8.29.2014

Keep Calm and Write with Waterman Serenity Blue

Waterman threw the fountain pen world in a confused frenzy a while ago when they had renamed their entire line of fountain pen inks. While the ink formulas have stayed the same, the names have taken on a vague complexion that requires us to relearn the colors over again. Let's get reacquainted with one of Waterman's best-selling colors, Serenity Blue (formerly known as Florida Blue).



Deep with saturation and rich with color, Serenity Blue can be categorized as a royal blue, leaning a bit towards the purple.  Dry time is 3-4 seconds on Rhodia 80gsm paper. Doing a water drop test reveals the ink as not being very water resistant. There is a slight bit of shading, even with an extra fine nib.

Courtesy of @inkjournal on Instagram
As with any Waterman ink, when the ink level starts running low, you can shift the 50mL glass bottle to make it easier to draw ink.

Waterman Serenity Blue (50mL) is our Ink of the Month for September 2014. An additional discount applies to this ink for the entire month of September or until stock runs out.

8.08.2014

New Nemosine Singularity Fountain Pen Colors

Following the addition of the Neutrino line, which we talked about last month, Nemosine has added 6 new color finishes to their best-selling Singularity line of fountain pens.

Meet the Nemosine Singularity in (from left to right) green, aqua blue, pink, white (not to be confused with ivory), magenta and blue marble. All pens are appointed with chrome trim, clip and cap band. The front section is black with the German-made, stainless steel nib attached. As with any of the Nemosine pens, a converter and (6) ink cartridges are included with the purchase of the pen. 



You may be looking at this picture and thinking, "wait a second, the Blue Marble is bigger than the other Singularity pens?" Your eyes do not deceive you. It looks bigger posted because of the thickness of the acrylic used to make the marbled barrel and cap. The thicker cap doesn't allow for as deep of a posting than the solid-color Singularities. This could also be the reason that the Blue Marble is just a tad bit more expensive than the other Singularity pens.


With the wide array of colors and nib sizes (Extra-fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 0.6mm stub, 0.8mm stub), it is easy to see why Nemosine fountain pens can be addictive to the pen enthusiast. They are affordable enough to own several for different purposes and situations where you would find yourself needing a fountain pen. Example - keeping a Nemosine in your desk drawer at work, one at home and one on your person (briefcase, purse or pen case). Also, if you love fountain pen inks as much as I do, you may have one pen dedicated to a particular type of ink. When you feel in a blue mood, take out the aqua blue or the blueberry and write away in some Diamine Aqua Blue. The combinations and possibilities are endless!

8.07.2014

Coming Soon : Parker Debuts Pens Inspired by Vintage Vacumatic & Duofold Styles

To follow up on the teaser postcard that we are sending in our current shipments, Parker has shared their master plans for the fall debuts of new Duofold, Urban & IM models that are designed after vintage Parker styles.



Duofold : A Classic Redefined

The Duofold is gaining three new permanent extensions to the line that are inspired by the Parker Duofold of old : Big Red, Lapis Lazuli & Ivory. These acrylic resin styles are trimmed in gold plated appointments and are available in a twist-action ballpoint pen, capped rollerball and two sizes of fountain pen. The larger Centennial size and the International size are both filled by cartridge or cartridge/converter (included). The nib is a big, two-toned, 18kt solid gold beauty, fashioned with the Duofold Spade graphic.

The estimated price ranges on this set are $280 for the ballpen, $330 for the rollerball, $450 for the international sized fountain pen & $550 for the centennial. No doubt that the popularity of these vintage colors will come through for Parker in reintroducing a fan favorite in the Duofold.



Parker's Vacumatic for the 21st Century

The Parker Vacumatic stands as an emblematic style of the Parker Pen Company and is one of the most highly sought after vintage pens for collectors. This Fall, Parker debuts six new finishes in the IM & Urban lines inspired by the Vacumatic's alternating band design. While the Vacumatic was originally built with laminated plastic, these new pens are styled using aluminum to give a modern look to the design.

The IM & Urban lines are Parker's more approachable, entry-level category of pens. Each new finish will be offered in a ballpoint pen, rollerball or fountain pen. Please note that the fountain pens will be using a cartridge/converter filling system and will not have the Vacumatic filling system (that would make too much sense, right?). The fountain pens will be fitted with steel nibs in medium point size only. The price ranges from $37 for a ballpen to $75 for the fountain.

All pens will be on sale on our site the moment that they arrive. To receive an update on when they will hit the store, please sign up on our e-mail newsletter list so you can be first to know!

8.01.2014

Quincy Jones Cuts Ribbon at Grand Opening of Montegrappa Flagship Store in Italy


July 10th in Bassano del Grappa, Italy - the global headquarters for the Montegrappa company - the oldest and most celebrated Italian pen manufacturer cut the ribbon on their flagship store in grand fashion.


Montegrappa, primarily known for their writing instruments, has built their reputation upon the quality and artistry of their pens. Since Guiseppe Aquila had purchased the company back from the Richemont group several years ago, the brand has attained new heights in the luxury market, expanding their manufacturing repertoire to include cufflinks, fragrances, leather accessories, watches and licensed products in cooperations with such prominent icons like Muhammad Ali, DC Comics (Batman), Elvis, Frank Sinatra and so on. Their business had already expanded overseas to open boutiques in Dubai, Moscow, Doha & Riyadh. The opening of their flagship store in Bassano del Grappa was like a homecoming, proudly displaying how high the brand has risen internationally while keeping their roots steeped in Italian heritage.


Famed musician and muse of his own limited edition set of Montegrappa writing instruments, Quincy Jones participated in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the doors of the boutique. The guest of honor has his own section of the boutique dedicated to the pen that bears his name and ineffable style.



On the second floor of the ancient renovated palace, the first Bugatti and Bently fashion boutiques made a home for themselves and include pens & cufflinks made for Bugatti exclusively by Montegrappa.



The opening was a "Blue Carpet" event, attracting plenty of glitz and glam and providing cocktails and live music to party into the night. You can view all the professional press photographs here.