Within six weeks of purchase a nib swap is free of charge according to Montblanc Customer Service, provided the nib is in as-new condition. For Limited Editions this period is extended to twelve months. The pen, together with the completed warranty card or the proof of purchase, must be presented at a Montblanc boutique, an authorised specialist dealer or a service centre. Calligraphy nibs are excluded from the free exchange.
Montblanc offers eight nib widths: EF (Extra Fine), F (Fine), M (Medium), B (Broad), BB (Double Broad), OM (Oblique Medium), OB (Oblique Broad) and OBB (Oblique Double Broad). Within the free period it is possible to switch between these widths, with multiple swaps until full satisfaction permitted in this window.
Outside the free period Montblanc charges a service fee. The manufacturer does not give a flat price — the exact amount depends on the model, the condition of the old nib and the requested new width, and is only confirmed after inspection at the service centre. A written quote before placing the job is therefore advisable. Ad-hoc statements from sales staff at the boutique counter without inspecting the nib should be treated with caution.
Important: the nib width is encoded in the pen's individual serial number. An official swap can therefore only be carried out by Montblanc itself — nib changes by unauthorised workshops are technically possible but do not change the recorded configuration and may void the warranty.
On request Montblanc returns the old nib; without that instruction it is melted down. The two-year international manufacturer's warranty covers material and workmanship faults; during this period the corresponding repairs are free for the customer, except shipping costs.
Practical hints: it is most convenient to use the service via a Montblanc boutique or an authorised specialist dealer; alternatively direct shipping to a service centre is possible. The warranty card or dated proof of purchase should be enclosed. Processing time is typically a few weeks; an over-the-counter swap is only possible in exceptional cases. Anyone wanting to avoid the full service fee should act within the six-week period (or twelve months for Limited Editions); for gifts it is advisable to check at the boutique early on whether the nib width matches the recipient's writing style.