able to exchange my M nib for a BB nib at no charge (the boutique arranged the shipping and Montblanc covered its costs).

 

I suggest contacting Montblanc 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-us/customer-service/contact-us

and letting them know that you purchased a pen from an authorised retailer and would like a complimentary nib exchange.  An ambassador will be able to help you.

I also wanted to ask, how is the Brothers Grimm? I kinda want to get that set eventually because I love those stories, but it’s also quite a bit of an investment getting 3 instruments. My thumb won’t let me use anything other than a FP due to an injury, but I think the BG looks really good.

[NoType]

4 hours ago, Laurion96 said:

Thank you! That’s exactly what I thought. I had thought maybe it changed since MB isn’t renewing their retailers for some, but that helps me out! I just bought the Naruto and the Origin black. Now I just wish I could get the Naruto Ink!

@Laurion96 It was my pleasure.  Congratulations on your acquisitions of two fountain pens that have largely proved very popular amongst both the general public and members here!  

 

Regarding the Naruto, be advised that the special process for the orange-coloured fittings results in a somewhat delicate coating.  This is especially notable on the clip, where repeated abrasion (unavoidable in the clip’s regular use) causes loss of coating, revealing areas of yellow of the clip’s brass material underneath.  Moreover, the orange trim at the edge of the forepart (or section) tends to discolour due to direct exposure to ink when the nib is dipped into the ink bottle during the filling process; wiping the trim immediately after ink contact has limited effect.

 

Aside from the fanciable Naruto ink, the use of which might forestall this discolouration if only this particular orange ink could be found, the Naruto pen case is another elusive accessory.  I understand that stocks of both were depleted fairly quickly after the pen was first released for sale, unfortunately.

 

Obtaining The Origin 149 also amounts to something of a coup, as fewer and fewer examples seem to be available with every passing day.  I wish you all the best on both complimentary nib exchanges for and many years of enjoyable service with these pens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NoType]

4 hours ago, Laurion96 said:

I also wanted to ask, how is the Brothers Grimm? I kinda want to get that set eventually because I love those stories, but it’s also quite a bit of an investment getting 3 instruments. My thumb won’t let me use anything other than a FP due to an injury, but I think the BG looks really good.

@Laurion96 The Brothers Grimm 9800 FP, alongside the Homer 9800 FP, constitute two of my favourite designs among modern Write Editions fountain pen models.  I suffer from stiff thumb joints which, though perhaps a different malady from yours, make it easier for me to use girthy foreparts and barrels, and thus I also gravitate towards fountain pens like the 149 and the Grimm and Homer models for functional reasons.  But I genuinely appreciate the Grimm 9800 FP’s aesthetic.

 

The only warning about the Grimm 9800 FP that I can offer regards the fragility of the ruthenium coating.  Please refer to the thread embedded below:

 

Although my particular Grimm 9800 FP has been spared thus far during its two-year warranty period, members in the thread above, and a friend of mine not active on the subforum, have experienced flaking of the ruthenium coating fairly early on in their ownership of this model.  In fact, my friend turned in their Grimm 9800 FP under warranty for this issue and is still waiting five months later for the pen to be returned from service.  

 

Other than this unfortunate failing, which appears to also blight other models featuring ruthenium coating from a similar period (e.g., The Beatles SE FP), I have no reservations in recommending the Grimm 9800 FP.  I do not have experience with the other implements of the Grimm 3-piece sets (i.e., RB, BP, MP), but imagine that the ruthenium coating issues are not restricted to the fountain pen.

 

 

 

[Laurion96]

4 hours ago, NoType said:

@Laurion96 It was my pleasure.  Congratulations on your acquisitions of two fountain pens that have largely proved very popular amongst both the general public and members here!  

 

Regarding the Naruto, be advised that the special process for the orange-coloured fittings results in a somewhat delicate coating.  This is especially notable on the clip, where repeated abrasion (unavoidable in the clip’s regular use) causes loss of coating, revealing areas of yellow of the clip’s brass material underneath.  Moreover, the orange trim at the edge of the forepart (or section) tends to discolour due to direct exposure to ink when the nib is dipped into the ink bottle during the filling process; wiping the trim immediately after ink contact has limited effect.

 

Aside from the fanciable Naruto ink, the use of which might forestall this discolouration if only this particular orange ink could be found, the Naruto pen case is another elusive accessory.  I understand that stocks of both were depleted fairly quickly after the pen was first released for sale, unfortunately.

 

Obtaining The Origin 149 also amounts to something of a coup, as fewer and fewer examples seem to be available with every passing day.  I wish you all the best on both complimentary nib exchanges for and many years of enjoyable service with these pens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for the notes! actually, I noted in my other thread I have the Naruto pen. I was able to get a second one recently. After finding out how much nib exchanges are, I am okay with a second Naruto pen with a complimentary exchange. The exact things you mentioned have started showing on my first Naruto pen. The clips edges at the bottom are yellow now. The orange band on the nib section is still orange though. I do a pretty good job of wiping that down. Thank you so much for the warnings! I’m keeping it in mind for both of mine! I just really love Naruto so much (it has a special meaning through my whole life, I literally grew up *with* Naruto). 

I was surprised with the 149. After ordering the Naruto, I just scrolled through their MB section. Saw the origin black (I don’t care for the other colors) and decided to jump for it. Besides the 149 I mentioned in my first thread, this will be a main 149 for me. 

 

I think I want to get OM on both pens. I’ve been really enjoying the Obliques!

[Laurion96]

3 hours ago, NoType said:

@Laurion96 The Brothers Grimm 9800 FP, alongside the Homer 9800 FP, constitute two of my favourite designs among modern Write Editions fountain pen models.  I suffer from stiff thumb joints which, though perhaps a different malady from yours, make it easier for me to use girthy foreparts and barrels, and thus I also gravitate towards fountain pens like the 149 and the Grimm and Homer models for functional reasons.  But I genuinely appreciate the Grimm 9800 FP’s aesthetic.

 

The only warning about the Grimm 9800 FP that I can offer regards the fragility of the ruthenium coating.  Please refer to the thread embedded below:

 

Although my particular Grimm 9800 FP has been spared thus far during its two-year warranty period, members in the thread above, and a friend of mine not active on the subforum, have experienced flaking of the ruthenium coating fairly early on in their ownership of this model.  In fact, my friend turned in their Grimm 9800 FP under warranty for this issue and is still waiting five months later for the pen to be returned from service.  

 

Other than this unfortunate failing, which appears to also blight other models featuring ruthenium coating from a similar period (e.g., The Beatles SE FP), I have no reservations in recommending the Grimm 9800 FP.  I do not have experience with the other implements of the Grimm 3-piece sets (i.e., RB, BP, MP), but imagine that the ruthenium coating issues are not restricted to the fountain pen.

 

 

 

This is good to know. I’m not super particular about the thread color if it wore off. I may dig a little deeper before getting anything, but if it’s not too bad I may risk it! It wouldn’t be a daily writer! In getting more pens I’m also learning what ones I want everyday and what ones I want to use occasionally.

[NoType]

21 minutes ago, Laurion96 said:

I noted in my other thread I have the Naruto pen. I was able to get a second one recently

@Laurion96 Double happiness!  And with additional meaning due to your childhood with Naruto.  Finding a second pen is a remarkable achievement since to the best of my knowledge all examples of the Naruto pen had been spoken for over the past two years.  Exceptional work if you found a either a new old stock pen, or a well preserved second hand example that is still within the six-week time period for complimentary nib exchanges and with stamped booklet or purchase receipt from an authorised retailer.  Congratulations!

 

It is unfortunate that your first Naruto pen is beginning to exhibit wear on the clip, but I am happy to hear that the section collar remains unstained.  OM nibs for the Naruto and The Origin 149 will personalise them quite a bit.

[NoType]

28 minutes ago, Laurion96 said:

I’m not super particular about the thread color if it wore off

@Laurion96 Just be aware that ruthenium coating of other parts are also vulnerable to deterioration.  In my friend’s case, the forepart or section between the nib and threads suffered loss of coating.

[NoType]

37 minutes ago, Laurion96 said:

I was surprised with the 149. After ordering the Naruto, I just scrolled through their MB section. Saw the origin black

@Laurion96 As they say, “timing is everything!”  Wonderful to hear!  May The Origin 149 with OM nib provide many years of enjoyable service alongside your main 149.

[Laurion96]

5 hours ago, NoType said:

@Laurion96 Double happiness!  And with additional meaning due to your childhood with Naruto.  Finding a second pen is a remarkable achievement since to the best of my knowledge all examples of the Naruto pen had been spoken for over the past two years.  Exceptional work if you found a either a new old stock pen, or a well preserved second hand example that is still within the six-week time period for complimentary nib exchanges and with stamped booklet or purchase receipt from an authorised retailer.  Congratulations!

 

It is unfortunate that your first Naruto pen is beginning to exhibit wear on the clip, but I am happy to hear that the section collar remains unstained.  OM nibs for the Naruto and The Origin 149 will personalise them quite a bit.

I’ve checked on their website and they seem to list it if it is pre-owned, but we shall see! It looks like maybe Pen Boutique sells their stocks in waves? I saw some other threads of theirs that say they sell them in batches at a time. Someone asked when a pen may be in stock again and they mentioned the next wave would come soon. It could be they had some Naruto pens from 2022 sitting around and are starting to sell them! The Naruto is still available as of now, but the Origin went out of stock a few hours after I ordered it. They do have a supposed NOS MB inkwell, but it’s way expensive, they updated the pricing for today! 

 

I want to make those two pens my daily writers with my Mozart coming back with an OB nib! I was going to get OM on the Mozart, but they said they only had OB currently if I didn’t want to wait awhile. It’s potato’s to me and will give me a reason to reach for each pen for their properties. 

 

I also started the thread because I just sent out my Ferrari pen to get an OB nib, purchased from a jewelry store in my state that is/was (has the stamp) an authorized retailer. No issues with getting that initiated. The same exact people who handled that transaction are the ones who told me I can’t do it again. I’ll get in touch with the number you mentioned tomorrow though and get it figured out! You have been so awesome and I appreciate your help and thoughtfulness!

[NoType]

4 hours ago, Laurion96 said:

I’ve checked on their website and they seem to list it if it is pre-owned, but we shall see! It looks like maybe Pen Boutique sells their stocks in waves? I saw some other threads of theirs that say they sell them in batches at a time. Someone asked when a pen may be in stock again and they mentioned the next wave would come soon. It could be they had some Naruto pens from 2022 sitting around and are starting to sell them! The Naruto is still available as of now, but the Origin went out of stock a few hours after I ordered it. They do have a supposed NOS MB inkwell, but it’s way expensive, they updated the pricing for today! 

 

I want to make those two pens my daily writers with my Mozart coming back with an OB nib! I was going to get OM on the Mozart, but they said they only had OB currently if I didn’t want to wait awhile. It’s potato’s to me and will give me a reason to reach for each pen for their properties. 

 

I also started the thread because I just sent out my Ferrari pen to get an OB nib, purchased from a jewelry store in my state that is/was (has the stamp) an authorized retailer. No issues with getting that initiated. The same exact people who handled that transaction are the ones who told me I can’t do it again. I’ll get in touch with the number you mentioned tomorrow though and get it figured out! You have been so awesome and I appreciate your help and thoughtfulness!

@Laurion96 How fascinating to think that the Pen Boutique might have retained some new old stock Naruto pens that they are now offering for sale.

 

A Mozart with OB nib sounds equally interesting and should offer a different writing experience than your other pens.

 

Most intriguing of all, though, is why the Montblanc staff who arranged the complimentary nib exchange for your Great Characters Enzo Ferrari pen maintained that they could not oblige with the Naruto pen.    (The only reason I can think for them to decline the complimentary nib exchange is that the purchase date written in the service booklet is older than six weeks ago.  That has been the case with pens like the LeGrand pens created especially for BMW to offer their customers, whose purchase dates were written for many months prior to reflect when BMW first purchased the pens from Montblanc rather than when BMW sold those pens to their customers.)

 

I look forward to hearing what you learn from a Montblanc Ambassador.  One hopes they can resolve the issue to your satisfaction.