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Montblanc - Soulmakers for 100 years

SOULMAKERS for 100 years - Montblanc
100 Years Montblanc History Summiteers

When three men came together at the beginning of the last century, it was usually to talk about current affairs or just to exchange ideas. In the spirit of the turn of the century, many ideas were put forward in such circles and almost as many were discarded. When the Hamburg stationer Claus-Johannes Voß, the engineer August Eberstein and the salesman Alfred Nehemias met to exchange their ideas in the year 1906, nobody imagined that it would mark the birth of one of the great international luxury brands: Montblanc. Eberstein and Nehemias had got to know the newly invented but still primitive fountain-pen in the USA and England. Voss realised the potential of a fountain-pen with its own ink container that was independent of an ink-well and so could be used anywhere. The three entrepreneurs then founded what we would now call a "Joint Venture": the pooling of different talents and financial resources with the aim of undertaking a commercial risk.

"Rouge et Noir" meets "Black and White" The three visionaries founded a factory in the "Schanzen" district of Hamburg for exclusive fountain-pens of the highest quality and in small numbers: the "Simplo Filler Pen Company". In 1909, after almost 3 years of development, they launched the first fountain-pen series, "Rouge et Noir", made of black ebonite with a red cap head and inspired by the famous novel of the same name by Stendhal. Although the French name meant nothing for most German customers, the fountain-pen acquired the affectionate nickname of "Little Red Riding-Hood" and was a great success - as the advertisements then claimed, "a fountain-pen that does not make blots". One year later, the technically improved "Montblanc" fountain-pen started its successful career: the black fountain-pen with the white star on the cap does not leak at all when closed! The dark massif with its snow-covered peaks and six icy glaciers inspired this unique product. And with this name there was no more scope in marketing terms for nicknames. As a symbol of highest quality, the name "Montblanc" still stands today for the highest European craftsmanship. The potential of this name was recognised 100 years ago and the Montblanc "Star" (in fact the 6 glaciers on the summit), the symbol of the snow-covered summit of Europe's highest mountain, was registered as a trademark. The Montblanc fountain-pen was so successful that the Simplo Fillerpen Company became Montblanc Simplo GmbH. A Legend is Born It was not long after its foundation that "Montblanc" started its successful career around the world. After branches in Berlin, Leipzig, Breslau, Hanover and Bremen, the first European Montblanc outlets appeared in Paris, London and Barcelona. The range of products was also continuously extended. As well as fountain-pens, the shops offered writing paper, ink and mechanical pencils with the white star. The global breakthrough came in 1924 with the "Meisterstuck" - the birth of a legend. The number 4810 adorns the nib of each Meisterstuck and symbolises the height of the eponymous mountain in the Savoy Alps. Eleven years later, in the year 1935, the company made a promise to its customers, who were hit by inflation and so reluctant to spend their money: a lifelong guarantee. A sign that it was absolutely convinced of the quality of this perfect writing instrument. The pen, with its timeless and fascinating design, revolutionised in the course of the century not only the entire writing- instrument industry. The coveted cult object gained a permanent place in the New York Museum of Modern Art and plays a significant role in the most important signatures in politics, business and culture. The Montblanc Family The head of the family is still the famous black Meisterstuck 149. The legend of the utility culture of the 20th century has found its climax since 1983 in the Meisterstuck Solitaire Collection: the precious- metal version of the Meisterstuck in solid gold, sterling silver or gold-plated silver. In 1974, Roger Moore used the Solid Gold 149 fountain-pen in the James Bond Film "The man with the golden colt" to shoot the bad guy Christopher Lee. But the supreme pen is the Meisterstuck Solitaire Royal for approx. US$ 125,000, decorated with 4,810 Pave diamonds (each one individually cut with 35 facets). In addition to the Meisterstuck writing-instrument lines, Montblanc has been producing since 1992 Limited Editions, which are dedicated to famous arts patrons, writers or musicians. Since only 4,810 pieces are made of each Edition, they rapidly become coveted articles for collectors. In the meantime, a whole universe of luxury goods has gathered beneath the Montblanc star: elegant, handmade leather accessories - the leather factory has existed since 1935 - fashionable eyewear, accessories, high-class silver jewellery and exclusive Swiss watches. They are produced by Montblanc's own watch company Montblanc Montre S.A. in Le Locle, the cradle of finest global watchmaking in the Swiss Jura. Enjoyment With All Senses The increase in individual mobility leads to more transitory and ephemeral ways of life. Reliable and lasting partners have become rare. For 100 years, "Montblanc" has followed lasting values such as quality and traditional craftsmanship. Its uncompromising demands on shape, style, materials and workmanship have been reflected in the products with the white star for a hundred years now. High Touch is the motto of this manufacturer, which still produces its goods carefully by hand and using traditional methods. Enjoyment with all senses, taking time, is the message for Montblanc customers, who now have a lifelong companion at their side. For taking time for things that really matter, for those whom we love, for friends and family, is the real luxury in life. That is Montblanc's message! Today, 100 years after the Joint Venture of the small manufacturing company, the coveted Montblanc products are represented in 313 boutiques and over 9,000 sales outlets in 70 countries around the world and the Montblanc logo is a fixed star in the luxurious shopping streets of the world.