Why Montblanc is the Leading Luxury Pen Brand

[@SamuelNaldi]

What are your considerations on this subject and do you agree with the points i mentioned?

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

I do very much and appreciate your time, effort and the love that you bring to this community. I myself began with the normal entry level fountain pens just a few years ago and learned a lot about good writing instruments but it wasn’t until one day that I happened to find my first vintage Montblanc that everything changed for me. Even though I have hundreds of other great writers from other great brands it is my collection of Montblanc fountain pens that I identify with most when it comes to overall brand excellence and an inspired writing experience. No other brand does it better I believe. Their pricing is definitely an issue for me but I don’t expect something for nothing so I save up and sacrifice for every new additional piece. Furthermore it's important to understand and this applies to other brands, including Montblanc, the importance of leveraging available opportunities to gain a competitive edge and remain profitable. They must however not lose sight of their founding values, which include a commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This balance ensures that the brand remains authentic and respected. In my experience, having a collection of about 40 Montblanc pens, I see the company's success as a result of its dedication to high-quality products and a rich heritage. While it's understandable that some might feel the brand is leaning into hype, the reality is that luxury brands often thrive on a combination of exclusivity and the mystique of their products. This can sometimes lead to perceptions of hype-driven pricing. However, the prices reflect the meticulous craftsmanship, quality materials, and the prestige associated with the brand. For those who value the experience and the heritage behind each piece, the investment is justified. In this context, the brand's pursuit of maintaining high standards and innovative designs does align with offering a unique and valuable experience, even if it sometimes appears to be chasing trends.

[@varorafinance]

Samuel, while I agree with some of your points, I do not agree with all of them. First off, I currently own 34 Montblanc pens (12 FP, 8RB and 14 BP) (three pens bought last week whilst traveling in Asia at various duty free) and I agree that the pens I have are what I believe are the most luxurious pens. Only a few pens are Meisterstuck - the rest are special editions etc. To each is own and I love my collection. I also own 7 cufflink pairs, multiple belts and about a dozen leather good items. Why? I love their quality - I’m not a fan of other brands due to their marketing and large labels. The leather goods are made in Italy and are fantastic. The pens feel amazingly manufactured and pure magic. BUT where I feel Montblanc is now going wrong is on two fronts. The first is where they are systematically removing certain AD’s for whatever reason. Appelboom and Fountain Pen Hospital come to mind. This is limiting options for purchasers. Second is their pricing. They have clearly increases prices tremendously and are testing the limits of people. At some point, the value to cost ratio will make people think. They might have more margin per item, but may not necessarily grow their volumes, per se. i think they should be careful.

[@varorafinance]

They also need to innovate on their pen pouches. More innovation is required.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

@@varorafinance thanks, you made some excellent point. I know I love my collection of MB fountain pens but as you have explained they are truly testing our limits. And that is too bad.

[@Stitchxavi]

While it isn’t my favorite pen brand, I love seeing people enjoy their pen relationships. If it brings you joy, it’s worth it!!!!!

[@JoeGiz64]

By parents gifted me a Montblanc roller ball for. College graduation..40 years ago. I still use the pen to this day. I believe its the generational brand recognition, quality, and the understated elegance that contributes to Montblanc being leader. I recently added the 149 bold fountain pen and the Meisterstuck Origin Doue Legrand Rollerball. Great overview Samuel, you are one of the most knowledgeable on KZbin. You should open a store here on the east coast in the US.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for your story Joe and for your kind words ♥️🙏🏼

[@jamesbyles7070]

For many years I had the same ambivalence towards Montblanc as I do towards Rolex. But, 6 months ago I tried the Around the World in 80 days Doue and discovered the first MB I actually liked - both in the look and the feel. I’m still not smitten by most of the range, but I have a growing appreciation for certain models.

[@EmilehUnk]

Same. Have you considered getting yourself a vintage MB? I did. They write like a charm. Even better than the modern pens. And these vintage ones are - specials and rare models aside - decently priced as well. Owned a Meisterstück #14 (50s/60s) which was the top of the range of its day, currently own a Classic from late 70s (or was it 80s 🤔), having my eyes on a #12 (slightly smaller to the #14) and #22 (medium range and 14c nib instead of the 18c of the 1x range), and searching for a 220, which was of the same material as the Lamy 2000.

[@Studio.AquaMarina]

@@EmilehUnk I have both modern and vintage (1980s) LeGrand 146, and I have to say that 1980s one with ebonite feed is quite different from its modern counterpart. I can only recommend getting a vintage Montblanc pen and the price is right.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Very interesting to hear. Thanks for sharing this.

[@SamuelNaldi]

👍🏻♥️

[@SamuelNaldi]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing with all of us 🙏🏼

[@sk-es6ll]

I was gifted a classic montblanc meisterstuck for my birthday a few years back and it is always a beautiful experience holding the pen.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Very happy to hear 🙏🏼

[@igby2005]

Great video Samuel. I love knowing and appreciating history and current strategies of such a massive and respected brand that’s doing so much for the pen and luxury world. 🙏🏼🤛🏼 Manor

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for your feedback Manor ♥️

[@Angie-by2kt]

Thanks for this amazing and very informative video Sam, I truly enjoyed it till the very end! I find it interesting that the company was founded by a banker and an engineer: two very necessary skills to make a company successful. This is actually not a simple question to ask, but if I reflect on my experience what keeps me loyal to MB is: the values the company stands for which is reflected in their products. These values are also the values I stand for. Solid quality, reliability and beauty of the products. A MB fountain pen is a statement, no matter if new or vintage. Impeccable customer care and enjoyable writing experience. And if one is crazy enough, since MB is a brand that has been active in the industry for over 100 years, you can go on a journey of discovery and start collecting its first pens from the beginning of the century up until today and go on a journey of technical advancements and evolution to match the purpose that fountain pens have had throughout the decades 🙏🏼✨✒️

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@Angie-by2kt thanks so much for sharing this Angie! 🙏🏼♥️

[@John-vi4ys]

You do the best videos on KZbin, I am always entranced by your passionate presentations. Every time I visit Las Vegas I spend time in both of their boutiques. You are correct, it is a very special feeling they have crafted. Their sales staff are a little pushy to the point that you need to get slightly rude with them to get them to back off, so that part my wife and I really don’t like. My favorite part of spending time in there are admiring all the limited special editions they have on display. I must say I do not own a Montblanc yet, but I know I will one day. Thanks again for all the efforts you put into you videos for us all 👍

[@jungroe]

I think the Montblanc nibs are truly special, they have character in both the tactile feel, and the beautiful way it puts down the line on the paper. I have other brands like Pelikan, Lamy, Pilot, Platinum that produce nice nibs, but Montblanc nibs are more remarkable. The crowning achievement so far is the 149 Calligraphy flex nib I have, incomparable.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@manuelsalinas1059]

I think I have the “Montblanc fever”. Bought my first Montblanc writing instrument a couple of months ago and I was hooked. I discovered your channel researching to make that purchase. I now own 5 Montblanc writing instruments, 3 leather pen pouches, a Sartorial iPhone case, etc. What have you done Samuel? I did not know that the passion for writing instruments lived in me. Thank you.

[@007fanatic13]

Excellent video. Montblanc is my favorite pen brand because they produce quality products, spend a lot of time in their research and development, and they know their customer. Also, I really think that having the brick and mortar presence makes a huge difference. There is something reassuring about being able to see, feel, and test the pen before purchase, and also knowing that if anything goes wrong, servicing is just a drive away. I do have other pen brands too in my collection, but I find the build quality of the MB to be better...even if its just resin. Keep up the great work

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! 🙏🏼

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

I tend to avoid brands that try too hard to sell me something, or when I feel they’re being pushed disproportionately hard. I like discovering hidden gems.

[@arsenikkkk]

other aspects are: nib selection. No other brand offers OBB nib or a signature nib catered specific to you. stores besides new sales are also helpful with repairs or any other costumer concerns. Bonus point: Montblanc offers free online calligraphy classes and they are pretty great

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@arsenikkkk you’re absolutely right, very good point and thanks for sharing it! ♥️

[@raventhelight9357]

I definitely agree. I still don't have a 149 and desperately want one but have and some issues with saving for one. I was gifted one of there pen cases and it is one of the highest quality items I have seen.

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@raventhelight9357 very glad to hear and thanks for your comment! 🙏🏼

[@markcotter2931]

I agree with your analysis. The history and status were the draw for me. I bought a 149 as my 40th birthday present to myself. Now I’m just over 50 and thinking the 100th anniversary model would make a good present. (I like buying my own presents!)

[@SamuelNaldi]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 thanks for sharing this Mark!

[@TheRacerRich]

At this point I have 12 Montblanc pens. But I will also say I think the answer to the question is both: the company is the biggest for good reasons, but the prices are now based on hype, and the brand, for some reason, is chasing hype.

[@SamuelNaldi]

They might be chasing hype, yes, but their prices are correct for the product and experience you get.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

Montblanc may seem to lean into hype, but their pricing reflects quality craftsmanship and a luxury experience. It's crucial for profitability and all companies need to survive, but they must not lose sight of their founding values of heritage and excellence. This balance ensures that each pen is more than a product; it's a piece of history that we as the customer will cherish.

[@TheRacerRich]

@dimitridiakovasiliou2453 it's hard for me to continue feeling the pricing reflects their quality after buying a Sailor Iro Miyabi for less than $1000 USD and seeing not just how superior the pen is but how even the packaging is a much better experience

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

⁠​⁠@@TheRacerRichI think if you compare a pen’s writing experience versus dollars spent with another pen’s writing experience versus dollars spent then there is obviously no argument. You like one over the other and that is a wonderful discovery that you can cherish. I have not had the pleasure of owning one so I can’t say if I would feel the same but I understand.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Would you do a video of your favorite Italian brands? I will be teaching urban sketching in Tuscany next year.. I will be close to Florence.. thanks

[@SamuelNaldi]

I think i’ve already done such a video

[@mosesmartinez4364]

MONTEGRAPPA AND VISCONTI OH YEA

[@philnordin7255]

Drew from Goulet Pens just dropped a video on his Italian faves.

[@PavSingh1]

Great video. I went to MB in Bond Street Uk and they allowed me to use the MB nib box. It would be interesting to see the specialist nibs and writing samples video. Please can we have an in depth understanding of brands including Namiki, nakaya, visconti etc.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you. I’ve already shared a lot of info on different videos about Namiki and Sailor. I don’t work with Nakaya and can’t say unfortunately.

[@thomasmorrison675]

As a lover of all things Montblanc I really appreciated this video, thank you. I love the pens and leather goods, fragrances and watches too. There are other exceptional pens available but Montblanc seems to have a grasp on me. When you see a video of how the pens are made it helps to understand the pricing strategy. I do feel the leather goods are a bit overpriced however, I may get a couple of pieces eventually, but will be selective in what I choose. Could you do a video focusing solely on the leather goods?

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Will see if it’s the case of doing such a video.

[@leicaman]

A bespoke event is coming to my area next month. I would love to see a list of all of the nibs that Montblanc makes. They will offer all their nibs on any pen except the Skywalkers I believe. Is there a comprehensive list of all their nibs and reviews of how they fit into the ecosystem?

[@salvadorluquegarcia2159]

Gracias por el vídeo y por el tiempo que te tomas en prepararlo. Soy admirador y coleccionista de Montblanc. Suelo comprar la estilográfica y el bolígrafo al mismo tiempo (y algún que orto reloj) pero una vez llegados a casa los guardo y escribo con otras estilográficas. Un anticuario de Sevilla que visité para comprar me dijo que había que utilizar todo lo que compraras y disfrutarlo y me enseñó cosas que sus dueños (que ya no estaban entre nosotros) no habían utilizado y las habían tenido guardada. En fin, creo que soy un desastre y que voy a romper lo que he comprado y por eso lo guardo. Gracias de nuevo. Thanks for the video and for the time you take to prepare it. I am a Montblanc fan and collector. I usually buy the fountain pen and the ballpoint pen at the same time (and the occasional watch) but once I get home I put them away and write with other fountain pens. An antique dealer in Seville that I visited to buy told me that you should use everything you buy and enjoy it and he showed me things that their owners (who were no longer with us) had not used and had kept in storage. Anyway, I think I am a disaster and that I am going to break what I bought and that is why I am keeping it. Thanks again.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback and thoughts Salvador

[@blakeanderson9466]

I feel the alignment of the brand name with personal excellence and accomplishment is synonymous. If you conquer Mont Blanc - the pinnacle of the mountain - you conquer life's endeavors and challenges. Mont Blanc = the top of anything. How you look at yourself is a reflection of what you purchase. If you consider yourself the top, you'll buy Mont Blanc as a reminder for yourself that you scale mountains and always reach the top. Same with Patek Felipe, Audemars Piguet and the like.

[@edwardchan3246]

Its a good and interesting topic 👍🏻

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you Edward

[@sb_dvb960]

Samuel, good evening, tell me, Montblanc rollerball, resin color yellow, can I buy such a pen? Thank you for your answer.

[@SamuelNaldi]

There might be a Pix they once did!

[@thomasmorrison675]

Montblanc should do a line of pens in their new "warm yellow" color. In my opiniion they would be highly successful.

[@Tarbos]

I just purchased the Montblanc 149th 100yr Edition. This is my 2nd Montblanc. I really like the weight of my writers edition (brothers Grimm) and feel that nib gives has spoiled me. I have tried other brands and that feeling is not there. I think this plays a big part on them separating themselves from others.

[@s0wwy345]

Can you review the visconti year of the dragon?

[@SamuelNaldi]

Unfortunately not one of the pen i will review 🙏🏼

[@penarbor]

MontBlanc is the Rolex of the pen world. Just like Rolex they play their marketing game very well. They make great pens and have the capacity to do so. They are a bit more expensive compared to Pelikan or Montegrappa for comparable products, but their products are not poorly made. Every MB I've tried was consistent and worked perfectly. Say what you want about Mont Blanc being too expensive for what they offer but a brand like Mont Blanc is very important for the pen industry because it is a perfect way for non-pen enthusiasts to experience fine pens with their physical presence in the best elite shopping malls and thereby showing what difference a good pen and fountain pen can make to the writing experience.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Very well said! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JMaxwell1000]

How much does Montblanc pay reviewers for hyping their pens?

[@SamuelNaldi]

i truly wish Montblanc would pay me to “hype” their pens. Thanks for your non sense.

[@JMaxwell1000]

@@SamuelNaldi Nichts zu danken! Gern geschehen.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

😂

[@toyotrustPR]

I have 6 MBs and love them all. I have tried other manufacturers but keep going back to MB. The only bad thing about MB is all the fakes out there and they are getting better and better so a lot of people think all of them out there are fakes.

[@moeinmoradi1241]

Dear Samuel❤

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thanks brother ♥️

[@mrk131324]

Montblanc is good and all and they did a lot right. Their products are actually quality and not just high price. But like Rolex they have become a brand for people that evaluate things with money. While a brand like Graf von Faber-Castell is like Breguet, the OG for people who understand pens.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Graf is an amazing brand - but as i mentioned in the video - at this stage there is no brand that is above Montblanc in almost any area. I do hope this will change very soon.

[@mrk131324]

True in terms of „brand value“, but that matters only for those that do not actually care about the pen. While MB is pretty good, their quality is not on par with Graf or Namiki. I have MB that dry out, that have nib tuning issues that have inconsistent ink flow. Try finding a Graf, a Namiki or a TWSBI with problems like that.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

@@mrk131324 You make a great point, but it's clear that most people still choose Montblanc over the companies you mentioned. Interestingly, even though I've heard second-hand comments about poor quality and service, I've never experienced this myself. And more importantly even if I did, I'd still be loyal to the brand. This is the power of an iconic legacy.

[@mrk131324]

@@dimitridiakovasiliou2453 To make is clear again: I like MB and enjoy their products very much, not only the pens. Their quality is not poor, it’s just not perfect either. Regarding legacy, well that more like storytelling. Again Graf is so much older, they sold their first pencil in 1761, that dude Faber was made a count in respect to his achievements for pens - you cannot be more OG. Here is a story for you.

[@DaksheshCorado]

Great video, very accurate analysis. In my 4.5 years in the game as a watch collector and enthusiast, I collected a lot from MaMaCoo I was thinking I was able to get a blue SD but I'm not vip enough, but I'm not giving up. Hehe. Great video.

[@SamuelNaldi]

🙏🏼

[@AlfistaWayne]

Of the many fine pens I have in my rather large collection, there is only one Montblanc, a 149. Although I do like the nib and the way it writes, I would have gotten rid of it years ago except for the reason that it is there to remind me to never buy another Montblanc pen. Whenever I am tempted, I just pick it up and it reminds me that I am not at all pleased with the materials or the construction of the pen, not to mention the price !

[@highhorologist2430]

but the Meisterstuck 100th Anniversary of the 149 was a bitter disappointment. The box was an underwhelming paper box and the design and material were just utter letdown with so many years of planning. If one compare with its 90th and 75th anniversary editions, the 100th was far below the quality and expectations. Why Richemont disappoints so many collectors for deteriorating quality, I have no ideas. The final nail on the coffin is the forthcoming new release of the 149 filling mechanism with the red resin together with the box (actually, looks like a coffin!), travelling pouch (way too big to travel and ugly) and ink but 4 x the price of the 149 100th anniversary edition which they are taking deposit now!

[@kjmav10135]

Sure, it’s about marketing. It’s also a very good pen. I don’t know if it’s really worth all the money, but you’re paying for the mystique and status. So, it’s probably $400 great pen and $630 hype, status, and marketing.

[@justinleemiller]

It’s plastic with a gold plated nib. The materials are just not worth the price. You could get a highly complex and well-engineered watch for the price of your pen.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Definitely wouldn’t say so for the reasons i mentioned in the video you just watched.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

It’s a higher quality plastic no need to over engineer endless you are looking for a higher end pen and a solid 14K or 18K gold nib. Unfortunately I don’t know many high quality watches that I could get for $1,200.

[@ArbuzaNaRenok]

Easy, Who knows outside the writing enthusiasts club brands like Pelikan, Namiki , Sailor, Visconti and such.. no one. Marketing - this brand is recognized. lets be honest. you take a pen from the 50s 60s, any time... the quality and design is amazing, and very much importation - they age well. German quality backing.. No Italian B.S..

[@SamuelNaldi]

Italian isn’t bullshit. It’s just italian. ☺️ it’s another kind of emotion. But yes, Montblanc really knows what they’re doing! 🙏🏼

[@davyj5216]

If you want a truly artistic luxury pen you should look to Japanese artisans.

[@SamuelNaldi]

One doesn’t eliminate the other. Japanese pens are japanese pens, and also have their downside.

[@davyj5216]

@@SamuelNaldi I disagree. There is nothing remotely 'luxurious' about a MB 149. Just a plastic pen with a (today somewhat ordinary) nib, and a bucketful of hype. Japanese urushi art pens are a whole other level entirely.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

@@davyj5216you are limiting Montblanc to the iconic 149 with its understated elegance and history what you want to do is compare some of the best Japanese “art” to the best Montblanc art, to be proper and fair.

[@ClaudioAdrianFuentesAlem-on8iw]

Mont Blanc. G r e a t .

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

Because people love status and for some reason this pen than writes like a steel nibbed monstrosity evokes "status" but only for those who do not know....I have a 1990s 146 and it writes like a flex nib 3+ decades later....I wrote with a 146 recently - as I said: steel nib...made of gold in a plastic body The Emperor Has NO Clothes...

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@agabrielhegartygaby9203 me and a few hundred thousand disagree with the writing experience of Montblanc. Definitely smooth and perfect for the modern consumer of 2024 😃

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

@@SamuelNaldi That's the wonder of a great fountain pen....you cannot tell me what I am feeling when I use a pen - sometimes there is a mismatch between the user and pen both are fine just mismatched! Enjoy your pens and I will enjoy mine. If I did not have the vintage version I would never have noticed how stiff the modern versions are. You disagree. I'm fine with that.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

@@agabrielhegartygaby9203I see your point and it is true; I have many vintage Montblanc fountain pens, and not just 149s and 146s but some from the 1920s anyways I understand what you are saying. I love flexible fountain pens like the modern Montblanc Calligraphy Flexible 149 and 146 both of these pens make me forget about my many vintage flexible pens (Waterman’s and others). So the point is that Montblanc recognizes that most people do not care about flexible writers so they produce the modern stiff smooth writers that people love and so do many other companies. Just a sign of the times … you and I love flexible nibs and that is good but it doesn’t mean that others care about our experience they care about their own. So enjoy!

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

@@dimitridiakovasiliou2453 I am drooling at the thought of what a wonderful collection you have....sad part is in the old days we all developed a relationship with a pen-shop/dealer we knew them and they knew us - nowadays everything is online. My worry is not for the crooks it's for the people with integrity....G

[@salahalselene4957]

😘😘👍📕📖📖📖📚📚📚📚❤️✍️💪💪

[@SamuelNaldi]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@graceMASTER777]

Overhype and simple definition of splurge.

[@SamuelNaldi]

You must be a great expert of pens and have visited multiple factories and tried thousands of pens to have this amazing conviction in your own opinion.

[@graceMASTER777]

@@SamuelNaldi dry sarcy humour.😅.. Suit urself. Finally..... It is what it is.

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

@@graceMASTER777😅

[@gvnady8380]

Montblanc is the Leading Luxury Pen Brand with poor quality