The Sleeper Pen - Waterman Expert 3 Fountain Pen Review

[@davidanderson3425]

Nice to be given this as a gift. The writing sample was impressive. The nib is well adjusted. I like this pen a lot. Good review.

[@Doodlebud]

I was impressed immediately when the nib hit the page

[@zebratroopfan6695]

I don’t have an Expert but I do own an Exception and it’s in my top 3 favorite pens. Waterman is extremely underrated. KZbin crowd tends to ignore them but I’ve tried all their current pens and the are all quality

[@Doodlebud]

OH man the exception in the pin stripe is GORGEOUS!

[@Theod71]

Very good looking fountain pen, indeed. An executive one. Classic never goes out of style.

[@tejasaralere5418]

Great review! I always feel waterman is underrated even though they make some really excellent pens for every day writing. The nibs never have flow problems and they don’t get all scuffed up even with heavy use (I’m a grad student). And even a super budget waterman model writes super well! and they are actually made in France which is simply amazing for the price. Idk I’m a fan but all these fountain pen people keep going on about other makers. I got this model for my cousin’s graduation but didn’t know how it actually looked in the hand, but this video helped. Thanks for posting this.

[@Doodlebud]

Glad you found my vid helpful. It's a great pen for sure!

[@IAT1964]

Never thought of this pen as a sleeper. I fully agree with that statement. Just works great at any time

[@geomancer6371]

Good review. Here in the Philippines, the 80s - 90s fountain pen brands almost everyone knew were Montblanc, Parker, Waterman, and Cross. I bought a Waterman pen in HK in the late 90s. It wrote very well, but after a while, I suspect it was a fake (leaks, things falling off, etc). Recently, though, my better half gifted me with a beautiful (and legitimate, this time) Waterman Expert Precious. At first, it did not write well - skipped a lot, hard start - so I was disappointed. But the seller took it back and adjusted the nib, and now it writes like a dream. Like you, I was taken aback by the rough end, until I saw that it was part of the design for posting. This pen is part of my active rotation, which I use for journaling and planning.

[@hikingpipes6911]

I have a Waterman Rollerball Expert II that I have used for years - great ergonomics (to me). I do intend on getting the Fountain Pen brother now that I have migrated into the fountain world.

[@pmichael73]

Great review! Delighted you've found the joy of a Waterman. I have used their 2-euro student pens, Expert II, Expert III and range of student pens. I have NEVER had a bad Waterman nib. Waterman ink is very reliable, too!

[@Doodlebud]

Love the ink for my vintage pens. Never have to worry!

[@davidllewelyn2077]

Great review and I agree with every point you make Doodlebud. I was gifted a Waterman Expert 2 upon leaving Spar Aerospace back in the 90s. I don't know about the Expert 3, but mine has a brass barrel, which makes it a nice weight. The lacquer is still beautiful in a red mottled design, and the gold plating has remained pristine, which speaks to the quality of the manufacturing. Mine has a medium nib that performs very much like the Lamy 2000 medium, which is to say very smooth but a little thick for my taste. The gold plating on the nib has corroded just a little over the years (my fault for poor hygiene) but that doesn't change the writing experience. Good news is that Waterman sell the whole nib/section separately, i.e. the whole lower part of the pen that the converter slides into, and at a very reasonable price, making it easy to try a different writing experience. It's a well designed writing instrument!

[@Doodlebud]

It's a timeless piece ⏳

[@Wuja_]

I actually really enjoy its design. That was the main reason for me to buy it.

[@davecharvella4854]

Sweet! I only own one Waterman, a Carene ... love it!

[@davesheppard8797]

I have just bought two Carene's, both Amber but with different nibs. Medium and fine. Fantastic pens!! Dave Sheppard.

[@AlbertoLaiho]

Awesome little pen! Great review. Looks like a great, sleek workhorse pen. Also, I can sense the engineer in you. Mechanical? Congrats on making the client happy! Not always an easy feat.

[@Doodlebud]

I actually studied computer hardware engineering, but my work was a mix of everything: Mechanical, electrical, optical, computer, manufacturing, etc

[@AlbertoLaiho]

@@Doodlebud very nice! I'm mechanical/mechatronics, although my work in aerospace is mostly software and control systems. I find your reviews probably the most relatable on KZbin probably because of your engineering mind. Good stuff!

[@artfulstationer]

I have an Expert 3 and love it too. I bought this one after falling in love with the Waterman Edson, absolutely the best pen I own. This pen feels so good in the hand and writes like a dream. I have a medium but I swear it feels and looks like a Broad. Maybe it’s the ink I am using? I put Waterman’s Intense Black in there, these Waterman Ink’s are also underrated. Totally agree with your findings DB, keep up the good work and I love your deep dives into the engineering aspect of some of these fountain pens.

[@Doodlebud]

Great to hear you're enjoying the pen too

[@roderickfemm8799]

The Waterman C/F was the pen that introduced, in 1953, the plastic cartridge to the popular American fountain pen market, and it really caught on, when plastic disposable things were considered the best thing since sliced bread. Later they introduced converters for that pen, which you can still find used. Cartridges for the C/F are pretty scarce though.

[@donnaellis3314]

I got my Watermans in the late '90s and packed them away for many years but I never lost my affinity for them. I decided to not carry my Preface (14k nib with a metal body, nice weight) as an EDC because the cost now to replace it with the gold nib is unreal. I can't speak for the ones made today.

[@ayda2876]

incredible gift, great pen

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I guess I don't see brands that left the land of origin as that authentic even though Waterman was in France before the demise of Waterman US. That said, Waterman FR seems to have very good quality control and I have a couple of Watermans that write well above their price. I would even go so far as to suggest one could buy a Waterman with confidence that it would write well. Good to see Doodle likes his Expert 3. Waterman is Montblanc without the brand mark-up. I will resist the temptation to list expensive disappointments.

[@lisateachey]

This is my second everyday carry along with the Montblanc 24. Waterman is so underrated.

[@MisterBigDave]

I have a II Fine and it’s in marble blue, was a gift used. Not my favorite nib, very dry, but after a little adjustment it’s opening up and becoming more user friendly. Nice review!

[@davidmcguigan5497]

Great gift! Keep up the good work. I have entry level Waterman Graduate and Kultur, both are great writers.

[@kurtsell8376]

I got one recently in fine and it is probably one of the reasons I got back into Fountain pens (other being I much prefer fine to medium nibs). Only issue is the clip is a bit more wobbly than I like but that’s mostly at the bottom (not where it’s attached) so it could be how it’s designed.

[@lauramaclennan8548]

I would love to see a review of the Carene. It’s very vintage looking in my opinion and has an interesting nib. I’m curious how it comes apart since it’s different than standard nibs. If I was rich I’d buy you one to review!!

[@Doodlebud]

How kind of you 😁. I've seen them, they look really cool, write very well.... But I just don't see myself using it for some reason. Sorta why I haven't bought me yet. For some, they absolutely love it!

[@thomasmorrison675]

I have 2 Waterman Experts, a rollerball and mechanical pencil, would like to add the fountain pen at some point. Waterman, in my opinion is greatly underrated.

[@awaken77]

I like the pen design, particularly "L'Essence du Bleu". The cap is secured with click, as a person who posts pens, I appreciate that. Unfortunately my pen with F nib was extremely dry and required so much pressure to write, I returned it to the store

[@criscavi19]

Congratulations! this is a classy pen!

[@phillipmartin7577]

I have a Waterman Phileas I really like, and now, after seeing this, I'm very tempted by this.

[@Doodlebud]

Oh nice, I've heard that's a great pen as well

[@santauxia]

Good looking pen in my opinion, love the posting detail.

[@johnsherman1296]

Waterman and Faber Castell are both, IMHO, perhaps the most underrated, and therefore most under appreciated fountain pens out there. Just take your pick of a model(s) in each brand and enjoy!

[@pensplanners6460]

I tried this pen and it's really not bad, but I was disappointed because it wasn't as great as my Waterman from the 90's (the company has changed hands since, so that's to be expected) and I found the body a bit too light. But I guess I'm spoiled by the comparison!

[@rahulshankar7859]

What ink are you using in the writing sample please?

[@savroof9849]

I LOVE mine! I also bought a Parker, was my first Parker, similar price point, but it skips, highly annoying!! I’m gonna stick with Waterman!!😃😃😃😃

[@norm2322]

I inherited Waterman pen in my father's estate, which looks like the one you are reviewing; but, I really don't have a way to know for sure (I know nothing about pens). I'm assuming it wold be vintage to some degree. I would like to use it, but not sure if the ink cartridges would be the same size as the ones produced today. A nudge in the right direction would be appreciated. Thanks

[@Doodlebud]

I would check out the fountain pen sub Reddit. Post a couple pics, say the same thing, and I'm pretty sure a few people can identify the pen & tell you what cartridge or converter will work with the pen. www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens

[@norm2322]

@@Doodlebud Thanks, I'm on my way now.

[@thomasmorrison675]

I have the Waterman Expert roller ball, how does the fountain pen compare to the Montblanc fountain pen??

[@Doodlebud]

Well it all depends on which MB model you're wanting to compare it too as they make many pens

[@thomasmorrison675]

Probbaly the Meisterstuck fountain pen.@@Doodlebud

[@nikossiotas]

Does it has any big difference from allure in writing? I have an allure, but i found a used expert iii in a very good price, so I'm thinking about it.

[@Doodlebud]

I can't help you with that comparison as I've never used the Allure. See if you can find a write up where someone has compared those two

[@Bobby74892]

Waterman was the inventor of the "first truly functional fountain pen" (Wikipedia). It's my understanding that their pen had a reliable feeding system that prevented overflow leaks.

[@lynetteallpress8079]

I have this pen. Love it.❤

[@gabrielt1682]

Hi Sir, am planning to buy an expert Fine, I just wanted to know if the nib is wet always or do we have to kickstart it before using it after a while? Thank you.

[@tomonew0371]

Is it worth to pay more for expert? I have already decided to buy hemisphere

[@Doodlebud]

I can't really say as I haven't used the hemisphere. I "think" the nibs are the same. Seems it's mostly the pen size & finish are different. Here's the same question someone asked in the FPN. www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/262791-waterman-hemisphere-vs-expert/

[@theoilisburning7444]

If you had to choose one pen, would you go Sailor 1911 standard or this Waterman Expert?

[@Doodlebud]

I've never tried a Sailor 1911 so I couldn't say

[@theoilisburning7444]

@@Doodlebud WHAT?? Theee dudlebud one of the leading fountain pen KZbinrs with montblanc has never tried Sailor 1911??

[@Doodlebud]

I have a Cross Peerless 125 which has a Sailor made 18K nib. That's it so far. I did gift a Sailor promenade to someone. I tried it out first to make sure it was good

[@willyfs]

now you have got one, more will follow. Just Orderd my 3th one : the blue CT (the black GT 2013 en dark red CT march 2021 ) all fine nibs will gif me great pleasure all with diverend color ink. My Waterman’s Apostrophe after 13 year writhing the cabs didn’t close well like the beloved “Click” of the Expert. In decided I wanted more of this model. Ever sins 1974, an eight year kid at primairy school, I love fountain pens and the inks

[@happytrouble5561]

I just got mine on amazon today :) They have a limited deal on it at the moment. So I bought it for like 54,oo pounds instead of 130.oo so really a bargain. I can't wait to receive it. Thank you so much for your review, it got me hyped up even more heheheh :D I still plan to get the Carene but I need to save up a bit for that one so maybe next year :) Greetings from Uk

[@Doodlebud]

Wow that is a great deal! Hope you really enjoy your new pen when it arrives 👍

[@happytrouble5561]

@@Doodlebud Thank you so much :) I am sure I will.

[@davesheppard8797]

Hi Happy trouble. I bought one from Amazon too £54. The pen is superb. I also bought a Carene in Amber with a medium nib. It was incredibly smooth but a touch broad for me so I bought another Amber Carene with a fine nib and this is like the medium Expert but smoother. The Carene is simply a superb pen. I prefer it to my Montblanc 146. Get one and you won't be sorry! Dave.

[@happytrouble5561]

@@davesheppard8797 Hello Dave :) You know what? Carene has been on my radar for so long now. XD I absolutely plan to get one for me but I will have to save up a bit. But that's really the one pen I have been craving to own ever since I saw it hahhah. The nib design is just glorious. I own a couple of pilot vanishing points and I don't think I could ever go beyond that price point for a pen so with the Carene that " higher end" pen collection would be pretty much complete. I would love to get a proper Pelikan pen at one point but it's just out of the question for me at the moment. The one I'd like to get soon is the TWSBI eco smoke rose gold. I just love that black/ rose gold combination and the pen is very reliable and affordable. Thank you so much for your input regarding the nib sizes, and I would def go for the fine nib too with Carene. I've heard nothing but praises about this pen and it's def on my wish list! Many thanks for your comment and all the insight. Happy writing. Much love

[@davesheppard8797]

@@happytrouble5561 Well Happy......I bought a Wordsworth and black Erudite fountain pen in black and gold, 24 quid off Amazon. It comes with 6 cartridges and an ink converter and it writes like a dream!! The Wordsworth and black Majesti and Primori aren't very good but that Erudite is superb. I also bought two Scriveiner fountain pen. One medium nib in Red and chrome and a black and gold with a fine nib. I recently bought a cross in red and chrome....absolute rubbish!! Terrible ink flow so sent for a replacement which had the same issues plus the second one leaked everywhere!! Both are waiting to be returned. My most expensive pen is a Montblanc 146 I bought 30 years ago. It has never put a foot wrong in all that time but I don't see what all the fuss is about. The Marine Amber Carene blows it away on looks and performance. Sorry to waffle on!! Dave xx 😁😁

[@coffeeidleness1652]

I have an Expert. Its steel nib is juicy and smoother than some pricier nibs out there. I would have loved to get my hands on some editions of their Carene that, unfortunately, are no longer around.

[@JJTree-dn7fy]

I know it's an older video, but I love the ink and can't find a reference to it. Could you share the exact ink you used? Thanks!

[@JJTree-dn7fy]

To answer my own question, it was buried in the earliest comments. It's Diamine Midnight.

[@truereal8158]

Ey Thanks Bud~! Nice video = ) I like the color scheme on the one you got = )

[@charlieperkins1395]

Surprised by your dismissal of beautiful Visconti Lava and its substandard nib. Perhaps you meant the inconsistently tuned nibs they delivered in the past. Yes, I love my lava body and the great appearance. I also love the fabulous palladium nib. It writes wonderfully. Can’t imagine liking a pen that writes less than very well. I have an early Waterman Expert 3. It writes quite well, but it was heavy, lots of metal then. I haven’t used it in years. On the other hand, I’m currently using a couple of pens I thought were not comfortable a few years ago. E.g., Leonardo Momento Zero. Stopped using it. Now I love it. Bizarre habit, fountain pens.

[@slo_carry]

Are you still using the pen? Does it still hold up well after a year?

[@Doodlebud]

I don't use a ton since its a medium nib which isnt my favorite, but every time I do use it it performs wonderfully

[@slo_carry]

Good to know. I'm on a black and gold kick and for $70 off Amazon I'm not sure I can go wrong.

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Great review thank you. Waterman was sold off and died out. This company is new'ish with the old name. Raised from the dead. It seems to be reasonably priced pen too. Nice one.

[@ayda2876]

your favorite pen is the 149?

[@Doodlebud]

Tough to say. I have a bunch of great pens that I adore. Don't think my MB149 would still take the #1 spot, but it is a great pen

[@roblovicz1257]

I love it, but I find it hard to write with. There is little room for error in pen angle.

[@Doodlebud]

Hmmmm wonder if your nib is off? A standard fine, medium, broad etc usually aren't overly sensitive to writing angle. Its usually other nib grinds that are

[@roblovicz1257]

@@Doodlebud I think its me. As I learn to write with it, I get much more adept at it. It is a beautiful pen.

[@Doodlebud]

Oh good to hear. Waterman makes a good pen. I'm thinking of doing a video of how to write with a fountain pen including different nib types as well

[@josephrenthlei4788]

What converter is that?

[@manifunk1]

Ok buddy I have a recommendation the Waterman Carene with solid gold fine nib! I just picked one up and it writes like a dream

[@ironmic9244]

Waterman is the Ice-T of fountain pens. You really got that BC lumberjack thing going on there with the plaid shirt. The Waterman Hemishpere was my first fountain pen, and while I don't use it much anymore, primarily because I have learned about girthier pens, I will never part with it. I bought Waterman precisely because of it's history and reliability. Definitely below the radar in the fountain pen community. How have I not seen this video before????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Doodlebud]

Sleeper pen... Sleeper video I guess 😆

[@osgabriel20]

What’s your holy grail fountain pen, please? Thank you!

[@Doodlebud]

LOL, I've come to realize that a grail pen doesn't really seem to exist (at least for me). Is there one pen that you think once you get it you'll never desire another pen? There are pens that really do stand out for sure that you'd never sell or buy again if it was lost/stolen/damaged. There are just so many great pens out there that I've yet to see or try, and I don't think any single pen would stop me from wanting to see what else there is. Doesn't mean I would have to buy it of course, but it is really neat to see huge range of amazing pens.

[@MrAndrew1953]

If Waterman had made the Expert a piston filler, that would have given this pen more heft and girth non? I like the the way it posts. Slip off cap is a feature I like.

[@denkendmens4261]

I have six of these… need I say more?

[@Doodlebud]

Oh damn! I feel bad because I have a duplicate of 1 of my pens lol

[@dibyajitchakraborty3018]

Can it fit international size converter

[@Doodlebud]

Apparently it's an international size, however I've seen discussions how other international standard converters just don't fit as well and it's best to go with Watermans own converter

[@andysun73]

Stephen King uses a Waterman fountain pen. He prefers to write on paper than use a computer :)

[@mplw7802]

Wow

[@jackmlynek8817]

I have a Carene and I have to say it's gusher like yours.

[@stargazer1359]

Ink? Perhaps I missed it...

[@Doodlebud]

I missed mentioning it.... Diamine Midnight

[@greyfriar9008]

Carene is the better pen unless you can find, and afford, an Edson.