I debated whether to frame this post as a “First Impressions” piece or a full review. In the end, I went with “First Impressions,” because the Montblanc 149 is such an iconic pen that I inevitably will revisit it at some point in the future. I’ve used a Montblanc 146 for years, and while that pen now maintains a perpetual spot in my rotation as a true “workhorse” fountain pen, my appreciation for it has certainly grown over time.
Initial Impressions
What strikes everyone at first is the size of the Montblanc 149. You ask yourself, “Can I actually use this pen as an everyday writer?” I’ve written with large fountain pens before, but the Montblanc 149 takes things to another level, at least visually. While the size can be intimidating, you’re also struck by the pen’s beautiful design and proportionality. Though large, it doesn’t appear awkward, like many of the giant oversized fountain pens other pen companies have released in recent years. As I’ll discuss in further detail below, it’s actually quite a comfortable writer.
IMHO, the “Snowcap” looks best on the 149’s oversized cap.
Here, I also opted for Montblanc’s rose gold trim, for the first time ever. I’ve recently written on how pens with rose gold hardware (clips, cap bands, and even nibs) are a new thing for me, and this particular pen was the one that started the trend back in January. The rose gold that Montblanc uses has much more of a reddish hue, as opposed to the pinkish tint you often see, and the effect is subtle. In certain lighting you may have a hard time distinguishing this trim from the standard Montblanc gold trim, but the difference is definitely there.
The Nib and Overall Writing Experience
I noted above how some oversized fountain pens are truly sold as nothing more than objets d’art or status symbols, meaning they are so (comically?) large that unless you have Hulk hands, you’re not going to be using them for actual writing. The Montblanc 149 is not one of those pens. Though initially skeptical, I’m now convinced that the 149 may actually be one of the better pens available for longer writing sessions. That doesn’t mean if you’re accustomed to writing with slimmer writing instruments there won’t be an adjustment period.
Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it: the larger nibs on bigger fountain pens like the Montblanc 149, Montegrappa Extra 1930, and from what I’ve heard, the Sailor King of Pen, all offer a uniquely smooth writing experience.
While I haven’t been able to locate confirmation on its exact size, this handmade 18k gold nib appears to be a No. 8 on par with those fitted to larger flagship pens from Pelikan and Montegrappa. It’s a beautiful piece of work. As I noted in a recent article on stubbish stock nibs, I opted for a broad, which I consider effectively a stub. The nib writes a smooth, wet line with plenty of variation, and isn’t so broad that it can’t be used for regular writing. You may not be able to use this nib to write in your calendar, but at least in my experience, it’s glorious for journaling and perfectly adept at notetaking.
First impressions aside, the Montblanc 149 turned out to be surprisingly lightweight for its size. Though the body contains a high-capacity piston filler, the filling system doesn’t add much weight and I can easily use this pen posted or unposted. One thing I’m learning is that after a period of adjustment in which I sometimes have to alter my grip, larger pens are quite comfortable to write with for long periods of time, provided the weight of the pen doesn’t sit too far back. The balance on the 149 is perfect for me, to the point where I can easily post this pen. As you write with it, your (or at least my) hand quickly becomes accustomed to the size, something I’ve struggled with on the larger Pelikan models (M800 and M1000) which incorporate what feels like a heavier piston.
Takeaways and Where to Buy
Though I haven’t owned this pen for longer than a few months, I’m confident the Montblanc 149 will find a place alongside its sibling, the 146, in my core rotation. The 149 is a luxury icon that represents the best of what Montblanc has to offer, if you can afford the steep price. Fortunately, Montblanc pens can be found on the secondary market, often in like new or barely used condition, for a significant discount, and I typically hunt for Montblancs at pen shows, in retailers’ “gently used” sections, or during Fountain Pen Day or “Black Friday” promotions.
I placed an order for this pen during Fontoplumo’s Black Friday sales event, and while the pen took a while to arrive, I’m loving the purchase. Currently, Fontoplumo retails this pen for 810 Euros, which roughly equates to $900 US, though after VAT the European retail price ends up being lower than what you would pay at a Montblanc boutique in the States. Taking advantage of a promotion can knock a bit more off the price, and I’ve seen secondhand 149 fountain pens in very good condition priced as low as $500-600. In any event, I think Montblanc gets a bad rap for its pricing structure, and much of the snide commentary about the brand is better directed at Montblanc’s ubiquitous - and sometimes annoying - lifestyle marketing rather than the value proposition of its pens. Even at full retail, the pricing on the 149 is comparable to that on a Sailor King of Pen and Pelikan M800, and less than the pricing on a Montegrappa Extra 1930 or Pelikan M1000.
Disclaimer: I purchased this pen with my own funds, for my own personal collection. I was not compensated in any way for this post, and did not receive a discount on the pen other than what was available via standard promotions at the time of purchase.