Montblanc changed the dimensions of the Le Grand around the end of 1999: the new cap is, at 71 mm, 2.2 mm longer; the entire pen grew from 142.5 mm to 146 mm length, and the cap circumference increased slightly, so that old caps no longer fit new pens. Causal is a changed thread standard: while previously, since the 1950s, a four-start thread was used, since then a different number of starts is used, recognisable by the number of thread entries. The screwing of the cap top consists today of plastic instead of metal, and the nib sits somewhat deeper in the barrel, so the 585 hallmark is less visible. Possibly the feed was also modified.