Montblanc recently revealed its newest generation of writing instruments: the Montblanc M, which was created in collaboration with industrial designer Marc Newson.

Fountain pen from the Montblanc M collection

At first glance, there’s no doubt that this is a Montblanc pen, thanks in part to its glossy black body and crowning snowcap, but the similarity ends where the transcendence begins, thanks to Newson’s signature biomorphic style.

“Like Montblanc, I seek to strike a balance in the design between the simplicity of the functional qualities of this product and the creation of a sensory experience in its use,” explains Newson regarding this latest venture.

Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert (left) and Australian designer Marc Newson

The Australian-born Newson is celebrated for his designs in such categories as automobiles, jets, clothing, eyewear, cameras, interiors, and more. He has partnered with eminent luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Riva, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Hermès, among many others (read about Newson’s Hermès pen design in Hermès Puts Pen To Paper With The Nautilus.)

Montblanc “screen writer” from the M collection

I really like the design of the Montblanc M. Its uniquely stepped barrel, magnetic closure, and invisibly mounted platinum-plated clip make it a totally new experience in the realm of writing instruments.

And to ensure the pen’s sleek, contemporary look, the Montblanc snowcap emblem – crafted in white precious resin – is ultrasonically welded onto the “plateau” of the barrel flush with the flat surface, while another snowcap adorns the cap crown, also flush with its surroundings.

Fountain pen from the Montblanc M collection

In addition, for the first time in the brand’s history, the fountain pen’s gold nib is plated in two tones using rhodium and ruthenium. Finally, the unique gripping section — a comfortable and functional design — is also plated in ruthenium.

I’ve not seen a gripping section quite like this before, and I find it to be much easier on the fingers than it looks. Its corrugated design ensures no slippage while writing.

Montblanc M collection “family portrait”: rollerball, fountain pen and ballpoint

Montblanc unveiled the pen to a select group of journalists (including me) and friends of the brand in Milan on June 3, 2015, hosted by Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert. We were treated to a grand soiree at the Diamond Tower in the heart of the city, with the actual Mont Blanc visible in the distance.

Montblanc nib expert controlling quality from a perch high above Milan on June 3, 2015

Before the elegant dinner was served using table wear designed by Newson, guests had the opportunity to explore vitrines displaying Montblanc’s rich history in luxury goods.

Together they formed an impactful, visual autobiography of the brand. In addition, workstations were situated throughout the space where the arts of nib grinding, nib testing, and calligraphy were demonstrated to fascinated guests.

This collaboration was a first for Montblanc, explained Lambert. “For the first-ever design partnership in the maison’s long history, Montblanc has chosen to work with Marc Newson, without a doubt the most influential designer of his generation.”

But this was not the first time Lambert and Newson have crossed paths. As you may remember, Lambert was CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre — also a Richemont brand — at the time of the creation of the Atmos 561 by Marc Newson in honor of the Atmos clock’s eightieth anniversary in 2008.

The Montblanc M collection comprises a fountain pen with a gold nib, a rollerball, and a ballpoint. The fountain pen nib is marked “AU585” in a modern-looking, sans-serif font, and the “finless” feed adds another touch of contemporary Newson-esque style.

For more information, please visit www.montblanc.com/en/collection/writing-instruments.

Quick Facts
Editions: fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint
Cap and barrel: Black resin
Nib: AU585
Limitation: None
Price: Fountain pen $565; rollerball $400; ballpoint $400