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Celebrating 85 Years of Writing - The Montblanc Meisterstück 149

Celebrating 85 Years of Writing

- The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 - 

 

Every tradition begins with an innovation. And occasionally, innovations become milestones in history foreshadowing a sense of magnificence for years to come. One of these events occurred eighty-five years ago in 1924. It was the year in which the timeless classic “Montblanc 149” fountain pen was born. 

The “Montblanc 149” soon became a symbol of excellence and an icon for pure writing culture and prestige. It was and remains to this day the preferred writing instrument for royalty and other distinguished personalities. It stands above other brands embodying intrinsic values like no other writing instruments. 
 

New since 1924: "Montblanc Meisterstück 149". Perfection never ages  

Unveiled in 1924; the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 has since become the epitome of unchanging perfection. Elevated to the status of a design object within its first few decades, the Meisterstück has gained a name for itself as a design classic. As the head of the Meisterstück family, the famous Meisterstück 149 has signed important treaties worldwide and has already written history in the hands of great statesmen.  

From the tip of the nib right up to the internationally recognised trademark of the unique white star that crowns the cap of each masterpiece, the "Meisterstück" is an alluring pen that makes a mark of status and success. 

The "149" is synonymous with sophistication and a cultivated lifestyle, spirit and intellect, timeless aesthetics and outstanding craftsmanship – a classic for generations of owners.  
 

Celebrating the ritual of the signature  

The "149" is renowned as a collector’s item and for almost eight decades has been a must-have for all those who want to endow personal words, notes or comments with outstanding significance and value.  

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium. – Norbert Platt, Richemont CEO  

The ritual act of unscrewing the cap, fitting it on the barrel, signing and then ceremonially replacing it before the obligatory handshake – these are very special moments in time in which the Montblanc "Meisterstück" plays an enduring role in the world of politics, business or culture. International treaties and agreements, the foundation of businesses, important certificates, golden books, notable cheques or wedding certificates are all too often signed with a Montblanc "149". 

 

Ten Facts about the Montblanc Meisterstück 149  

• The Museum of Modern Art in New York paid homage to the classic design of the Meisterstück 149, by putting it on permanent display.

• The internal production number – "149" became the world-famous brand name: the legendary signature pen by Montblanc.

• Each bears the most distinctive detail of a "Meisterstück" – the number 4,810, which symbolizes the height of Mont Blanc.

• The Meisterstück design is famed for its elegant design profile; the 3 gold rings in the middle and the beautiful 18 carat gold nib.

• It takes more than 150 work steps to produce one Meisterstück 149 nib.

• Every nib is checked diligently by astute eyes. The nib experts also listen to the silent nib gliding on paper and feel their perfect smoothness, before passing the maximal quality test.

• Over 85 years, the Meisterstück Collection was extended and consists of the following key sizes:

- Le Grand (the biggest and broadest fountain pen after the Meisterstück 149)

- Classique (a classical beauty and the most popular of sizes)

- Mozart (dedicated to the child genius of classical music and is hardly bigger than a lipstick). 

• The Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Royal writing jewel, featuring 18-carat solid gold with 4810 diamonds, was honored with an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s most expensive fountain pen in 1984.

• In 2002, at the United Nations world summit in Johannesburg, a Meisterstück 149 fountain pen was handed over to every participating head of state, each an engraved name and a personal handwritten letter from the President of South Africa.

• Celebrated architect Helmut Jahn always sketches his ideas with a Meisterstück 149 fountain pen.