Thanks for this review. The Exception (whether Slim or regular version) is a pretty rare pen. I do own one myself, in the slim version with the fine nib and with gold trim. I bought it in 2006, and it never failed me. It's an excellent writer, reliable, very smooth, very consistent, very well balanced (not meant to be posted), and extremely well put together. The build quality is really up there, and the fit and finish is really top notch. The square shape and the overall subtlety of the pen, both make for a timeless writing instrument, classic, elegant, and very french looking. The nib, although made of solid 18 carat gold, is fairly stiff and doesn't provide any sort of bounciness or line variation. But mine came perfectly tuned from the factory, and I've never had any complaint whatsoever. It's perfect on pretty much any type of paper. It's the only Waterman fountain pen in my collection, and I'm glad I picked this one 17 years ago. I have to say that I also like the Carene for its inlayed nib, but I don't find the build quality as good as the Exception's. To me, the only drawback with the Exception slim, is that it can get tiresome on longer writing sessions if you have large hands like me. The grip section is fairly narrow, so I guess the slim version was intended towards writers with smaller hands. If I had to buy it again, I would definitely pick the standard version over the slim.
Michael, a quick potted history, if I may. The "Ideal" imprint upon the nib has been a consistent hallmark of (most) Waterman's, & originates from the original company name - 'Waterman Ideal Pen Company' (after it's founder, Lewis Edson Waterman - 1884). He was prompted to start the business due to a mishap with a contract signing (he was an insurance salesman), where the scribe he was using, exploded, irreversibly soiling same, & thereby, losing that self same contract. Waterman was an American, but as time went on, the licence for manufacture was made global - UK, France, & a host of other nations. My first Waterman was made in England, in 1943 - a W3; subsequent models have been of similar quality, but when the American company closed it's doors in the 1920's, the French licensee bought the company out - hence, 'Waterman, France' adorns all versions, in the modern sense. If memory serves, Waterman developed the first irrigated feed, because up until then, ink flow in fountain pens was erratic - so he may be credited for that, too - but it is a contentious point within the fountain pen community. The Exception seems to have an almost Art Deco aesthetic - but I can see your point that the squared off edging may present grip issues. Like you, I like black & silver pens, & Waterman nibs are invariably reliable blades. In truth, haven't acquired any new contemporary scribes from this brand - I tend to purchase the vintage models. Thank you for such an interesting overview, my friend :)
The imprint "idéal" on a waterman nib indicates that the nib in question is the top of the range from waterman. It's like for Montblanc "Meisterstück" or something like this. My father owns a Waterman Le Man from the 1980s (which hopefully I will inherit some day), with a bicolor gold nib already with the inscription "Idéal" on it. It is an absolutely stunning nib. I have always been curious about this line of pens. Maybe I will get one some day...
I love my Waterman pens, but I may pass on the Exception as I tend to hold my pens further up on the grip section. I wonder if the nib can be turned within the section for a more comfortable grip. Thanks for another great review.
Thanks for your kind comment! You may try this - but be really careful, this is not an inexpensive pen to play around with if you're not exactly sure what you're doing :-)
I couldn't resist buying a slim with gold trim in fine when I found one for an excellent price. I was surprised to find that its counter-intuitive grip section doesn't bother me as much as I expected it to, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a long writing session. But for the office where I tend to only take quick notes, it's just fine. I love the looks, fit and finish of this pen. As you indicate it works and feels like a fine writing instrument should. I've no regrets in purchasing this pen, though I need to check if the nib and section can be rotated in the barrel for a more natural grip. Thank you again for your fine review.
oh yeah, you are certainly right. Well, I don't know, but I hope Waterman was first..hehe. It is no secret that I personally am no great fan of Visconti :-)
Nib of Waterman Exception is the same that Waterman Gentleman or Waterman Expert II or III, in gold sterling covered or no in rodium. This nib is greatest that Waterman Elegance, I love big nibs. For Waterman pens, I prefer Pelikan cartridges, I can inked when they are empties. Pelikan cartridges plastic is beter that Waterman cartridges plastic, so I inked this cartridges when they are empties. Antonio from Alicante, Spain.
I have this exact pen, smoothest nib I have ever tried. However, the plastic on the barrel is cracking in 3 out of the 4 corners. Waterman are not interested in fixing it. AWFUL COMPANY
Thanks for this review. The Exception (whether Slim or regular version) is a pretty rare pen. I do own one myself, in the slim version with the fine nib and with gold trim. I bought it in 2006, and it never failed me. It's an excellent writer, reliable, very smooth, very consistent, very well balanced (not meant to be posted), and extremely well put together. The build quality is really up there, and the fit and finish is really top notch. The square shape and the overall subtlety of the pen, both make for a timeless writing instrument, classic, elegant, and very french looking. The nib, although made of solid 18 carat gold, is fairly stiff and doesn't provide any sort of bounciness or line variation. But mine came perfectly tuned from the factory, and I've never had any complaint whatsoever. It's perfect on pretty much any type of paper.
It's the only Waterman fountain pen in my collection, and I'm glad I picked this one 17 years ago. I have to say that I also like the Carene for its inlayed nib, but I don't find the build quality as good as the Exception's. To me, the only drawback with the Exception slim, is that it can get tiresome on longer writing sessions if you have large hands like me. The grip section is fairly narrow, so I guess the slim version was intended towards writers with smaller hands. If I had to buy it again, I would definitely pick the standard version over the slim.
Thanks for the comment! It’s a superb pen, indeed!
Michael, a quick potted history, if I may. The "Ideal" imprint upon the nib has been a consistent hallmark of (most) Waterman's, & originates from the original company name - 'Waterman Ideal Pen Company' (after it's founder, Lewis Edson Waterman - 1884). He was prompted to start the business due to a mishap with a contract signing (he was an insurance salesman), where the scribe he was using, exploded, irreversibly soiling same, & thereby, losing that self same contract. Waterman was an American, but as time went on, the licence for manufacture was made global - UK, France, & a host of other nations. My first Waterman was made in England, in 1943 - a W3; subsequent models have been of similar quality, but when the American company closed it's doors in the 1920's, the French licensee bought the company out - hence, 'Waterman, France' adorns all versions, in the modern sense.
If memory serves, Waterman developed the first irrigated feed, because up until then, ink flow in fountain pens was erratic - so he may be credited for that, too - but it is a contentious point within the fountain pen community.
The Exception seems to have an almost Art Deco aesthetic - but I can see your point that the squared off edging may present grip issues. Like you, I like black & silver pens, & Waterman nibs are invariably reliable blades. In truth, haven't acquired any new contemporary scribes from this brand - I tend to purchase the vintage models.
Thank you for such an interesting overview, my friend :)
Ah, thanks so much for a bit of pen history right here. Loved this!
The imprint "idéal" on a waterman nib indicates that the nib in question is the top of the range from waterman. It's like for Montblanc "Meisterstück" or something like this. My father owns a Waterman Le Man from the 1980s (which hopefully I will inherit some day), with a bicolor gold nib already with the inscription "Idéal" on it. It is an absolutely stunning nib.
I have always been curious about this line of pens. Maybe I will get one some day...
Thanks a lot for this fascination information. Very illuminating!!
Hendrick, you are on to it! I would say it's in their (Waterman) DNA.
Fine review! thanks. I also have one like yours. It looks very elegant.
Thanks much!
The pilot quattro also has this square shaped but it is discontinued.
Thanks for the info!
I love my Waterman pens, but I may pass on the Exception as I tend to hold my pens further up on the grip section. I wonder if the nib can be turned within the section for a more comfortable grip. Thanks for another great review.
Thanks for your kind comment! You may try this - but be really careful, this is not an inexpensive pen to play around with if you're not exactly sure what you're doing :-)
I couldn't resist buying a slim with gold trim in fine when I found one for an excellent price. I was surprised to find that its counter-intuitive grip section doesn't bother me as much as I expected it to, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a long writing session. But for the office where I tend to only take quick notes, it's just fine. I love the looks, fit and finish of this pen. As you indicate it works and feels like a fine writing instrument should. I've no regrets in purchasing this pen, though I need to check if the nib and section can be rotated in the barrel for a more natural grip. Thank you again for your fine review.
Aren’t Visconti’s shaped like that? I wonder which model came out first.
Unsure. Had a couple of Viscontis in my hand, but never reviewed a Visconti. But I don't think that I have seen a square Visconti to date...
Scrively the opera model is the one I’m thinking of. They call it squaring the circle or some such nonsense.
oh yeah, you are certainly right. Well, I don't know, but I hope Waterman was first..hehe. It is no secret that I personally am no great fan of Visconti :-)
Scrively right there with you.
:-)
my first waterman
I wish Waterman reissue Waterman 52 and other similar models and also make some different flex nib fountain pens similar to the Waterman 52🖋️
visconti opera elements has a square shape too
true!
I really like the design of this pen! Too bad it is out of my budget for now...But thank you for showing it to us!
Yeah, they are wonderful pens, but really not that inexpensive. Hope you'll get one one day!
Lisse A wats ur budget. I have one to sell
Nib of Waterman Exception is the same that Waterman Gentleman or Waterman Expert II or III, in gold sterling covered or no in rodium.
This nib is greatest that Waterman Elegance, I love big nibs.
For Waterman pens, I prefer Pelikan cartridges, I can inked when they are empties.
Pelikan cartridges plastic is beter that Waterman cartridges plastic, so I inked this cartridges when they are empties.
Antonio from Alicante, Spain.
Another interesting review. Thank you. Oeace✌️
Thanks a bunch!
I have this exact pen, smoothest nib I have ever tried. However, the plastic on the barrel is cracking in 3 out of the 4 corners. Waterman are not interested in fixing it. AWFUL COMPANY
Crypto Kiddie sorry to hear that. I had the exact opposite experience. Stellar customer service at the highest speed imaginable
What plastic? You mean the lacquer?
FIRST COMMENT
🙌🏼😀