The Hommage à Chopin also exists as a Platinum variant with platinum-plated/silver-looking trim; a silver-banded Chopin is therefore not necessarily a counterfeit but often the more expensive Platinum version. Problems with the ink flow can generally be adjusted in a Montblanc boutique. Before that, the attempt with other inks (e.g. blue from Lamy, Pelikan or Montblanc) is worthwhile, since the flow properties vary significantly. Failures with broad nibs (B/BB) are frequent at first, since Montblanc nibs are flat and not strongly rounded ground; 'breaking in' concerns rather the hand than the pen. If the problem remains after several weeks, an examination by service is sensible.