The only thing I dislike is the marketing bs about the precious resin. It's PMMA. There's nothing special about it. I'm using a curved calligraphy and this nib blows my mind each time I pick it up but I wouldn't mind if it was in a different barrel. For me MB is all about the gorgeous nibs.
Thank you for the informative video! I possess a couple of 146s, one 149, a couple of rollerballs, and ballpoints. The larger nibs in the 149 make them definitely something special. I tuned all the nibs myself. I did not pay in any case the official price for those pens. MB was for a long time a company that produced excellent writing instruments, at some point they could not completely keep up with their renomé. They still produce excellent pens, I think for the resin lineup we should pay around € 200,00 to € 300,00 less, that would be a fair and competitive price range. The only real complaint that I would post here is the lack of the possibility of easily disassembling and cleaning the fountain pens. I like to clean and change the silicon grease of my piston fillers once in a couple of months, and of course, I like to deeply clean the barrel of the pens. That is not possible without taking some risks. That is not "up to date".
Samuel: You are part of the industry, and the MB 149 sets a high price for an ordinary tool. When I began to use a fountain pen as a lawyer in the early 1970s, the MB 149 (then often called the "Diplomat") was huge compared to the pens one saw more regularly, and the No. 8 size nib was an object of fascination. A client bought me my first 149 as a reward for a larger-than-expected award for him from a jury, and I rarely used it because I thought cartridges were more convenient. And I really was not an aficionado or collector in those days, just a user. However, in the next 50 + years, I purchased many pens as large as or larger than the 149, with gold nibs that were as good or better (e.g.,. King of Pen, Pilot Custom Urushi, Pilot Emperor, Pelikan M-1000, and newer steel nibs of huge size like the Magna Carta Magna 1000. I also have put gold No. 8 nibs from Jowo and Bock on pens that were designed for No. 6 size nibs. After that experience, I concluded that the MB 149 is a ripoff. But when Jinhao and other Chinese companies started making No. 8 size nibs (e.g., the Dadao and X159, along with the Jun Lai 630 with a gold nib). I became convinced. In terms of writing experience, the MB 149 is in the middle of the bunch. As you noted, it scratches and breaks. Moreover, as time passes, the piston filler does not work as efficiently. Over the years, when I saw a new old stock version of the 149 offered at $400 or less, I bought it, and I have 5 of them. I do not consider them grail quality, and actually, they are the pens I carry when on a trip where I might lose my pen since the 149 is so easily replaceable.
Hi Gary, i wouldn’t start comparing products like Jinhao to Montblanc and for sure not to a 149. As you said, I’m part of the industry and as such i’ve visited a lot of pen factories. What Montblanc brings on the Table is something else compared to everyone else in the industry and i look forward to all other factories going into the same direction (with their own USP). The 149 is an extremely well made writing instruments, with a lot of features and a vedy precise instrument. It also is a very complete writing instrument. In addition to that it provides recognition, after sale service (which the chinese brands surely don’t), and a sense of belonging. Judging the pens merely on nib sizes, or performance would be like judging a timepiece merely for its precision, while there are many more aspects that make a fine writing instrument something to aim for. Also let’s not forget that Montblanc produces a high quantity of such writing instruments without compromising on quality and making hundred thousands of customers happy every year. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
@@SamuelNaldi Indeed! There is no other pen I'd reach for at my desk than my W Germany Meisterstuck 149 or Mod. 146 with the piston fill. It's feel is natural, like coming home to sleep in your own bed after time spent away.
Great video. I have both the 149 and the 146. I love them both. Actually the 146 is my favorite of the two because I like the nib on the 146 better. My 149 has a B nib and I bought it primarily for signing legal papers. I bought both of mine in the 1990's. Lov'em. Thanks.
Meisterstuck 149, Black with Gold trim - It’s the definition of a classic fountain pen. I’ll buy one without hesitation anytime. The only glitch I’ll say is - Getting a well tuned ExtraFine nib is a matter of luck !
i recently bought the 146 fountain pen in yellow gold. perfect size and feels great in hand. i love the writing experience with it and use it mostly for journaling. greets from thun!
@@SamuelNaldi thanks! i also just ordered TOYOOKA CRAFT Wooden Fountain Pen Box With 8 Slots from your shop, seeing it live on your video helped me to finally order it 😊 i was looking for a while for a nice way to store my pens, i have like 5-6 nice pens which will now have nice place!
I'm going to pose and answer two questions to make it clearer: Q1. Are Montblanc pens worth the price? A1. Definitely NOT. Q2. Are Montblanc pens worth it? A2. Definitely YES (although collectibles ONLY at second-hand prices but in perfect condition). Or in other words: Montblanc pens are overpriced even considering their top quality. But they are worth it, more especially if you collect them at second-hand prices. However, that being said, I will also say that the quality of a Montblanc 149 is superior to that of a Pelikan M1000 (so it's not as overpriced as the majority might think). For example: The resin of the MB is almost glassy (like a ruby when the light passes through it) and you can tell, not only visually but also to the touch (it's like 50% resin and 50% glass), that it feels much nicer. The Pelikan feels much more plasticky and cheaper, especially the cap (which sucks). Also, the plating on the MB is of much higher quality and long-lasting than on the Pelikan. I also find the flow in the MB to be perfectly balanced and in the Pelikan to be excessive, because in the latter, instead of the nib being attached (together/joined) to the feeder, there is a gap between the two which causes an excessive "hose-type" flow that causes constant ink leaks. Montblanc's after-sales service is simply second to none (they will completely refurbish a 149 with only the cap cabochon broken into a practically brand new one for less than €100)... They are always looking after you! Etc. Prestige is not only an image and an iconic emblem on a cap...
If I could only keep one of my pens, the 149 would be the one I’d keep. I can’t remember mine not being inked in the 11 years I’ve had it - the only pen that has never gone out of my rotation. It’s currently sat on my desk and will be my pen of choice for tomorrow’s meetings!
I have a burgundy, smaller Montblanc fountain pen that uses either the added plunger or refill cartridges. I also have the larger, thicker black fountain pen that has the built in plunger. Both write beautifully. My two favorite fountain pens. The nibs are beautiful.
I own a number of MontBlanc pens . My pride and joy is the 149 fountain pen which I bought in 1976 in Sydney. My only complaint is I can’t put in my suit jacket pocket because it leaks. So it resides on my study desk.
Amazing vid. Coming from the watch hobby I've gotten the pen bug and finally pulled the trigger on a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué Blue Hour Classique Fountain Pen I found at half off on the used market. Unlike my watch collection, I'm intending this to be my singular great pen... because I still have more watches to buy haha.
There are multiple fountain pens at all price points that are higher quality, with greater build quality, with higher quality materials (brass instead of plastic), better balance, better weight, significantly better build quality, greater reliability, and a noticeablely better writing experience than any Montblanc. The vintage Montblancs are a slightly better choice than current models.
It's always a matter of taste. I've tried the "holy Pilot Custom 823" M & F nib and it didn't fit me at all. No matter what everyone elsewhere is praising this foutain pen, I didn't like it at all for writing. The 149, to me, looks way better (overall quality, finish, nib, etc). It always a matter of taste (and needs).
I have been watching reviews of Pilot 823. The fact that it doesn't have the Namiki name means it's not that higher end. But, IMO, the negatives outweigh the positive. It seems to be a very fragile pen that can break easily.
@@bovnycccoperalover3579 the 823 didn't look "fragile" to me. But it's so highly praise everywhere... It's just hard to understand why sometimes. Like I said, it's just a matter of taste. I think the pen's great but the nib doesn't fit my hand.
This comparison is not a fair one. I have both the Custom 823 and the MB 149 and they are good writers within their range. But a fair comparison in many ways would be the 149 vs the Pilot Custom Urushi pen. And quite frankly, although I love my 149s, the Pilot Custom would come on top in my opinion
I've sold a 149 and missed it very much. The experience of using it can't be properly described. It somehow epitomizes the positive in fountain pen. I used many trendy pens, but this one is so lovable..
I bought a 146 calligraphy and a 149 both at full retail price and I've absolutely no regrets. Yes expensive but the quality and writing of these writing instruments is amazing. They also hold their value long after you purchase them.
What do you think of ballpoints? I’m between roller and ballpoint, but roller sometimes drys…but don’t know if ballpoint on Montblanc is like a Bic pen 😅
I have a 2 MB fountain pens, a ball point pen, and a rollerball. Do they write better than my less expensive pens like Pelikan, Cross. No, writing is good with all my pens. Nevertheless, they are cool and conversation pieces.
It’s different. If we take the Resin King of Pen i would say that the Montblanc overall is better Writing Instrument, however the writing experience with the King of Pen is one of a kind and pretty much uncomparable. Regarding the Namiki, we’re talking about a pen that is double the price almost. All in all i would say one need to have all three in collection. 😂
KOP - Only drawback is the filling mechanism and very low ink capacity. Leaving that it has the best nib in the market (better than Namiki even). Namiki Emperor- A pen collector’s life will be incomplete if they don’t get one in their lifetime. MB 149 - An all round star 🌟, will get the top spot !
@@varadharajannadarajah Agreed but it's easy to change inks whereas we have to put much effort to clean a 149. I prefer vintage Ebonite feeded 149s rather than current ones
@@niceone2282 Those who use MB149, use it for daily works and mostly don’t change inks often. If you tend to change inks often then a cartridge/converter is the better choice.
The best engineered part in a Montblanc is invisible: the market. Making Millions of muggles into corporate drones who think they'd need a boring black cigar of brittle plastic with just mediocre writing experience is ingenious! The pen itself just doesn't cut it and is far overhyped. Would be a better experience to grab just a Lamy Safari and if you want so put one of Lamys gold nibs on it.
I have had a 144 for a long time and it is quite simply a piece of overpriced JUNK. Not only does it not keep the cap on - it falls off - and it's no wonder it was discontinued! I will never buy 'German Craftsmanship' pens again. Having said that BOTH my Lamy pens have performed flawlessly & written better for much longer and at 10% of the price.
@@SamuelNaldi i have had one, and its Not edel-Harz, its cheap Plastik, the pen falls ohne o the Ground and ia broken......no quality...they want make profit !!!!
What do you think about the Montblanc Meisterstück?
Love it! The 149 is gorgeous but unfortunately too big for my hands. Love the Classiques and the 146!
Meisterstuck 149 & Mod. 146 Piston fill must have classics! My everyday users
Love it too! I have three 149s, each with different nibs of course.
The only thing I dislike is the marketing bs about the precious resin. It's PMMA. There's nothing special about it. I'm using a curved calligraphy and this nib blows my mind each time I pick it up but I wouldn't mind if it was in a different barrel. For me MB is all about the gorgeous nibs.
Thank you for the informative video!
I possess a couple of 146s, one 149, a couple of rollerballs, and ballpoints. The larger nibs in the 149 make them definitely something special. I tuned all the nibs myself. I did not pay in any case the official price for those pens.
MB was for a long time a company that produced excellent writing instruments, at some point they could not completely keep up with their renomé. They still produce excellent pens, I think for the resin lineup we should pay around € 200,00 to € 300,00 less, that would be a fair and competitive price range.
The only real complaint that I would post here is the lack of the possibility of easily disassembling and cleaning the fountain pens. I like to clean and change the silicon grease of my piston fillers once in a couple of months, and of course, I like to deeply clean the barrel of the pens. That is not possible without taking some risks. That is not "up to date".
My left ear loved this video 😳😳
Ahhaha sorry for that man! 🙏🏼
I own a 149 limited edition - only white gold and black. It’s stunning and writes beautifully.
Samuel: You are part of the industry, and the MB 149 sets a high price for an ordinary tool. When I began to use a fountain pen as a lawyer in the early 1970s, the MB 149 (then often called the "Diplomat") was huge compared to the pens one saw more regularly, and the No. 8 size nib was an object of fascination. A client bought me my first 149 as a reward for a larger-than-expected award for him from a jury, and I rarely used it because I thought cartridges were more convenient. And I really was not an aficionado or collector in those days, just a user. However, in the next 50 + years, I purchased many pens as large as or larger than the 149, with gold nibs that were as good or better (e.g.,. King of Pen, Pilot Custom Urushi, Pilot Emperor, Pelikan M-1000, and newer steel nibs of huge size like the Magna Carta Magna 1000. I also have put gold No. 8 nibs from Jowo and Bock on pens that were designed for No. 6 size nibs. After that experience, I concluded that the MB 149 is a ripoff. But when Jinhao and other Chinese companies started making No. 8 size nibs (e.g., the Dadao and X159, along with the Jun Lai 630 with a gold nib). I became convinced. In terms of writing experience, the MB 149 is in the middle of the bunch. As you noted, it scratches and breaks. Moreover, as time passes, the piston filler does not work as efficiently. Over the years, when I saw a new old stock version of the 149 offered at $400 or less, I bought it, and I have 5 of them. I do not consider them grail quality, and actually, they are the pens I carry when on a trip where I might lose my pen since the 149 is so easily replaceable.
Hi Gary,
i wouldn’t start comparing products like Jinhao to Montblanc and for sure not to a 149.
As you said, I’m part of the industry and as such i’ve visited a lot of pen factories. What Montblanc brings on the Table is something else compared to everyone else in the industry and i look forward to all other factories going into the same direction (with their own USP). The 149 is an extremely well made writing instruments, with a lot of features and a vedy precise instrument. It also is a very complete writing instrument. In addition to that it provides recognition, after sale service (which the chinese brands surely don’t), and a sense of belonging. Judging the pens merely on nib sizes, or performance would be like judging a timepiece merely for its precision, while there are many more aspects that make a fine writing instrument something to aim for. Also let’s not forget that Montblanc produces a high quantity of such writing instruments without compromising on quality and making hundred thousands of customers happy every year.
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
@@SamuelNaldi Indeed! There is no other pen I'd reach for at my desk than my W Germany Meisterstuck 149 or Mod. 146 with the piston fill. It's feel is natural, like coming home to sleep in your own bed after time spent away.
Great video. I have both the 149 and the 146. I love them both. Actually the 146 is my favorite of the two because I like the nib on the 146 better. My 149 has a B nib and I bought it primarily for signing legal papers. I bought both of mine in the 1990's. Lov'em. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this!
Meisterstuck 149, Black with Gold trim - It’s the definition of a classic fountain pen. I’ll buy one without hesitation anytime. The only glitch I’ll say is - Getting a well tuned ExtraFine nib is a matter of luck !
Thanks for sharing this! 🙏🏼
100% agree, the meisterstuck looks best with yellow gold trim
i recently bought the 146 fountain pen in yellow gold. perfect size and feels great in hand. i love the writing experience with it and use it mostly for journaling. greets from thun!
Super cool! Enjoy it and glad to know you’re a swiss fella!
@@SamuelNaldi thanks! i also just ordered TOYOOKA CRAFT Wooden Fountain Pen Box With 8 Slots from your shop, seeing it live on your video helped me to finally order it 😊 i was looking for a while for a nice way to store my pens, i have like 5-6 nice pens which will now have nice place!
@@locophotographyofficial amazing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I'm going to pose and answer two questions to make it clearer:
Q1. Are Montblanc pens worth the price?
A1. Definitely NOT.
Q2. Are Montblanc pens worth it?
A2. Definitely YES (although collectibles ONLY at second-hand prices but in perfect condition).
Or in other words: Montblanc pens are overpriced even considering their top quality. But they are worth it, more especially if you collect them at second-hand prices.
However, that being said, I will also say that the quality of a Montblanc 149 is superior to that of a Pelikan M1000 (so it's not as overpriced as the majority might think). For example:
The resin of the MB is almost glassy (like a ruby when the light passes through it) and you can tell, not only visually but also to the touch (it's like 50% resin and 50% glass), that it feels much nicer. The Pelikan feels much more plasticky and cheaper, especially the cap (which sucks).
Also, the plating on the MB is of much higher quality and long-lasting than on the Pelikan.
I also find the flow in the MB to be perfectly balanced and in the Pelikan to be excessive, because in the latter, instead of the nib being attached (together/joined) to the feeder, there is a gap between the two which causes an excessive "hose-type" flow that causes constant ink leaks.
Montblanc's after-sales service is simply second to none (they will completely refurbish a 149 with only the cap cabochon broken into a practically brand new one for less than €100)... They are always looking after you!
Etc.
Prestige is not only an image and an iconic emblem on a cap...
Great video Samuel! Montblanc Meisterstück is a true icon among writing instruments
Thanks Carmine! Absolutely 👏🏼
If I could only keep one of my pens, the 149 would be the one I’d keep. I can’t remember mine not being inked in the 11 years I’ve had it - the only pen that has never gone out of my rotation. It’s currently sat on my desk and will be my pen of choice for tomorrow’s meetings!
Thank you much for sharing! 🙏🏼
In 11 yrs how many times pen go for servicing?
@@vinaynagdev03 never had any serviced. All still working exactly as they should.
I bought mine in 1980. It’s still perfect.
I have a burgundy, smaller Montblanc fountain pen that uses either the added plunger or refill cartridges. I also have the larger, thicker black fountain pen that has the built in plunger. Both write beautifully. My two favorite fountain pens. The nibs are beautiful.
Glad to hear Todd and thanks for sharing!
I have a 149, and a 146, I bought them in the late 1970’s, and the early 1980’s. Are they worth it? Absolutely.
rose gold is beautiful on those
❤️
Samuel you really should post more contents, I’m enjoying your videos
More coming for sure ❤️🙏🏼
I have had only two, I preferred the nib on my 146 to the medium nib on my 149. I would love to purchase another 146 from the late 1980's.
Thanks for letting us know!
I own a number of MontBlanc pens . My pride and joy is the 149 fountain pen which I bought in 1976 in Sydney. My only complaint is I can’t put in my suit jacket pocket because it leaks. So it resides on my study desk.
Thanks for sharing!
Any pen that Naldi touches is a must-have and class 🔥
Hahah thank you so much Saad!
I want to own one, especially the 146!
You won’t regret having the 146!
Love my 146. I think the 149 would be too large for my hand.
I use my Montblanc 146 every day. M nib, its a pleasure to write with the 146.
Thanx for the review…it was trully worth…i have montblanc meisterstuck unicef edition
Amazing vid. Coming from the watch hobby I've gotten the pen bug and finally pulled the trigger on a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué Blue Hour Classique Fountain Pen I found at half off on the used market. Unlike my watch collection, I'm intending this to be my singular great pen... because I still have more watches to buy haha.
Very cool!
Good job, please keep making...
Thank you, i surely will!
I use the ‘163’ rollerball version on a daily basis and I must say that it is a pleasure to write with.
There are multiple fountain pens at all price points that are higher quality, with greater build quality, with higher quality materials (brass instead of plastic), better balance, better weight, significantly better build quality, greater reliability, and a noticeablely better writing experience than any Montblanc. The vintage Montblancs are a slightly better choice than current models.
It's always a matter of taste. I've tried the "holy Pilot Custom 823" M & F nib and it didn't fit me at all. No matter what everyone elsewhere is praising this foutain pen, I didn't like it at all for writing.
The 149, to me, looks way better (overall quality, finish, nib, etc).
It always a matter of taste (and needs).
I have been watching reviews of Pilot 823. The fact that it doesn't have the Namiki name means it's not that higher end. But, IMO, the negatives outweigh the positive. It seems to be a very fragile pen that can break easily.
@@bovnycccoperalover3579 the 823 didn't look "fragile" to me.
But it's so highly praise everywhere...
It's just hard to understand why sometimes. Like I said, it's just a matter of taste. I think the pen's great but the nib doesn't fit my hand.
This comparison is not a fair one. I have both the Custom 823 and the MB 149 and they are good writers within their range. But a fair comparison in many ways would be the 149 vs the Pilot Custom Urushi pen. And quite frankly, although I love my 149s, the Pilot Custom would come on top in my opinion
I've sold a 149 and missed it very much. The experience of using it can't be properly described. It somehow epitomizes the positive in fountain pen. I used many trendy pens, but this one is so lovable..
Thank you brother
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
very nice presentation sir.....
Thank you 🙏🏼
I bought a 146 calligraphy and a 149 both at full retail price and I've absolutely no regrets. Yes expensive but the quality and writing of these writing instruments is amazing. They also hold their value long after you purchase them.
Translation: Montblanc prescious resin = plastic.
Precious resin = Precious Resin - or i would have said plastic
What do you think of ballpoints? I’m between roller and ballpoint, but roller sometimes drys…but don’t know if ballpoint on Montblanc is like a Bic pen 😅
Worth it 👌
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What pen holder box is that? it's beautiful
That’s Toyooka Craft available at Style of Zug.
@@SamuelNaldi Thank you!
I have a 2 MB fountain pens, a ball point pen, and a rollerball. Do they write better than my less expensive pens like Pelikan, Cross. No, writing is good with all my pens. Nevertheless, they are cool and conversation pieces.
Love the box. Do you sell them?
Yes of course: styleofzug.ch/shop-all/?s=Toyooka
i like the pen drawer... pls make a review about this drawer
Badass
👍🏻❤️
What is precious resin? To me? It's just a engineered plastic like ABS or polycarbonate.
I have one but I don’t write anything as I type mostly
Nice bro. is it better than sailor king of pen or namiki
No. Kop has better nib
It’s different. If we take the Resin King of Pen i would say that the Montblanc overall is better Writing Instrument, however the writing experience with the King of Pen is one of a kind and pretty much uncomparable.
Regarding the Namiki, we’re talking about a pen that is double the price almost. All in all i would say one need to have all three in collection. 😂
KOP - Only drawback is the filling mechanism and very low ink capacity. Leaving that it has the best nib in the market (better than Namiki even).
Namiki Emperor- A pen collector’s life will be incomplete if they don’t get one in their lifetime.
MB 149 - An all round star 🌟, will get the top spot !
@@varadharajannadarajah Agreed but it's easy to change inks whereas we have to put much effort to clean a 149.
I prefer vintage Ebonite feeded 149s rather than current ones
@@niceone2282 Those who use MB149, use it for daily works and mostly don’t change inks often. If you tend to change inks often then a cartridge/converter is the better choice.
My right ear feels lonely
Yes i think something went wrong there, we’ll check and do better in the next video. 😢😄
i lost it when he said "precious resin" lol
couldn't get passed the layered shirts.
Montblanc has serious QC issues nowadays...
True !!
Partly because they are focusing mostly on limited editions only
Meisterstuck is s classic
I paid 620 dollars for the classique silver inlay, did I get scammed.
edit: it's a rollerball
Why scammed?
The best engineered part in a Montblanc is invisible: the market. Making Millions of muggles into corporate drones who think they'd need a boring black cigar of brittle plastic with just mediocre writing experience is ingenious! The pen itself just doesn't cut it and is far overhyped. Would be a better experience to grab just a Lamy Safari and if you want so put one of Lamys gold nibs on it.
Which is exactly the opposite of what i said in the video. ☺️
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Voice audio only in left channel.
We fixed that in future videos, thanks and sorry. 🙏🏼
Yes, after using it for 20 years, you will know.
"Precious Resin" Really ? 🤣
You must be the sort of person who keeps rolex in business....
I bought 4, 149 Montblancs from internet dealers. And each one was a fake! Buy from a store carrying Montblanc.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
🙏🏼
Is this even a question
All hype
Ok
I have had a 144 for a long time and it is quite simply a piece of overpriced JUNK. Not only does it not keep the cap on - it falls off - and it's no wonder it was discontinued! I will never buy 'German Craftsmanship' pens again. Having said that BOTH my Lamy pens have performed flawlessly & written better for much longer and at 10% of the price.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It also makes sense that there are other brands on the market because of experience such as yours. 🙏🏼
lol common bro "precious resin" ?!?! plastic aint precious
🥲🥲
Hope you liked it!
sound is terrible in headphones, check micro next time plz
Plz next time come film for me
no its not worth it japanese makes better but cheaper pens
Wow ok, so i did this video for nothing now that we have this comment 😄
The Sailor is my favorite Japanese pen. I wish they would make a piston filler pen soon.
Is he trying to look like a turtle ?
Yes
Your video sound quality is very bad
Sorry for that
At least pronounce it correctly?
No, its plastic-Bullshit.....no quality.....
Ok thanks for your input
@@SamuelNaldi i have had one, and its Not edel-Harz, its cheap Plastik, the pen falls ohne o the Ground and ia broken......no quality...they want make profit !!!!