History of Montblanc

1. 1906The prehistory in Berlin — not yet Montblanc

   In Berlin the engineer August Eberstein and the sales merchant Alfred Nehemias run a small fountain pen workshop; both had recently returned from the USA, and Eberstein had also worked in England. The money comes from a few Berlin stationers. “Collectible Stars” I dates these first attempts to 1906; according to the illustrated book, a Berlin directory soon lists the business as the Simplo Filler Pen Company. It still has little in common with the later company: a different city, different backers, only a small workshop and no Montblanc name yet. When the risk becomes too great for the stationers they pull out; Eberstein is ready to give up, while Nehemias looks for new partners and finds them in Hamburg (Diary, illustrated book). Montblanc refers to these Berlin beginnings when it counts its years from 1906 today — Montblanc’s own account, which the model catalogue follows, speaks of a founding in 1906.

2. 1908Founded in Hamburg: the Simplo Filler Pen Co.

   In March 1908 the Simplo Filler Pen Co. is entered in the Hamburg commercial register — the company that will later be called Montblanc. According to the chronology in the Diary it is set up on 23 March as a limited partnership, “Simplo Filler Pen Max Koch KG”, and becomes the Simplo Filler Pen Co. GmbH on 9 September 1908. The partners are the bank clerk Max Koch, Alfred Nehemias and August Eberstein; the Hamburg merchant Claus Johannes Voss is at first a silent partner (the model catalogue calls Nehemias a banker). Nehemias and Eberstein contribute their equipment and their patents and design rights, Voss and Koch the capital. Eberstein sets up the workshop in the Industriepalast in Caffamacherreihe — only now does production begin in Hamburg, at first partly on behalf of others: eyedropper fillers, safety pens and stylos. The first brand of its own is Rouge et Noir, a pen with a red cap top (from 1908 according to “Collectible Stars” I, early 1909 according to the Diary; according to the illustrated book the Berlin pen already bore this name). In 1908 there is neither a company nor a pen called Montblanc. For decades the company celebrated 1908 as its birthday: the “80 years of Montblanc” edition of 1988 is marked “1908–1988”, and until a few years before the anniversary editions of 2006 Montblanc itself gave 1908 as its founding year (post on Penexchange (thread “Montblanc Heritage Rouge et Noir mit Hugh Jackman”)).

3. 1908Dörrbecker in Bremen — the first customer outside Hamburg

   The Bremen stationer G. A. Dörrbecker, founded in 1861, works with Hamburg’s Simplo from 1908 and is thus its first customer outside the city. This is stated in a post on the Fountain Pen Network whose author was himself the owner of Dörrbecker. Dörrbecker was thus regarded as the oldest Montblanc dealer in the world. According to the newsletter no. 5 of this website (September 2004) sales began only in 1909. In 1992 Montblanc set up its first shop-in-shop in Europe on Dörrbecker’s first floor (the “Beletage”), and in 1997 it became a boutique.

4. 1909New partners — gold nibs from America and England

   Max Koch leaves in April, and a few days later the merchant Christian Lausen joins. In October Alfred Nehemias dies in Paris, and in November August Eberstein leaves the firm. The first catalogue names agents in London and Paris, and Barcelona soon follows. The young company does not yet make its own gold nibs, even though the catalogue advertises nibs made “in our own factory”: according to the Diary it buys them from Collins in America and Perry in England; the timeline in “Collectible Stars” I names only Perry in London. The nib survey in the same volume lists nibs marked “SIMPLO PEN CO NEW YORK” with the size number in a triangle (1909–1911), later in a circle (1911–1913), as imported from the USA, alongside nibs marked “WARRANTED 14 KT” from Collins or Perry (1908–1912); a post on the Fountain Pen Network explains it the same way. The letterheads of 1909 and 1910 also read “Hamburg, New York”, and the one of 1913 names New York alongside Paris, London, Vienna, Zurich and Milan. Why “New York” appears there is explained by a traditional account: writing instruments from the USA were then considered technically far ahead of European ones, so “New York” was simply added to signal quality. At that time there was not yet any agency in the USA.

5. 1910Montblanc — at first the name of a pen

   On 19 May 1910 Montblanc is registered as a trademark — as the name of a pen, not of the firm, which is still called the Simplo Filler Pen Co. The first Montblanc is a safety pen with a white cap top, made alongside the Rouge et Noir. How the name was found is not reliably recorded; according to the Diary it came up during a card game in the circle of the Voss family — the mountain, like the pen, being black below and white on top. At the end of 1910 the firm moves into the Delphinhaus in Bartelsstraße (only in 1912 according to the illustrated book). Georg Illgner becomes production manager, and Wilhelm Dziambor, previously with the Hamburg stationery firm Rothschild, Behrens & Co., joins as sales manager (according to the Diary at first as a sales representative; he becomes authorised signatory and head of sales and advertising in 1911).

6. 1912Excelsior Füllhalterwerke

   The Excelsior Füllhalterwerke are set up as a trading firm, managed by Wilhelm Dziambor. Through it Simplo sells pens that dealers want to offer under their own names, without appearing as the maker; it exists until 1922 (Diary). The founding year 1912 is given by the timeline in “Collectible Stars” I and the chronology in the Diary; the chapter on trader brands in “Collectible Stars” I and the narrative of the Diary date it to 1913.

7. 1913The star becomes a trademark

   On 14 January 1913 the star is registered as a trademark; it stands for the snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc. The German-American Gold Pen Co. is also founded, a trading firm for American gold nibs. According to the Diary, Voss also meant it to make the firm independent of its American suppliers in view of a possible war, and the new firm soon made nibs of its own as well. The nib survey in “Collectible Stars” I lists gold nibs of the firm’s own make from 1913, marked only “SIMPLO” instead of “SIMPLO PEN CO NEW YORK”.

8. 1914Simplo Füllfeder GmbH

   In April Wilhelm Dziambor becomes partner and managing director. In August, shortly after the outbreak of war, the English company name is Germanised: the Simplo Filler Pen Co. becomes the Simplo Füllfeder GmbH. At Dziambor’s suggestion the Montblanc now carries the white star on the cap; during the war the Rouge et Noir becomes the “Rotkäppchen” (Little Red Riding Hood). The firm’s own gold nib production begins (“Collectible Stars” I; only in 1919 according to “Collectible Stars” II and the model catalogue, as early as 1912 according to a post on the Fountain Pen Network).

9. 1916Simplo Füllfeder-Gesellschaft Voß, Lausen, Dziambor

   In December 1916 the Simplo Füllfeder-Gesellschaft Voß, Lausen, Dziambor takes over the business of the GmbH; the three proprietors give the firm their names (“Collectible Stars” I and II, chronology in the Diary; the model catalogue and the narrative of the Diary date the reorganisation to 1913). During the war, according to the Diary, most of the works is given over to army orders, small parts for shell fuses. The most important pen is the “Simplo-Patrone”, an eyedropper filler shaped like a rifle cartridge with a black, white and red cap, filled with water and ink powder or ink tablets.

10. 1919Ernst Rösler and the firm’s own gold nibs

    Ernst Rösler, Voss’s son-in-law and until then a naval engineer, joins and builds up the firm’s own gold nib production (“Collectible Stars” II and the model catalogue place its establishment in this year); according to the Diary the first really usable nibs come out within a year. The firm rents further rooms in the Tritonhaus in Schanzenstraße (as early as 1915 according to the model catalogue).

11. 1919Stöffhaas — the first Montblanc specialist shop

    With the Stöffhaas brothers the first Montblanc specialist shop opens in Hamburg (“Collectible Stars” I, “Collectible Stars” II, model catalogue; the narrative of the Diary gives 1920). The shop belongs to the brothers (“Collectible Stars” II) but sells only products of the brand and in return holds the exclusive rights; Simplo supplies the shop fittings, advertising and sales training — a shop for a single brand was something quite new at the time (Diary). The first shop is in Steindamm, soon afterwards in Großer Burstah. In 1922 Stöffhaas opens a shop in Berlin (Diary); a box of the Stöffhaas specialist shops later lists Hamburg, Leipzig, Berlin, Breslau and Cologne (“Collectible Stars” I). Pens with the “Stöffhaas” imprint are shown on the page dealer brands and sub-brands of the 1930s. According to a post on the Fountain Pen Network the business ended during the Second World War.

12. 1921Astoria

    Production manager Georg Illgner leaves the firm and founds the Astoria pen factory in Hamburg with partners; Ernst Rösler takes over as production manager.

13. 1922Lever fillers, ink, propelling pencils

    The first Montblanc lever fillers (as early as 1921 according to the model catalogue), the firm’s own ink and the propelling pencils are added (the propelling pencils only in 1924 according to “Collectible Stars” II, the Diary and the model catalogue). A Montblanc aeroplane advertises at the Leipzig Trade Fair, and Stöffhaas opens another specialist shop in Berlin (Diary).

14. 1923Inflation

    During the hyperinflation the firm puts the rapidly devaluing money straight into advertising; a branch with a repair workshop is set up in Paris (Diary).

15. 1924The first Meisterstück

    The Meisterstück appears under the Montblanc brand, the firm’s first fountain pen with a lifetime guarantee. The first Meisterstück pens are safety pens numbered 25, 35 and 45; the number gives the shop price in Reichsmark. The OB push pencil, the octagonal safety pen and the compressor filler (until 1929, Diary) are added.

16. 1926Advertising cars and leather goods

    When Parker arrives in Germany with its own production, Simplo responds with advertising cars on the roads (Diary). In these years writing paper, photo albums, glue and leather goods complement the range; the leather goods come from a small production of the firm’s own in Offenbach (Diary; according to the illustrated book through the takeover of a maker in Offenbach). According to the model catalogue the Montblanc brand is known in more than 60 countries (in the 1930s according to the illustrated book).

17. 1928Coloured celluloid

    The first coloured fountain pens in celluloid, according to the Diary first for the Meisterstück pens.

18. 1929Push-knob and push-button fillers

    Simplo introduces the push-knob filler, Montblanc’s own filling system, and the push-button filler.

19. 19304810

    The Meisterstück nibs are marked “4810”, the height of Mont Blanc in metres (as early as 1929 according to the model catalogue). The stylo returns to the range.

20. 1932Crisis, Astoria and III. Sorte

    Already in the first years of the Great Depression Simplo had faced liquidation. Ernst Rösler obtained a moratorium from the banks on condition that a trustee supervised the firm; Voss withdrew from the management (Diary). In 1932 Simplo takes over Astoria, whose models continue as a sub-brand until 1936 (Diary). The III. Sorte is added as a simple line with an exchange guarantee, bringing the letters A, B and C.

21. 1934Montblanc-Simplo GmbH — Montblanc becomes the company name

    On 17 March 1934 the firm adopts the name of its best-known brand: Montblanc-Simplo GmbH. Only from now on is Montblanc part of the company name; the Hamburg company still bears this name today. In its public appearance the brand had long been hard to separate from the company: a catalogue of 1924 speaks of “the Montblanc-Simplo”, and a letterhead of winter 1933/34 gives “Montblanc Hamburg” as a telegram address alongside “Simplopen” — but the firm named above it is still the Simplo Füllfeder-Gesellschaft Voß, Lausen, Dziambor (Diary). The PIX push pencil, based on an invention by August Leistenschneider, and the firm’s first piston filler appear.

22. 1935Three-digit numbers, new design

    A three-digit numbering system and a consistent new design are introduced; the first digit names the line, the second the filling system, the third the size. Montblanc-Simplo develops the telescopic piston mechanism, and the Meisterstück receives the two-tone nib. In April Claus Johannes Voss dies at the age of 70, and Ernst Rösler becomes managing director.

23. 1936A new generation

    Wilhelm Dziambor retires and his son Wolfram joins the firm; he later takes over the business outside Europe, above all with Japan (illustrated book).

24. 1937Telescopic piston in the Meisterstück

    The Meisterstück pens are built with the telescopic piston mechanism. The firm buys the complex of buildings in Schanzenstraße and Bartelsstraße it had been renting, and Ernst Rösler becomes a partner (Diary).

25. 1938No to the ballpoint

    Montblanc-Simplo turns down the Biro group’s offer to market a ballpoint patent — the product is considered not yet mature.

26. 1939War

    With the war, gold may no longer be used for fountain pen nibs; nibs of steel and palladium are made instead. Production is largely switched to armaments work, and pens are made mainly for export: in 1942, according to “Collectible Stars” I, two thirds of writing instrument sales still come from abroad. A regulation of 1942 allows only black pens in two versions, with decorative rings for export only.

27. 1941Production in Denmark and France

    The licensed production in Denmark is extended, and production under licence begins in France (until 1944). To hold on to its export markets, Montblanc-Simplo equips agencies abroad with tools, parts and material; some of them develop their own series of colours and shapes (“Collectible Stars” I).

28. 1944Destruction

    The firm had survived the heavy raids of summer 1943; at the end of 1944 the Montblanc building in Schanzenstraße burns out after a bombing raid, and the archive is lost. The factory building in Bartelsstraße remains largely intact, and emergency production continues (“Collectible Stars” II, Diary, model catalogue: partial destruction; “Collectible Stars” I speaks of almost complete destruction of the buildings, the illustrated book gives the middle of the year).

29. 1945End of the war and occupation

    After the capitulation the firm is placed under British compulsory administration. What is produced goes at first only to the British occupation forces (“Collectible Stars” I and II: 1945/46); buildings and plant are rebuilt, and the Montblanc building is finished in 1946 (Diary).

30. 1947For the home market again

    Production for the home market resumes with the pre-war range, as far as materials allow; the foreign agencies are rebuilt. Montblanc pens are made in Copenhagen from 1947 to 1957 (model catalogue, Diary).

31. 1948Currency reform

    With the currency reform of June 1948 the firm can produce and buy raw materials normally again; according to the illustrated book its order books are filled for almost a year within a few days.

32. 1949The torpedo shape

    The Meisterstück 144 and 146 appear in the torpedo shape that still defines the Meisterstück today; the 142 follows in 1950 (“Collectible Stars” II).

33. 1950Kugelfüller

    An ink ballpoint, the “Kugelfüller”, is launched — without success.

34. 1952Meisterstück 149 and Monte Rosa

    The Meisterstück 149 appears (“Collectible Stars” II, model catalogue), together with the Monte Rosa school pen.

35. 1954The wing nib

    Montblanc develops the wing nib.

36. 1955Injection moulding and ballpoints

    Production is converted to injection moulding for good. Ballpoints from Ballograf of Sweden join the range as Montblanc-Ballograf, together with bought-in four-colour pencils again.

37. 1957Its own ballpoints

    Montblanc makes its own ballpoints with a lever-clip mechanism.

38. 1959The third generation

    Dr Jürgen Rösler, son of Ernst Rösler, joins the company and later runs it as managing partner (illustrated book); according to “Collectible Stars” I Ernst Rösler remains managing director until 1966.

39. 1959The rare transitional model of the 146

    From February/March to August 1959 Montblanc-Simplo builds a transitional model of the Meisterstück 146: body and cap are already of plastic instead of celluloid, the nib is still that of the 1950s, the ink window is light blue and the section a straight cylinder. After that the 146 is not made again until its relaunch in 1974. The production period is given in a post on the Fountain Pen Network. Similar-looking pens may also come from factory repairs, in which celluloid 146s received plastic spare parts. More: transitional models around 1960 and development of the 146.

40. 1960New shapes

    With the forms attributed to Albrecht Graf Goertz the whole range is redesigned; the Meisterstück 142, 144 and 146 of the 1950s are dropped (“Collectible Stars” II), and only the 149 continues to be made. According to a forum post the new shapes begin as early as 1959.

41. 1960The transitional model of the 144

    A transitional model of the Meisterstück 144 is made from parts still in stock: a cap that is longer in the body, with the cap top and clip of the new designs, but still with the three rings. “Collectible Stars” II lists it as a piston filler for 1960–1961 and notes that it does not appear in any price list; according to a forum post it was made for less than a year (there, as an estimate, 1959/60). Photos: Meisterstück 144 of the 1960s. It has nothing to do with the transitional model of the 146 — they are two different pens.

42. 1960The transitional model of the 142

    There is also a transitional model of the smallest Meisterstück, the 142. “Collectible Stars” II lists it, like the 144, as a black piston filler for 1960–1961, likewise not found in any price list. It was the same as the transitional model of the 144, only smaller: at its core were still the old nib and the old feed, and the cap still had the three rings; everything else already matched the later Meisterstück 12 and 14. It is even rarer than the transitional model of the 144 (post on Penexchange (thread “Neueste Füller-Zugänge”)). This website has no photos of its own; the overview transitional models around 1960 links to individual pens on penboard.

43. 1961The first cartridge pen

    Montblanc introduces its first cartridge pen; the bought-in four-colour pencil PIX-O-MAT is added.

44. 1971Carrera, Junior, Ball-Pix

    New are the Carrera range, the Junior writing instruments, the Ball-Pix ballpoint with clip mechanism and the Collection Madame ballpoints.

45. 1973VIP pen

    The VIP pen joins the range — made by Aurora in Italy.

46. 1974The 146 returns

    The Meisterstück 146 is made again.

47. 1975Electroplating in Wilster

    An electroplating plant for surfaces and precious-metal finishes is built in Wilster; the bought-in Chromatik ballpoints are added.

48. 1976Caressa and Noblesse

    The Caressa and Noblesse ranges appear (the model catalogue places the first Noblesse as early as 1973).

49. 1977Dunhill

    Alfred Dunhill acquires 60 % of the shares in Montblanc-Simplo. According to the illustrated book there were no successors for the management in the founding families, and the firm needed a financially strong partner for new production facilities; at the time it comprised the Hamburg works with about 550 employees, Wilster with 130, a small operation in Meldorf and the Astoria company.

50. 1979The 144 returns

    The Meisterstück 144 is made again.

51. 1983Turbo

    The Turbo series appears.

52. 1985Wholly owned by Dunhill

    In 1985 Dunhill takes over Montblanc completely; for the following twenty years or so Norbert Platt shapes the company as its head (post on Penexchange (thread “Füllervorstellung: Montegrappa „Tributo ad Amedeo Modigliani”)).

53. 1986Solitaire

    With the Meisterstück Solitaire collection the Meisterstück is available in precious metal. Following a market study in spring 1986, Montblanc gradually withdraws from its inexpensive lines and concentrates entirely on high-quality writing instruments (illustrated book).

54. 198880 years of Montblanc — counted from 1908

    For the 80th birthday — counted from the founding in Hamburg in 1908 — a rollerball 163 marked “1908–1988” is made. It is given to employees and trade partners and never officially sold.

55. 1989Hellgrundweg

    Montblanc moves from the Schanzenviertel into its new headquarters on Hellgrundweg in Hamburg-Lurup.

56. 1990The first boutiques

    The first Montblanc boutique opens in Hong Kong, followed by Paris and London.

57. 1991Creation Lalique — the first Limited Edition

    In November 1991 Montblanc’s first Limited Edition appears: Creation Lalique, a desk set of crystal glass and sterling silver with an inkwell, a blotter and a stand for the 149 fountain pen, made by the French crystal maker Lalique and limited to 4,810 pieces (post on Penexchange (thread “Montblanc Writer‘s Edition Agatha Christie / 1993”)). Its design draws on the interior of the Orient Express. The model catalogue places the set at the head of the Patron of Art editions; the series of patrons itself begins in 1992 with Lorenzo de Medici.

58. 1992Writers Edition and Patron of Art

    With Ernest Hemingway the Writers Edition begins in September 1992, and with Lorenzo de Medici the Patron of Art series; the model catalogue groups both together as the “Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Edition”. The Writers Edition has appeared every year since, to this day — in 2026 with Bram Stoker. Patron of Art ends in 2022 with Victoria & Albert; since 2023 the Masters of Art series has followed it.

59. 1993Richemont

    The Vendôme Luxury Group takes over Dunhill and with it Montblanc; this later becomes the Richemont group (model catalogue; only in 1995 according to a post on Penexchange (thread “Füllervorstellung: Montegrappa „Tributo ad Amedeo Modigliani”)).

60. 1993Imperial Dragon — editions for Asia

    In December 1993 the Imperial Dragon appears, a piston filler with a silver dragon in 5,000 pieces and with a gold dragon in 888 pieces, together with a ballpoint, a propelling pencil and a set. The model catalogue lists it under the Writers Edition; according to the overview of the Asia Editions it opens the writing instruments for the Asian markets. As a series of their own the Asia Editions have appeared since 2000, the “Year of the Golden Dragon” (model catalogue), to this day — in 2026 with “The Legend of Zodiacs”.

61. 1996Donation Pens — the first: Leonard Bernstein

    The first Donation Pens appear (model catalogue). The first is dedicated to Leonard Bernstein, the conductor, pianist and composer who had died in 1990: a fountain pen and a ballpoint, not limited and without serial number, on sale from 1996 to 2000. There was also a version limited to ten pieces with a band of musical notes in diamonds on the cap, auctioned for the benefit of the Philharmonie der Nationen. Part of the proceeds of the Donation Pens goes to cultural projects. The series runs until 2022, last with Frédéric Chopin; since 2004 the UNICEF editions have also belonged to it (overview of the Donation Pens).

62. 1997Mozart, Generation, watches

    New are the Meisterstück “Hommage à Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart”, the Generation and Noblesse Oblige lines and the Wedding Pens; the first Montblanc watches arrive the same year.

63. 199975 years of the Meisterstück

    “75 Years of Passion and Soul” — the editions for the 75th birthday of the Meisterstück. The flagship boutique opens in New York, and the Solitaire Royal set with 4,810 diamonds enters the Guinness Book of Records.

64. 1999Artisan Collection

    According to the model catalogue the Artisan Collection begins with Jungle Eyes; True Princess follows in 2000 and Magic Beauty in 2001 — both after fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Princess and the Pea” and “The Ugly Duckling” (the edition list already dates Magic Beauty and True Princess to June 1999). The series runs until 2004 (overview of the Artisan Collection).

65. 1999Skeleton Editions — the first: Skeleton 75

    For the 75th birthday of the Meisterstück the first Skeleton fountain pen appears in March 1999, the Skeleton 75: a 149 with an openwork overlay of solid yellow gold, limited to 75 pieces. A platinum-plated version in 333 pieces follows in 2001, the Skeleton Star. The model catalogue lists both only under 2001 and calls the gold one “the first”. Skeleton Editions follow in many years; as a series of their own the data of this website list them until 2016 (overview of the Skeleton Editions). Skeletonised writing instruments continue to appear after that, however, in other series — for example the UNICEF Solitaire Skeleton of 2017 and several pieces of the High Artistry series up to 2026.

66. 2000Rouge et Noir and Bohème

    Montblanc revives the name Rouge et Noir for a line with a retractable nib; the Bohème collection follows from November 2000. According to “Collectible Stars” I the line was continued as Bohème because of trademark difficulties.

67. 2002Annual Editions and Limited Artisan Editions

    In November 2002 the first Annual Edition (I/2003) appears: three fountain pens with caps of Meissen porcelain and motifs from classical mythology, the Venetian carnival and the world of mythical creatures. Three new motifs follow every year; at the end of 2011 the series is discontinued (model catalogue). The Limited Artisan Editions also begin in 2002, small runs and unique pieces from the manufactory (model catalogue) that continue to this day; they include the Atelier Privé (2002–2012) and High Artistry (since 2014) series.

68. 2003StarWalker

    The StarWalker collection appears.

69. 2004Scenium and UNICEF

    According to the model catalogue the Scenium collection arrives (on sale from Christmas 2003). The first UNICEF edition appears: three Meisterstück 149 pens in packaging designed by Helmut Jahn, Andrée Putman and Tom Sachs, 4,810 pieces each (model catalogue).

70. 2005Female Line and Muses Edition

    Montblanc presents its new jewellery collection and starts the “Female Line” — editions dedicated to famous women, beginning with Greta Garbo in August 2005; it becomes the Muses Edition, which runs until 2023, last with Maria Callas (timeline and edition list of the model catalogue). According to the model catalogue Montblanc extended its range in these years beyond writing instruments and watches to leather goods, jewellery, eyewear and fragrances.

71. 2006“100 years” — counted from 1906

    Montblanc celebrates its centenary, counted from the Berlin beginnings of 1906 — only a few years earlier the company itself had still given 1908 as its founding year. The “Soulmakers for 100 Years” editions introduce the Montblanc diamond with 43 facets; as Historicals, a replica of the Rouge et Noir and the Anniversary Edition appear. In the same year the America’s Signatures for Freedom series begins with George Washington; it is discontinued at the end of 2014 (model catalogue).

72. 2008Etoile de Montblanc

    The Etoile de Montblanc collection appears.

73. 2009Signature for Good and Great Characters

    The UNICEF programme “Signature for Good” begins with a Meisterstück series (model catalogue); the data of this website list its editions until 2017. With Mahatma Gandhi the Great Characters series begins (model catalogue), which continues to this day — in 2026 with Bruce Lee.

74. 2010Master for Meisterstück

    The Master for Meisterstück series begins with fountain pens in white and black Meissen porcelain — the Meisterstück in special materials, later also with grenadilla wood (L’Aubrac, 2012) and in leather. It merges into the Meisterstück Great Masters series, which continues to this day, in 2026 for example with the Ferrari Tailor Made. Not to be confused with Masters of Art (since 2023).

75. 2012Heritage Collection 1912

    With the Heritage Collection 1912 Montblanc takes up the retractable nib of the early safety pens again — as a piston filler, first in titanium as a Limited Edition 333, plus three pieces in yellow gold; a version in precious resin follows from 2013. The Heritage series has continued ever since, in 2026 with the Simplo Gold.

76. 2014High Artistry and 90 years of the Meisterstück

    The unique piece Monte Celio opens the High Artistry series, which continues to this day — in 2026 with “A Tribute to Craftsmanship”; the Meisterstück turns 90, and the Cruise collection appears.

77. 2015Montblanc M

    The Montblanc M line designed by Marc Newson appears.

78. 2016Heritage Rouge et Noir

    With Heritage Rouge et Noir and its serpent clip Montblanc returns to its own beginnings; the line includes a Limited Edition 1906 in hard rubber.

79. 2023Masters of Art

    The Patron of Art series, which ends in 2022, is followed by Masters of Art, each year with one painter: 2023 Vincent van Gogh, 2024 Gustav Klimt, 2025 Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 2026 Henri Matisse — the series continues to this day.

80. 2024100 years of the Meisterstück

    The Meisterstück turns one hundred — with its own anniversary editions.

81. 2026120 years — Simplo Gold

    For the 120th anniversary, again counted from 1906, the Simplo Gold appears as a Limited Edition 120: a body of 14 ct gold, an 18 ct Heritage nib and the safety filling system of the early years — according to nibfolio the only official anniversary fountain pen of the year.

Facts from “Collectible Stars” volumes I and II, the Diary, the illustrated book and the model catalogue, plus forum posts, the newsletter and the data of this website. Every source reference in the text is a link: hovering over it shows the work and page (for the illustrated book, the chapter) or the forum, thread and date; a click leads to the description of the book or to the post. Where the sources differ, the second statement is given in brackets; in case of contradictions “Collectible Stars” applies, and for the years from 1980 the model catalogue.