I have a great relationship with the Montblanc brand and their pens and have been using them over almost 20 years. I have used a 149 in the past but I tend to lean more closely towards to the 146 as I like the solitaire's and some of their limited editions. But I love how reliable Montblanc pens are and their nibs on recent pens seem even more reliable than older designed nibs. With regards to the boutiques this is mixed some are very good and others not so much. But from my recent experience in Hamberg at the MONTBLANC HAUS and manufacturing facility has changed my perspective on the brand in a very positive way. I was mostly impressed by the knowledge and passion in the teams Hamberg. With regards to the nibs I have a range of broad nibs and italics though their bespoke nib program which makes them more special. There is no brand out there that can do this as well as Montblanc.
I got my 149, after watching one of your early writing sessions a while ago. You helped me with the decision, as it was a rather thin EF for a 'western' pen, which fits my needs perfectly. It is indeed, a consistent and reliable pen, yet a bit overpriced.
When my serious interest in fountain pens started in the early 1990s a 149 was my first purchase. It was then pretty much the "gold standard" in luxury fountain pens and it has stood the test of time. My next purchase was a Pelikan 800, which in my mind has equal standing. A 149 is a must in any fountain pen collection, but it is suited for a larger hand. Over the years I've dithered on whether or not to get a 146, but that next size down niche is filled with my Pelikan 600.
I recently had the opportunity to compare the 149 and the King of Pen and was suprised how much better the KOP felt to me. The performance of the nib was amazing. Nearly perfect, yet having a lot of character.
I have a 149 for 23 years now and it's still my favorite pen. She's been thru a lot of writing, not always with the best care (often goes one year between clean ups, but never missed a letter in my hand. Granted I normally user her at home, but she goes with me on travelling all around the world. Never had problems with her even right after flights. So yes it's probably the best pen in the world. I use a lot of fountain pens, actually only write with fountain pens, and the only one that gives me the same pleasure writing was my Parker 51, had her for 32 years and unfortunately last year broke her in a fall. I'm waiting for a new one as I make this comment. Still my MontBlanc Meisterstruck 149 is the best.
I got my 149 brand new back in 1984. It has always been my best writer, However, since I purchased a Pilot 823 with a medium nib, I’ve stopped searching for a perfect pen.
I bought one, and then I wanted more. Got three 149s now. All of them bought through online auctions at a better price (usually half or less than retail). First one I bought used; the next two ones new. The oldest used one I had serviced and it was as good as new and I (paid) switched out the nib. I can't not feel good while writing with one
I think if you want a complete pen collection, you need a 149. I actually love my 146 a little more because it fits in my hand perfectly and feels like an extension of my hand when I write with it.
I had one and sold it, tried out 2 others as well. It is a fine pen, but the price it usually sells for is insane. Especially considering the fact that there are other fountain pens of greater quality and showing better performance at a smaller price.
I have a 149 with a long story. The one I have now is from the pre-serial number days (around 1977 or so is my best educated guess). I got a 149 on an Ebay auction for $450.00 US a while back. It had a fine nib (I prefer medium) and about a month ago I traded that 149 for the one I mentioned above, and own now, with another pengineering friend as he wanted a fine nib and I wanted the medium nib 149 that he had. Mine writes like an absolute dream and is everything that Montblanc Meisterstruck pens are supposed to be. :-)
I have a Lamy Safari, is it prestigious, no it isn't but it writes well and I like it. Also, I won't shed tears if anything happens to it. I have 4 Montblanc pens already, just not a fountain pen. I am a MB fanboy, pens and leather goods.
I am looking forward to purchasing my 149 shortly. I had a 146 that my wife broke that was amazing and currently live my viscontti homo sapiens. I guess you could say I love over sized pens and with that I am OK. They are a guilty pleasure I can you every day.
I picked up a vintage 146. It writes well, but to be honest I get a more pleasant writing experience with a Pilot or Pelikan. MB is certainly iconic but I have to agree that it’s overpriced for what it delivers. It’s sad because one of my first pens was a gifted MB that I loved.
I agree that many Pilots and Pelikans top 146s writing experience. However, 149 is a total writing experience. I have several pilots and pelikans.....only pilot custom Urushi can be a better writing experience compared to manyb149s....but not convincingly better than every 149 I own. Some vintage 70s and 80s 149 nibs can't be topped by any of the pilots.
I own several top-tier flagship pens such as the Sailor King of Pen, Pilot Custom Urushi, and Pelikan M1000. I like the aesthetic of the 149, but I’m afraid the writing experience will be disappointing compared to my best Japanese pens.
I have a MB 149 since I bought one two years ago as a gift for myself for substantial professional archievement :) However I don't use it at the moment, last year I switched to waterman expert l'essence du bleu (it's really great). I love MB classical design. However when it comes to writing it's not anything special, except the fact that this is a very wet pen.
I'd be interested in trying out a 149 - my one luxury pen is a Pelikan M815, apart from that most of my pens are inexpensive models from China. My experience with the WingSung 630 and Jinhao x159 tells me that the size should suit my hand, so I'm curious as to whether I'd prefer the Montblanc 149 or Pelikan M1000. I'd say that the brand recognition of the Montblanc is something of a turnoff for me - but ultimately I think it best to evaluate the product on its merits, it seems silly to be swayed by such things either way.
Good video. I have been saving for one and will get it soon. I have a lot of high end pens, so I am not approaching this as a new comer. I don’t care for the status symbol as it’s unlikely to leave my desk. It’s all about the writing experience for me.
When I bought my 149 years and years ago, it’s retail price was about $400. Nowadays it’s about $1000. So if I would sell it these days, it would have kept it’s value rather good, even though I used it for over a decade now. The Meisterstück is an investment you can enjoy a lifetime, like a Rolex. If you would ever need the money, you could sell it. That’s the beauty of a real luxury good.
I had the worst experience with purchasing the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 - Platinum (F) at a Montblanc boutique. The nib wrote as a BB. I sent it to have it repaired, and it took about 2 1/2 months to get it back. The worst part that it continued to write like a BB. It was as if it was never sent for repair. It was by far the worse customer service and quality control I've ever seen
I always think of this type (my first FP was a 146 I think) as a classic or standard by which to measure all others. It’s not “the absolute best”. Certainly not the worst nor average. If anyone can afford it, I say get one. You’ll be able to compare everything else to it, maybe even convey to others (e.g. “Got an XYZ. It’s nearly as good as my Meisterstuck…”). If you get something better, it will probably be something you absolutely love. People have said Montblanc is overrated. Well, it IS a luxury brand. But if they said they were “junk”, I’d question their judgement.
MB 149 is definitely a status symbol. There are other brands that do everything better tban the 149. Lamy 2000, Pilot Custom 823, Platinum Century 3776, Diplomat Aero etc. Better nibs, better material, way cheaper, sturdier, etc.
Many founta8n pens have a significant better build quality, use far higher quality build materials (use of brass where the 149 uses plastic), noticeable better writing experience (better weight, balance, size (length and width), better writing feel (balance of tooth, lack of unique build materials such as lava resin, smoothness, ink flow, nib bounce), and reliability. Some of these better fountain pens cost 1/3 of the 149. The vintage 149 is far better than new 149s. Bottom line, if you feel the need to purchase a new 149, do so knowing you will likely not ink it again after the first few weeks because you will favor writing with several other fountain pens in your collection.
Nice video, on a great pen, thanks. I have two 149s, one in the rose gold trim with a fine nib, and the other is my grail the 149 Calligraphy Flex. I ran some Noodlers and Private Reserve inks in them for a while, and the pistons started getting sticky and even leaked. Had to send them both in to MB Repair for service. Maybe there is some truth to their advice to use only lubricated Montblanc inks. I would think other brand inks from Pelikan and Lamy would be OK too. The piston filler in my Lamy 2000 however seems more robust, as it works fine no matter what ink I throw in it.
Still the best? I honestly don't think it ever was -- or is. Most popular? Maybe owing in no small part to a long standing, extensive -- and likely expensive...advertising arm. I agree it's a good pen but great? Not in my book. For the record, I do have a 146 (purchased as new old stock for < 50% retail) and a 1980s era 164.
No. Might be the most well known and desired pen, but in no way is the 🐐. I like mine, and yes, I use it, mostly in business situations. But has nothing to do compared to, for example, my Namiki Emperor.
I have several MB fountain pens and NO it's not the goat ! A good pen yes but over rated. MB spends a lot of money on advertising and that is why I think so many go for them as their grail pen.
@gasken2182 I'll say it's a black, cigar shaped (most common design, probably), plastic fountain pen with a very nice nib. Solid product. Not worth $1000
Don't forget 18 carats of gold, and history and strong character, I think this is more of a work of art that works well, including durability, more than just intrinsic value
This guy speaks the truth, i own three 149s and they are just okay but that is removing the nib as a factor given the manufacturer of nibs should be considered independent from bodies
I have a great relationship with the Montblanc brand and their pens and have been using them over almost 20 years. I have used a 149 in the past but I tend to lean more closely towards to the 146 as I like the solitaire's and some of their limited editions. But I love how reliable Montblanc pens are and their nibs on recent pens seem even more reliable than older designed nibs. With regards to the boutiques this is mixed some are very good and others not so much. But from my recent experience in Hamberg at the MONTBLANC HAUS and manufacturing facility has changed my perspective on the brand in a very positive way. I was mostly impressed by the knowledge and passion in the teams Hamberg. With regards to the nibs I have a range of broad nibs and italics though their bespoke nib program which makes them more special. There is no brand out there that can do this as well as Montblanc.
I have both 149 and 146. To me, 146 is my workhorse pen and 149 will be for my short journaling pen. Love both of them.
I got my 149, after watching one of your early writing sessions a while ago.
You helped me with the decision, as it was a rather thin EF for a 'western' pen, which fits my needs perfectly.
It is indeed, a consistent and reliable pen, yet a bit overpriced.
When my serious interest in fountain pens started in the early 1990s a 149 was my first purchase. It was then pretty much the "gold standard" in luxury fountain pens and it has stood the test of time. My next purchase was a Pelikan 800, which in my mind has equal standing. A 149 is a must in any fountain pen collection, but it is suited for a larger hand. Over the years I've dithered on whether or not to get a 146, but that next size down niche is filled with my Pelikan 600.
I recently had the opportunity to compare the 149 and the King of Pen and was suprised how much better the KOP felt to me. The performance of the nib was amazing. Nearly perfect, yet having a lot of character.
I have a 149 for 23 years now and it's still my favorite pen. She's been thru a lot of writing, not always with the best care (often goes one year between clean ups, but never missed a letter in my hand. Granted I normally user her at home, but she goes with me on travelling all around the world. Never had problems with her even right after flights. So yes it's probably the best pen in the world. I use a lot of fountain pens, actually only write with fountain pens, and the only one that gives me the same pleasure writing was my Parker 51, had her for 32 years and unfortunately last year broke her in a fall. I'm waiting for a new one as I make this comment. Still my MontBlanc Meisterstruck 149 is the best.
And what about maintenance servicing
I got my 149 brand new back in 1984. It has always been my best writer, However, since I purchased a Pilot 823 with a medium nib, I’ve stopped searching for a perfect pen.
146 for many many years a free flowing pleasure!
I lived in Waikiki and we had a Montblanc boutique. The staff was great and had no problem setting you up with a pen to try out.
I bought one, and then I wanted more. Got three 149s now. All of them bought through online auctions at a better price (usually half or less than retail). First one I bought used; the next two ones new. The oldest used one I had serviced and it was as good as new and I (paid) switched out the nib. I can't not feel good while writing with one
I think if you want a complete pen collection, you need a 149. I actually love my 146 a little more because it fits in my hand perfectly and feels like an extension of my hand when I write with it.
I had one and sold it, tried out 2 others as well. It is a fine pen, but the price it usually sells for is insane. Especially considering the fact that there are other fountain pens of greater quality and showing better performance at a smaller price.
@@schululalala6212 yes I totally hear you on that!
I would consider the Pelikan M1000 a serious contender for the best fountain pen.
i dont rate the 149 at all sent it back pelkan miles better
if a fountain pen's nib is easily repracable its is inferior in a way for me...
I have a 149 with a long story. The one I have now is from the pre-serial number days (around 1977 or so is my best educated guess).
I got a 149 on an Ebay auction for $450.00 US a while back. It had a fine nib (I prefer medium) and about a month ago I traded that 149 for the one I mentioned above, and own now, with another pengineering friend as he wanted a fine nib and I wanted the medium nib 149 that he had.
Mine writes like an absolute dream and is everything that Montblanc Meisterstruck pens are supposed to be. :-)
The ink you are using seems exceptional, what is it ?
I have a Lamy Safari, is it prestigious, no it isn't but it writes well and I like it. Also, I won't shed tears if anything happens to it. I have 4 Montblanc pens already, just not a fountain pen. I am a MB fanboy, pens and leather goods.
I am looking forward to purchasing my 149 shortly. I had a 146 that my wife broke that was amazing and currently live my viscontti homo sapiens. I guess you could say I love over sized pens and with that I am OK. They are a guilty pleasure I can you every day.
I picked up a vintage 146. It writes well, but to be honest I get a more pleasant writing experience with a Pilot or Pelikan. MB is certainly iconic but I have to agree that it’s overpriced for what it delivers. It’s sad because one of my first pens was a gifted MB that I loved.
I agree that many Pilots and Pelikans top 146s writing experience. However, 149 is a total writing experience. I have several pilots and pelikans.....only pilot custom Urushi can be a better writing experience compared to manyb149s....but not convincingly better than every 149 I own. Some vintage 70s and 80s 149 nibs can't be topped by any of the pilots.
I was wondering what size nib this was. Don’t believe I heard it mentioned at all. I like that size.
I'm hoping to get one as a gift to myself post graduate school.
I own several top-tier flagship pens such as the Sailor King of Pen, Pilot Custom Urushi, and Pelikan M1000.
I like the aesthetic of the 149, but I’m afraid the writing experience will be disappointing compared to my best Japanese pens.
I have a MB 149 since I bought one two years ago as a gift for myself for substantial professional archievement :) However I don't use it at the moment, last year I switched to waterman expert l'essence du bleu (it's really great). I love MB classical design. However when it comes to writing it's not anything special, except the fact that this is a very wet pen.
I'd be interested in trying out a 149 - my one luxury pen is a Pelikan M815, apart from that most of my pens are inexpensive models from China. My experience with the WingSung 630 and Jinhao x159 tells me that the size should suit my hand, so I'm curious as to whether I'd prefer the Montblanc 149 or Pelikan M1000. I'd say that the brand recognition of the Montblanc is something of a turnoff for me - but ultimately I think it best to evaluate the product on its merits, it seems silly to be swayed by such things either way.
Good video. I have been saving for one and will get it soon. I have a lot of high end pens, so I am not approaching this as a new comer. I don’t care for the status symbol as it’s unlikely to leave my desk. It’s all about the writing experience for me.
When I bought my 149 years and years ago, it’s retail price was about $400. Nowadays it’s about $1000. So if I would sell it these days, it would have kept it’s value rather good, even though I used it for over a decade now. The Meisterstück is an investment you can enjoy a lifetime, like a Rolex. If you would ever need the money, you could sell it. That’s the beauty of a real luxury good.
yes sir, i got one and love it
I had the worst experience with purchasing the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 - Platinum (F) at a Montblanc boutique. The nib wrote as a BB. I sent it to have it repaired, and it took about 2 1/2 months to get it back. The worst part that it continued to write like a BB. It was as if it was never sent for repair. It was by far the worse customer service and quality control I've ever seen
I always think of this type (my first FP was a 146 I think) as a classic or standard by which to measure all others. It’s not “the absolute best”. Certainly not the worst nor average.
If anyone can afford it, I say get one. You’ll be able to compare everything else to it, maybe even convey to others (e.g. “Got an XYZ. It’s nearly as good as my Meisterstuck…”). If you get something better, it will probably be something you absolutely love.
People have said Montblanc is overrated. Well, it IS a luxury brand. But if they said they were “junk”, I’d question their judgement.
is your website not active anymore?
What color & brand ink are you writing with in this video?
They do not compare to Japanese fountain pens such as Pilot. Hands down, Japanese nibs consistently write smoother than the MB nib.
MB 149 is definitely a status symbol.
There are other brands that do everything better tban the 149.
Lamy 2000, Pilot Custom 823, Platinum Century 3776, Diplomat Aero etc.
Better nibs, better material, way cheaper, sturdier, etc.
I have a dozen. It's one of the best and the most iconic one. Period.
My brother bought it and told me after I'm gone you can have it,he passes 3, years ago my sisterinlaw sold it on eBay,frank in Oswego,ill
You should have bought it Frank
Do any of the 149s come with flex or semi flex nibs? I see some older ones on eBay claiming considerable flex but didn’t see any writing samples.
No flex
at this time i have just some parker duofolds, but i think about a montblanc.....
149 good for writing few lines and a signature pen. People not using it for long writing session.
Their fine nibs are like Japanese broads, and write so wet it’s almost comical. I just wish you could get a Montblanc with a proper fine nib.
Many founta8n pens have a significant better build quality, use far higher quality build materials (use of brass where the 149 uses plastic), noticeable better writing experience (better weight, balance, size (length and width), better writing feel (balance of tooth, lack of unique build materials such as lava resin, smoothness, ink flow, nib bounce), and reliability. Some of these better fountain pens cost 1/3 of the 149. The vintage 149 is far better than new 149s. Bottom line, if you feel the need to purchase a new 149, do so knowing you will likely not ink it again after the first few weeks because you will favor writing with several other fountain pens in your collection.
Nice video, on a great pen, thanks. I have two 149s, one in the rose gold trim with a fine nib, and the other is my grail the 149 Calligraphy Flex. I ran some Noodlers and Private Reserve inks in them for a while, and the pistons started getting sticky and even leaked. Had to send them both in to MB Repair for service. Maybe there is some truth to their advice to use only lubricated Montblanc inks. I would think other brand inks from Pelikan and Lamy would be OK too. The piston filler in my Lamy 2000 however seems more robust, as it works fine no matter what ink I throw in it.
I don't wanna like the video cause its at 149 likes but I'm doing it 😂 i want one
Still the best? I honestly don't think it ever was -- or is. Most popular? Maybe owing in no small part to a long standing, extensive -- and likely expensive...advertising arm. I agree it's a good pen but great? Not in my book. For the record, I do have a 146 (purchased as new old stock for < 50% retail) and a 1980s era 164.
Is that a fine nib
yeah it's a F
What I’m hearing about Montblanc is their attention to finish and quality control has slipped and they don’t write as well as they used to.
No. Might be the most well known and desired pen, but in no way is the 🐐. I like mine, and yes, I use it, mostly in business situations. But has nothing to do compared to, for example, my Namiki Emperor.
the Porsche 911 of pens.
No. The tops in fountain pens are produced by ST Dupont. Pilot ranks right up there with Dupont. Montblanc? Not so much.
If you like plastic items ,go for it!🥴🤔🤣
I have several MB fountain pens and NO it's not the goat ! A good pen yes but over rated. MB spends a lot of money on advertising and that is why I think so many go for them as their grail pen.
I don'k know what the best fountain pen is, but the 149 is certainly the most overpriced one
Based on what?
@gasken2182 Based on it being a plain, black, plastic pen that costs 1000 dollars for no justifiable reason
@ haha that’s a bit much, given the nib, resin, and really attractive design
@gasken2182 I'll say it's a black, cigar shaped (most common design, probably), plastic fountain pen with a very nice nib. Solid product. Not worth $1000
Don't forget 18 carats of gold, and history and strong character, I think this is more of a work of art that works well, including durability, more than just intrinsic value
Very expensive......!!
MB raised their prices, and came out their LE 100th. They know what they are doing, slow to market to exude prestige. Overpriced.
Is this AI generated speech?
The most overrated pen ever. This is an ordinary pen.
This guy speaks the truth, i own three 149s and they are just okay but that is removing the nib as a factor given the manufacturer of nibs should be considered independent from bodies
@@hughaldous5195 That´s right. Anyway, the nib is made by a machine, it´s not made by hand or anything like that.