How Montblanc's Meisterstück Became the Go-To Pen for Royals, Presidents, and Other Prestigious Figures

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Shortly after Queen Elizabeth's passing, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. The newly-minted king was captured in a now-viral video getting frustrated by his leaking fountain pen while signing the visitor's book. "Oh God, I hate this," he was heard saying, before exclaiming, "I can't bear this bloody thing! Every stinking time."

Following the inky mishap, King Charles attended a prayer and reflection service at Llandaff Cathedral in Wales. While there, he was also recorded signing a visitor's book—only this time, it appeared he had brought his own pen. A Montblanc pen to be exact.

Since its inception in 1906, the iconic maison has been the undisputed leader in luxury pens. Founded by German technician August Eberstein in collaboration with Hamburg merchant Alfred Nehemias and entrepreneur Claus Johannes Voss, the trio created a line of writing utensils designed with non-leaking technology, which revolutionized how people wrote with ink forever.

It wasn't until 1924 when the German house introduced the Meisterstück—a pen that has since become synonymous with Montblanc—and now, it's celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Throughout this last month, Montblanc has been celebrating the Meisterstück's major milestone with a series of initiatives. First, it tapped Wes Anderson to shoot its campaign and film a short series (starring Rupert Friend, Jason Schwartzman, and Anderson himself) taking viewers on a journey into the world of Montblanc. The luxury brand also released The Origin Collection, a special new set of Meisterstück pens that pays homage to its history and original design attributes.

Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué Midsize Ballpoint

Meisterstück The Origin Collection Classique Rollerball

Meisterstück The Origin Collection Solitaire LeGrand Fountain Pen M

Meisterstück The Origin Collection 149 Fountain Pen M

"I can’t think of another writing instrument that has such a rich legacy as the Meisterstück. It has become an icon of writing culture over the last 100 years, having been wielded by many influential individuals who shaped our collective culture and history," Vincent Montalescot, Montblanc's global CMO, tells Town & Country. "But beyond that, it is often an object of deep emotional value to many of those who write with it, accompanying people through important moments in their life. We often see it transforming into an object of personal significance that is passed down to the next generation."

According to Montalescot, the pen's origin story began when some customers wanted pens for 'Sunday-use'—in other words, "one that would be special, offering a finer experience not meant for everyday use." Translating to masterpiece, the Meisterstück has seen many iterations over the last century but has remained largely untouched. After all these years, it still features many of its signature hallmarks, including Montblanc's six-point white star emblem representing the six snow-covered glaciers of its namesake mountain, the cigar-like shape, shiny resin body, and three rings on the cap.

The Meisterstück pens have become so iconic, they've even landed in the hands of royals, politicians, celebrities, and other prominent public figures from around the world. Most notably, it was the pen of choice for presidents such as John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama for signing official documents. It's said Princess Diana also preferred the pen—and rumor has it, she and then-Prince Charles used one to sign their official marriage certificate.

But the Meisterstück's popularity goes beyond the real world. Several of the pens have famously become the go-to for some of our favorite fictional characters on the silver screen, including James Bond and Dickie Greenleaf. Logan Roy appeared to be a fan as well, even name dropping the brand in one of his most iconic Logan Roy-isms in Succession history: "I'm gonna jam a Montblanc down his fuckin' throat."

While "the Meisterstück has certainly passed through the hands of cultural and political figures alike, many of whom have shaped our collective culture," notes Montalescot, "the enduring popularity of the Meisterstück hasn't just come from the famous names who have written with it. Rather, the momentum behind it comes from the hands of Montblanc artisans who continue the tradition of crafting finely-tuned writing instruments, as well as the everyday writers and creatives who continue to value the Meisterstück writing experience and the meaning it carries."

Amidst the centenary celebration, I was lucky enough to get my hands on both, a Meisterstück ballpoint and fountain pen... and I get it. Pricey as they may be, I finally see why Montblanc's most popular line of pens have such a loyal following.

Let me start by saying that the photos don't do them justice. The cigar shape combined with the shiny resin body makes for such an unbelievably sleek utensil. Then there's the weight: not too lightweight, not too heavy—just right. The Meisterstück is perfectly balanced, has a good thickness to it, and feels great in the hand. When I hold one between my thumb, index, and middle fingers, I feel important. I feel like I have places to be, places to go, and documents to sign.

How the ballpoint pen writes is everything you'd expect from a $300+ pen: the ink that flows from its rollerball tip feels buttery smooth against paper—you'll never experience skipping either. But if I am being honest, it was the Meisterstück fountain pen that completely sealed the deal for me. The super fine nib writes like silk and puts down a smooth finish with the slightest sheen. I was pleasantly surprised to see how fast the ink dried and how it didn't smudge or bleed the pages of my notebook. Nor did I experience an inky mess like King Charles did with that other pen. Refilling the ink cartridges are pretty straight forward and user-friendly, too, which I think only adds to my positive experience.

So if you ask me if the Meisterstück is worth it? I'd say if it's good enough for royals, presidents, and fictional British secret agents alike, then its good enough for the rest of us.

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