Among collectors the ownership of Montblanc writing instruments is rated as a question of individual priorities and not as an indicator of wealth. Terms such as well-off, rich or super-rich refer, by common definitions, to private wealth from about one, five or thirty million euros, which does not correlate with the acquisition of even high-priced writing instruments. Collectors draw the comparison to model railways, on which comparable amounts are invested without this being labelled wealth. Perception is reinforced by the exclusive brand image and media stagings such as the boulevard magazine in question, so that outsiders reflexively equate status symbols such as fur coat, Rolex or Montblanc with wealth, although the acquisition costs are quite bearable in a middle salary class.