Montblanc 149 Fountain Pen... why?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer shares their love-hate relationship with the Montblanc 149 fountain pen, highlighting its luxury appeal but questioning its value as a writing instrument. They discuss how the pen is often viewed as a status symbol, much like high-end brands, while comparing it to other pens like the Pilot Custom 823, which offers superior writing performance at a much lower price. Despite appreciating the Montblanc 149's craftsmanship, the reviewer concludes that its cost doesn't justify the writing experience, recommending users prioritize writing quality over brand prestige.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their love-hate relationship with Mont Blanc pens, especially the 146 and 149 models.
• 😀 Initially, the speaker felt Mont Blanc pens were more about luxury and status rather than performance as writing tools.
• 😀 The speaker owns a Mont Blanc 146, which they like but rarely use, and feels it lacks the same writing enjoyment as other pens in their collection.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts their experiences with Mont Blanc with their favorite pen, the Pilot Custom 823, which they believe offers superior writing performance.
• 😀 The Pilot Custom 823 is praised for its smooth, wet writing experience and unique nib, which the speaker finds unmatched in their collection.
• 😀 Despite preferring the Pilot Custom 823, the speaker acknowledges the Mont Blanc 149 as an iconic pen with a beautiful writing experience and a luxury status symbol.
• 😀 The Mont Blanc 149 is considered a status symbol, with the brand’s high visibility making it a coveted item among non-pen enthusiasts.
• 😀 The cost of Mont Blanc pens, such as the 149, is a downside, as they are expensive but may not offer significantly better writing performance compared to pens at a lower price point.
• 😀 The speaker doesn’t take Mont Blanc pens out of the house due to the risk of losing or having them stolen, as they would not be able to replace them easily.
• 😀 The speaker prefers to review modern pens that are still available for purchase and avoids reviewing vintage pens like the 149, even though their personal 149 is a second-hand vintage model from the 1980s.
• 😀 In conclusion, the speaker suggests that Mont Blanc pens, while beautiful and luxurious, may not be worth the high price for users who prioritize writing performance over status, especially when there are more affordable alternatives like the Pilot Custom 823.

Q & A

What is the speaker’s overall opinion of Mont Blanc pens?

The speaker has a 'Love/Hate' relationship with Mont Blanc pens. While they appreciate the craftsmanship, they feel the brand emphasizes luxury and status over actual writing performance, which initially made them reluctant to use Mont Blanc pens regularly.

Why did the speaker feel initially disconnected from Mont Blanc pens?

The speaker felt that Mont Blanc pens were more about luxury and status symbols than about being high-quality writing instruments. Despite owning a few, they preferred other pens that offered better writing experiences.

How did the speaker’s perception of Mont Blanc change after acquiring a vintage 149 model?

After acquiring a vintage Mont Blanc 149 from the 1980s, the speaker had a change of heart. They described the writing experience as unexpectedly enjoyable, leading to a greater appreciation for the pen, though they still favored other brands for writing quality.

What is the main writing characteristic that the speaker values most in a fountain pen?

The speaker values the writing experience above all else, particularly smoothness, ink flow, and comfort. For example, they praised the Pilot Custom 823 for its unique nib that provides a juicy, wet writing experience.

How does the speaker compare Mont Blanc pens to other brands like Pilot?

The speaker compares Mont Blanc pens, particularly the 149, to the Pilot Custom 823. They believe the Pilot 823 offers a better writing experience for a fraction of the price, especially praising the unique nib of the Pilot for its smoothness and wetness.

What is the concept of 'diminishing returns' as discussed in the video?

The concept of 'diminishing returns' refers to the idea that as the price of a fountain pen increases, the difference in writing quality becomes less noticeable. At a certain point, you're paying more for the brand and luxury feel rather than substantial improvements in the writing experience.

What does the speaker think about the cost of Mont Blanc pens?

The speaker believes that Mont Blanc pens, such as the 149, are overpriced for what they offer in terms of writing experience. They suggest that pens like the Pilot Custom 823 provide similar or better performance at a much lower price.

Why does the speaker consider Mont Blanc pens to be status symbols?

Mont Blanc pens are considered status symbols because of their recognizable design, especially the snow cap logo, and the brand's association with luxury. Many people are aware of the brand's high value, making it a prestigious item to own.

Does the speaker recommend buying a Mont Blanc pen as a writer’s tool?

While the speaker acknowledges that Mont Blanc pens are well-crafted, they do not recommend buying them solely for their writing performance. They suggest that writers would get better value from other pens like the Pilot Custom 823, which offers a superior writing experience at a lower cost.

What is the speaker’s preference when it comes to fountain pens?

The speaker prefers fountain pens that prioritize writing quality over brand and luxury. They buy pens to use them for writing, valuing smoothness, ink flow, and overall performance over status or aesthetic appeal.