Montblanc Meisterstück 149
If you know your pens, you know the Montblanc Meisterstück 149. If you are new to the world of pens, it’s time you meet this absolute legend.
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is the epitome of the luxury fountain pen. First introduced in 1952, its stylish and timeless black design is still highly sought after and admired. Despite its prominent size, the pen isn’t oversized, and the 18kt gold nib runs ever so smoothly over the paper.
Find out all there is to know about this legendary pen and discover why it is rightfully called a ‘masterpiece’. Choose and order your Montblanc 149 right here online or visit our store in Laren or Boston to experience it yourself.
History of the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 fountain pen
Montblanc has been producing pens in Germany since 1906 (and since 1910 under this name). In 1924, the company began creating the ‘Meisterstück’, German for masterpiece, its flagship line of luxury fountain pens.
However, it wasn’t until 1952 that Montblanc introduced the Meisterstück 149 (named after the width of its nib). This model would become not only the most famous pen of the line, but the most famous pen ever produced by Montblanc.
The style and class oozing from the 149 has attracted the attention of famous actors such as Johnny Depp and world leaders like President Obama and President Kennedy – who famously offered his personal Meisterstück when German Chancellor Adenauer found himself without a pen to sign the Golden Book in Cologne.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 timeless design
You can see history and grandeur in every detail of the Montblanc Meisterstück 149. Its black cigar-shaped barrel and cap, gold rings and clip, and white Montblanc star emblem are still very much the same. Only minute changes have been made to further add to the pen’s quality.
The barrel and cap are no longer made from celluloid, which though durable, tends to discolor over time. Therefore, Montblanc has been making these out of precious resin since the 1980s because of the material’s resistance to scratching and staining and its color-fastness. On top of that, the new material retains its glossy finish better, adding to the pen’s luxurious look.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 dimensions and nib size
It becomes clear at first glance that the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is not a small pen. This might give the impression that it is intended as a decoration piece rather than a daily worker, but you will find that this is not the case.
Pen weight and size
Weighing in at a little over 30 grams and measuring 132 millimeters unposted (165mm with the cap posted), the pen may not be everyone’s perfect fit. However, the pen feels surprisingly light in hand, and you quickly get accustomed to its size. The pen is balanced perfectly and you will surely be impressed by how smooth the nib writes.
Nib sizes
The 18 karat gold nib on the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is hand-crafted with a rhodium-plated inlay and is available in a multitude of sizes. It is also possible to get your 149 with one of the oblique nibs, which are ideal for a more expressive writing style since the nibs are slanted. You can find more information about nibs on our nib information page.
For your Montblanc 149, you can choose between the following nib sizes, depending on your writing style and personal preferences:
- Extra Fine
- Fine
- Medium
- Broad
- Double Broad
- Oblique Medium
- Oblique Broad
- Oblique Double Broad
- Oblique Triple Broad
Are you unsure about the dimensions of the pen or the right nib size for you? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you find the pen that is right for you.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 editions
There are currently three different colourways of the Meisterstück 149:
- Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Gold Trim (GT)
- Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Rose Gold Trim (RGT)
- Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Platinum Trim (PT)
The pens have a similar appearance, but subtle colour differences give each pen a unique character.
If you prefer a classic style, then the gold-trimmed model is the one for you. Fresh and beautiful gold details shine brightly on the nib, cap rings, and clip. The Rose Gold version is more understated (but no less striking), with an elegant reddish hue interwoven with the gold. If you prefer a silver colour over gold, then you might consider buying the Platinum version of the 149. All the details on this pen are stylishly coated in platinum.
How to fill the Montblanc Meisterstück 149
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 uses a piston filling mechanism. You can always see how much ink is left inside the pen through the smart-looking ink window on the barrel. Filling the fountain pen is easily done:
- Twist the filler knob at the end of the barrel to remove the last bits of ink from the pen. Clean the pen if needed. Dip the nib in a bottle of ink. Make sure the filling hole is submerged. Twist the filler nob again to fill the ink reservoir. Let the nib drip for a few seconds and wipe the nib with tissue paper to get rid of any excess ink or stains.
Order your Montblanc ink bottles from our store, where we have a wide choice of colours.
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 vs 146
The Montblanc 149 is often compared to its smaller Meisterstück counterpart, the 146. And indeed, the two pens look very similar.
These are the main difference between the pens:
- The Montblanc 146 is shorter and weighs almost 10 grams less than the 149, so if the 149 feels too large for you, the 146 might be just right for you.
- The 146’s nib is made of 14kt gold, whereas the 149 sports an 18kt nib.
- The Montblanc 146 comes in at a lower price range, around 600 euros ($700), than the 149, which costs around 800 euros (915 dollars).
Montblanc 149 vs Pelikan M1000
When it comes to flagship luxury fountain pens, the Montblanc 149 and the Pelikan Souverän M1000 are closely matched. Both are great, high-quality pens with a wonderful classic design. The M1000 is slightly longer and heavier than the 149, but both perform equally well.
If the price is a key factor, then you might consider the M1000, as it costs around 200 euros ($230) less than Montblanc’s icon pen. But, with more similarities than differences between the pens, the grand status and smart design of the 149 could be enough to give it the edge over the Pelikan.
Compare the two yourself and decide which is best for you.
Write with history and class with a Montblanc 149 fountain pen
The Montblanc 149 will never be outdated since it stands for everything that’s good and beautiful about a fountain pen. And even though it makes for a great status symbol and decoration piece, it also writes wonderfully smooth and performs very consistently.
You can see the different varieties of this proud flagship pen in our webstore and easily order them online or visit our store in Laren or Boston. Please contact us with any questions about this pen or our services.