The past few years have seen the steady rise of the all-black watch with a variety of “stealthy” new timepieces making their debuts at the SIHH and Baselworld.

A few recent examples include Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black (see Give Me Five! Sapphire Crystal Cases At Baselworld 2016 From Hublot, 4N, Rebellion, MB&F, And Bell & Ross), Romain Gauthier’s spectacular Logical One Black, and the Bulgari Octo Ultranero line, each of which is characterized by its predominant use of black for case and dial.

But this color trend is not limited to watches since it is also evident in fashion and home décor . . . and at least one exceptional pen.

While Montblanc is a brand that tends to set trends rather than follow them, its corporate colors of black and white happen to be right on target for this overall trend in 2016.

Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition

And these colors, in turn, are reflective of the company’s quintessential writing instrument, the Meisterstück – the shiny black resin number with snow-capped crown that most people think of when they think of a Montblanc pen.

But leave it to Montblanc to shake things up a bit with its latest introduction reaching Montblanc boutiques this month, the Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition. Though still crafted in resin, the material is sandblasted to create a matte surface much like the company’s early ebonite (a composite comprising natural rubber, sulfur, and linseed oil) pens.

Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition fountain pen

“The shiny polished resin of the Meisterstück is one of the design features that makes it one of the most instantly recognizable writing instruments in the world, so seeing it with a new matte finish certainly is an experience from a visual and a sensorial perspective,” says Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Montblanc International.

Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition

He goes on to explain that the Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition is “a salute to the Maison’s early beginnings and its use of a matte ebonite 110 years ago when the first Rouge & Noir collection was introduced. Unexpected and yet inimitable, this new variation on the iconic Meisterstück underscores its status as a modern classic.”

The profile of this new Meisterstück is familiar, but its matte surface dramatically changes the overall sensation of the pen, adding a bit of traction where slickness formerly reigned. The finish on the cap and barrel is relieved only by the glint of the ruthenium-coated fittings and the ruthenium-plated 14-karat gold nib, as well as the polished gripping section.

Engraved gold nib of the Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition

The Ultra Black Special Edition is part of Montblanc’s year-long celebration of 110 years of craftsmanship, and we can expect more celebratory products – pens and watches – to roll out throughout the year (see With Rouge et Noir Montblanc Celebrates 110 Years Of Red And Black Writing).

This collection is a special edition, meaning that while the pens will not be produced in a limited number, they will be produced exclusively in 2016. The Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition is available as a Le Grand fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint pen, and as a Classique fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint pen, as well as a new Midsize.

Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Editionlack Special Edition

To coincide with this debut, Montblanc also introduces special Ultra Black ink, which comes in a bottle or in cartridges.

For more information, please visit www.montblanc.com/en/collection/landing-pages/meisterstueck-ultra-black.

Quick Facts
Edition: Le Grand fountain pen
Nib: ruthenium-plated 14-karat gold
Cap and barrel: sandblasted resin
Limitation: special edition only available in 2016
Price: $870