certainly a grail pen, but not for everyone | Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 Review

There are so many "famous" writing instruments out there: Parker Jotter, Fischer Space Pen, Black Wing pencils, etc...but when it comes to international conferences and signings, a lot of the time, we know there's at least one lying around on the table: the Montblanc Meïsterstück 149.

More than a year ago, I made a video review of the 149 and it has been my most successful video on the channel up to this point, and I still stand by my opinion on it. I have a few more thoughts on it and I would like to make an updated review here on the website for you, especially those who are considering one to add to their collection.

In the year 1924, after the success of their mid range line of pens such as the Rouge et Noir, Montblanc introduced the Meïsterstück (masterpiece) line of writing instruments, making them the flagship line of their products. After a number of years of experimenting with different materials and finishes, they started to stay relatively consistent with the cliché but all so recognisable/copyable cigar shaped profile and styling cues, and in the year 1952, the 149 was introduced and has been not only a writing instrument but also a status symbol ever since.

As for the numbering: the first number 1 stands for their highest range of pens (there were the 2xx and 3xx range of pens as well, although they are considered vintage collectibles nowadays); number 4 in the middle stands for the piston filling mechanism; and number 9 stands for the size of the nib.

The pen is made out of "precious resin" as Montblanc calls it, but compare to other plastic injection moulded fountain pens, the feel and touch is quite refined, and under bright light you can catch a glimpse of red from the material itself. This can also be used to recognise counterfeit Montblancs, so keep an eye out for that. In the hand, the 149 is quite substantial and you'd feel it, yet somehow it doesn't feel as unwieldy as other big pens; sure you'll still feel your fingers giving up after a long writing session, but it's still doable, other than the section might be slippery as we usually hand the tendency to grip a bit harder after a long period of time writing.

The filling mechanism is made of brass and balance the pen out really nicely in the hand, It takes up a lot of ink to fill and is certainly reliable as well as easy to use. Even if you were to buy a vintage 149, the piston rarely has issues and most of the cases you'd only have to replace the rubber head and your pen would be ready to go.

The nib and feed are the heart of the pen and Montblanc has been known to be doing a really good job of making sure their instruments write well. The modern examples I've tried out still have that butter smooth style of tuning and tipping grind, and with a plastic feed they do a pretty good job at making sure the inkflow stays consistent till the last drop of ink in your barrel. However if I were to add a 149 to the collection, it would be a vintage model from the 1980s-1990s since I personally like the way they gave the nib a bit of softness, and an ebonite feed is always much nicer when I want to add a bit of flex to the signature or writing.

I don't have an example recorded on camera for you guys but here is a 146 from the same era for your eye candy:

All in all, if you decided to acquire for yourself any of the Meïsterstück pens, you would be getting a reliable writing instrument that would last a lifetime. The romance of owning a pen similar to one of your favorite politicians' or celebrities' signature pen could also be tempting to contemplate. However, the price might be a big turn off for a lot of fountain pen users as the retail for a shiny new 149 is just shy the $1000 USD mark. This is quite a huge sum and many would turn away or look around in the used market, and that would be a whole new ball game in and of itself. I would personally recommend a 146 as a daily writer and they would be a bit less eye-catching to the public, unless you're like me and any sign of a snowflake lying around on desks would get my attention asap.

I would definitely love to know your thoughts on the whole Meisterstuck line in general as well as the 149 in particular. Thank you for reading and be sure to check out the other articles down below.