A luxury fountain pen is more than a writing instrument. It is a statement of craft, heritage, and personal expression. Whether you are treating yourself, searching for the ultimate gift, or building a collection, the pens in this guide represent the finest that the world of writing has to offer.
We have selected these pens based on their craftsmanship, writing performance, heritage, and the experience of owning and using them every day.
Pelikan Souverän M800
The Pelikan Souverän M800 is one of the most celebrated luxury fountain pens in the world, and for good reason. Handmade in Hanover, Germany, the M800 features Pelikan's iconic striped resin barrel, a piston filling system with a generous ink capacity, and an 18ct gold nib available in sizes from extra fine to broad.
The M800 writes with a cushioned, springy feel that is unmistakably Pelikan — smooth, consistent, and deeply satisfying. It is a pen that improves with use, subtly conforming to your writing style over time. For many enthusiasts, it is the benchmark against which all other pens are measured.
Best for: Everyday luxury writing, gifting, and collectors seeking a timeless classic.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is perhaps the most recognisable luxury pen in the world. Introduced in 1952, it has been carried by writers, statesmen, and executives for generations. The 149 is Montblanc's largest and most prestigious Meisterstück model, featuring a piston filling system, a large 18ct gold nib, and the brand's signature white star emblem.
It writes with authority — a broad, wet line that suits those who enjoy a generous flow of ink. The 149 is as much a symbol as it is a pen, and it carries that weight with considerable grace.
Best for: Those who want an iconic, instantly recognisable luxury pen with genuine heritage.
Pilot Custom 743
Japan's Pilot produces some of the finest nibs in the world, and the Custom 743 showcases that expertise beautifully. Featuring a 14ct gold nib and Pilot's smooth, reliable Con-70 converter, the 743 offers a writing experience that is precise, refined, and effortlessly consistent.
Japanese nibs tend to run finer than their European counterparts, making the 743 an excellent choice for those who prefer a controlled, detailed line. It is available in a range of nib sizes including the exceptional soft fine and waverly grinds.
Best for: Writers who value precision, fine lines, and Japanese nib craftsmanship.
Sailor Pro Gear Slim
Sailor is one of Japan's most revered pen makers, and the Pro Gear Slim is a masterclass in understated elegance. Slimmer and lighter than many luxury pens, it suits those who prefer a more refined, discreet instrument. The 21ct gold nib is among the softest and most responsive available in a production pen, with a spring and feedback that calligraphers and flex enthusiasts adore.
Sailor's nib quality is exceptional, and the Pro Gear Slim is available in a wide range of beautiful lacquer finishes. It is a pen that rewards close attention — the more you use it, the more you appreciate it.
Best for: Those who prefer a slimmer pen, Japanese craftsmanship, and exceptional nib quality.
Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year / Classic
Graf von Faber-Castell brings the heritage of one of the world's oldest writing instrument companies to the luxury pen market. The Classic range features pens crafted from precious materials including grenadilla wood, anello, and various metals, with 18ct gold nibs and a piston filling system.
These are pens of exceptional material quality — weighty, beautifully balanced, and finished to an extraordinary standard. The annual Pen of the Year editions are highly collectible, often featuring rare materials and limited production runs.
Best for: Collectors, those drawn to natural and precious materials, and anyone seeking a truly distinctive pen.
Waterman Carène
The Waterman Carène is one of the most elegant fountain pens ever designed. Its streamlined, teardrop silhouette is inspired by the hull of a boat, and it sits in the hand with a poise and balance that few pens can match. The 18ct gold nib is smooth and reliable, and the Carène is available in a range of lacquer finishes with gold or palladium trim.
For those who want a luxury pen that is genuinely beautiful to look at as well as to write with, the Carène is hard to surpass. It is also one of the more accessible luxury pens in terms of price, making it an excellent entry point into the premium segment.
Best for: Those who prioritise design and elegance, and those new to luxury fountain pens.
Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire
For those who want to go further still, the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire range offers pens crafted from sterling silver, gold plate, and precious resins. These are pens that blur the line between writing instrument and jewellery, and they are priced accordingly. The writing experience matches the Meisterstück 149 — authoritative, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
Best for: Special occasions, significant gifts, and collectors at the very top of the market.
Pelikan M1000
Pelikan's flagship model, the M1000, is the largest and most prestigious pen in the Souverän range. It features an 18ct gold nib of exceptional size and a piston filling system with the largest ink capacity of any Pelikan production pen. The M1000 is a desk pen in spirit — substantial, commanding, and built to last a lifetime.
For those who write at length and want a pen that rises to the occasion, the M1000 is without equal in the Pelikan range.
Best for: Writers who want the ultimate Pelikan experience and a pen built for serious, extended writing sessions.
How to Choose a Luxury Fountain Pen
When investing in a luxury fountain pen, consider the following:
- Nib size and style — do you prefer a fine, precise line or a broad, expressive one?
- Filling system — piston fillers hold more ink and are more satisfying to use; cartridge/converter pens are more convenient for travel
- Weight and balance — heavier pens suit some writers; lighter pens reduce fatigue over long sessions
- Heritage and brand — do you want a pen with a story, or one that speaks for itself?
- Material — resin, metal, wood, and lacquer all offer different aesthetics and feel in the hand
Our team at Pure Pens is always happy to help you find the right luxury pen for your needs. Get in touch for a personal recommendation, or browse our full range of luxury fountain pens.