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Why Are Montblanc Pens So Expensive? – 3 Main Reasons

Written by Robert S. Brown / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

Why Are Montblanc Pens So Expensive

Let’s go straight to the question, why are Montblanc pens so expensive? Are their inks made of unicorn tears and pixie dust?

No, they’re certainly not, but one thing is for sure: anything that carries that snowcap logo of Montblanc knows nothing but splendid designs, excellent materials, and top-notch quality.

In this article, we’ll get a sneak peek of Montblanc’s finest pens and we’ll try to unfold the secrets behind its legacy more than the price tag.

What is the Average Cost of Montblanc Pens?

cost-of-a-Montblanc-pen

The average cost of a Montblanc pen is more or less $500. Prices of Montblanc pens can vary depending on their type. For instance, the brand’s fountain pens can be more expensive than the others.

The cheapest Montblanc fountain pen available today is the StarWalker Precious Resin Fountain Pen Piston Converter which is priced at $540 while some of the cheapest Montblanc ballpoint pens are the PIX Blue Ballpoint Pen series which retail at $270.

If you want the most expensive ones, you can find them in their special collections. Montblanc currently has 7 pen collector lines. Here’s a summary and a sort of price list to give you an idea of how much these types of pen costs and what these collections are all about.

Collection Examples of the Inspirations Inside The Collection Price Range
Great Characters Enzo Ferrari

John F. Kennedy

Elvis Presley

The Beatles

Walt Disney

Jimi Hendrix

$895 – $38,000
Writers Edition Brothers Grimm

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Victor Hugo

$995 – $168,000
Patron of Art Victoria & Albert

Napoleon Bonaparte

Moctezuma

Hadrian

Scipione Borghese

Peggy Guggenheim

Henry E. Steinway

$3410 – $38,000

*Victoria & Albert (Retail Exclusive – Price upon request)

Montblanc Muses Marilyn Monroe $855 – $1,180
Sign & Symbols A Journey Among The Dragons Retail Exclusive – Price upon request
High Artistry A Tribute to the Great Wall

A Revival of Ancient Egyptian Treasures

A Celebration of the Taj Mahal

Conquest of Antarctica

Price upon request

 

Donation Pen Homage to Frederic Chopin $625 – $755

These collections are extravagant but they are not done yet. Did you know that Montblanc produces one of the most expensive pens in the world next to Tibaldi?

This pen is none other than the blinding $1,500,000 pen, the Montblanc Boheme Royal pen. It is the most expensive Montblanc pen in history.

So, Why Are They Costly?

1. Sleek and Timeless Designs

The-Meisterstuck-pens

Over the years Montblanc has maintained its century-old ergonomic cigar shape design while continuously enticing its patrons with its designer pens and commemorative pens released year after year.

The Meisterstuck pens and their explicit limited editions are an epitome that Montblanc is undoubtedly designed to stand the test of time.

2. Fine Raw Materials

Montblanc-Diamonds-Pens

Montblanc prides itself on using nothing but the best raw materials for its pens. The spotless barrel is made with high-quality resin while the nib is made with platinum and 14k or 18k gold in various color variations. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are also some of its favorite adornments.

3. Exceptional Craftsmanship

Montblanc-pen-is-crafted

The nib alone is carefully done by hand with 35 tedious steps and requires another 70 steps, including the testing to do a perfect assembly. That highly speaks of how meticulously each Montblanc pen is crafted.

More About Montblanc Pens

The-history-of-Montblanc-pens

The history of Montblanc pens dates back to 1906 in Hamburg, Germany, decades after the first practical fountain pen was invented by Lewis Waterman.

By that time, fountain pens seemed to be complicated and strange, but that was challenged by its three fore founders, August Eberstein, Alfred Nehemias, and Hamburg Banker, who later on developed a simple and user-friendly fountain pen. The design was called the simplicissimus pen.

The company was originally called the Simplo Filler Pen Co. From being simple, they slowly positioned the company as a high-end manufacturer.

Despite coming late, this German company was able to rise above them all. They proved themselves bold enough to be called a luxury brand by using pure gold and other precious metals. That was first put into work by its premier luxury fountain pen line called the Rouge et Noir.

1910, marks the beginning of the company’s domination and the rise of the name Montblanc. Derived from the highest peak of the Alps, the majestic mountain of Mont Blanc.

This embodies the company’s vision to produce excellent and top-quality products. Later on, it was represented by a white hexagram emblem patterned from the snow cap at Mont Blancs peak.

Today, their focus remains on luxury items, from pens to leather products and accessories. That’s what sets them apart from other luxury brands like Waterman, Parker, and others, who don’t only cater to the few members of the upper class but to the greater masses as well.

Why Do People Spend a Lot on Montblanc pens?

  • Many use it as an extraordinary gift or an honorary item to accompany an award. These pens are one of the most explicit ways to express gratitude and are a perfect compliment for hard work.
  • They want to buy the experience. They do not mind spending money on a pen that can give them the best writing experience.
  • People see it as an investment. Investment in price appreciation as some of the rarest Montblanc pens price increase with time and you can pass on to several generations.
  • They make it as a statement piece. More like wearing a piece of jewelry, having these pens could instantly elevate social status in the eyes of people who know what a luxury pen is all about.

Some Popular Montblanc Pens on The Market

3-popular-Montblanc-Pens

Apart from the designer pen, Boheme Royal, the Meisterstuck is perhaps the most iconic pen Montblanc has ever had. Everyone is hooked by its elegant deep black color and its 3 silver/gold rings since it was first launched in 1924.

The largest Meisterstuck, Diplomat 149, also called the “El Presidente ” was documented to have been used by former presidents John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama—several famous personalities like Warren Buffet, Dalai Lama, Spanish Royalty Juan Carlos, and many others.

From there, the Meisterstuck has its designs preserved but was able to release other remarkable Meisterstuck pens. Some of these are:

  • Ernest Hemingway is in coral red with an 18-karat gold nib from the Montblanc Writers Edition in 1992.
  • Solitaire Royal, adorned with 4810 diamonds, made history in 1984 by being recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive pen in the world.

FAQs

Are Montblanc pens a good investment?

Montblanc pens are comparable to other luxury collectors’ items, and these pen’s value tends to go higher with time. Especially the rare pens which are manufactured in limited numbers.

For example, the Hemingway in their Writers edition. It was sold at $574 when it was launched in 1992. Today they are now sold at more or less $3,000.

Do note that price appreciation for pens is not guaranteed, and it highly depends on how rare they are. In addition, Montblanc pens are designed to last; that alone is a good criterion for a good investment.

Tips to spot fake Montblanc pens

1. Lacking Details

A genuine Montblanc pen should have the following details.

  • Pens released in 1992 onwards have a corresponding serial number engraved in the ring band and can also be found on the last page of the writing service guide.
  • A registered PIX mark in an italic font at the back of the pen clip.
  • The country of origin, Germany, in capital letters located on the other side of the serial number ring band.

2. Poor Packaging

These pens always come with a textured suave black box with the iconic logo on the lower right accompanied by a writing service guide.

What is the warranty for Montblanc pens?

As you buy Montblanc pens, either customized or available products, most of them are covered with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.

How can I care for my Montblanc pen to ensure longevity?

tips-take-care-the-Montblanc-pen

1. Regular Cleaning

  • Clean your pens at least once every three months and once every two weeks if you’re using permanent ink that easily clogs the feed.
  • Don’t use any harsh chemicals, all you need is a lint-free cloth and lukewarm water.
  • Use a Montblanc nib cleaner to clean the nib after refilling. Don’t reuse them over 5 times.
  • Bring it to the Montblanc service center once a year for professional cleaning.

2. Proper Storage

  • Always keep them in a cool dry place.
  • For long storage, drain the ink and clean them before storing it in a suitable pouch.

How long do Montblanc pens last?

Montblanc pens are made with top-dated materials, so with proper care and maintenance, they could last for a lifetime and become a gift for next generations.

Conclusion

So, why are Montblanc pens so expensive? That is simply because of who they are, how they are made, and what they are made of.

But, are Montblanc pens worth it? Speaking from an old soul’s point of view, I would say that these pens are certainly made for keeps and something worth investing in.

Moreover, they are not everybody’s cup of tea but if you are looking for a lavish pen, Montblanc is your place to be.

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