It was the summer of 2024 when I first heard about this pen. Shortly after, a video showcasing a demonstrator model and the option to pre-order emerged. I was absolutely speechless—the new filling mechanism completely caught me off guard. It was something I hadn’t expected, and it left me genuinely amazed. This pen, in every sense, revolves around its innovative filling system.

My excitement was through the roof, and it became my mission to see this pen in person—to witness its design firsthand and, most importantly, to experience how the new mechanism actually works.

The Leather Box

When you first get your hands on this pen, one thing is sure to stand out—the sheer size of its packaging. It’s undeniably large and hefty. Once you remove the outer paper wraps, you’re greeted by a stunning leather box. The quality of this box genuinely surprised me; it’s on par with the craftsmanship of collector’s boxes that typically cost over €1,000. This meticulously crafted leather packaging, made in Italy, is a clear statement—this is no ordinary pen.

The box’s design makes it a perfect addition to your desk, where its impressive presence will undoubtedly stand out. Opening the box reveals a beautifully detailed relief of Mont Blanc, elegantly set against a black background. This same design, by the way, can also be found later on the pen itself.

The downside, however, is that this is not a traditional collector’s box, meaning it’s not intended for safely storing other pens. Nonetheless, it remains a striking and thoughtfully designed case for showcasing this exceptional piece.

Package Contents

The large box truly delivers an impressive array of items. Beyond the pen and its accompanying case, you’ll find two bottles of ink (black and blue), two ink adapters, spare parts for the adapter in case of damage, and a cleaning kit for the pen.

Additionally, the package includes a comprehensive manual presented in the form of a large book, available in multiple languages. In this case, the manual is not just an accessory—it’s essential. Given the pen’s innovative new system, you’ll definitely want to refer to it to fully understand how everything works.

The Pen

Upon opening the box, against the black background and the subtle red trim of the case, this stunning pen immediately stands out. Its coral red resin body paired with rose gold accents creates a striking yet elegant appearance. When I first opened the box, the pen reminded me of a lighthouse beacon—but in the best way possible. Initially, I was skeptical about the red color, but seeing it in person completely won me over.

Although it’s sized like a 149, this pen feels even more majestic to me. Perhaps it’s the boldness of the color or its overall design—I’m not entirely sure.

At the top of the pen, you’ll find the iconic Montblanc emblem crafted from Mother-of-Pearl. Personally, this is my favorite version of the emblem; it gleams beautifully and reflects light in a truly captivating way. Just below the emblem is an engraving of Mont Blanc’s peak, mirroring the design featured on the box. The detailing remains subtle and tasteful, perfectly complementing the pen’s elegance.

I was a little surprised to see that Montblanc opted for the traditional Meisterstück clip instead of the more contemporary clip design found on the “Origin” series. However, I must admit, I prefer this classic clip—it adds a timeless charm.

The rose gold accents are particularly noteworthy. The tone, reminiscent of champagne gold, pairs wonderfully with the red resin. This same finish extends to the nib, which features the “Origin” design and is sized like other 149 nibs—large and beautifully proportioned.

The pen’s standout feature, of course, is its filling mechanism. The base of the pen can be unscrewed, revealing the unique filling system. The threaded bottom has two distinct positions—one for writing and one for cleaning. The writing position screws in securely, ensuring ease of use.

Overall, this pen delivers an incredible impression. It’s understated yet undeniably special, not only because of its innovative filling system but also due to its simplicity and beauty.

The Case

Since 2010, we haven’t seen a pen case quite like this one. This two-piece design, reminiscent of a cigar case, is perfect for holding a single pen. Previously, Montblanc cases tended to be more open, allowing the pen to shift around inside. This time, however, the case is custom-made specifically for this pen, providing a snug fit that keeps it secure and better protected—even in the event of a drop.

I consider this case to be an excellent accessory for such a special pen. It’s not only thoughtfully designed but also crafted with impeccable quality.

Fans of Japanese pens will also appreciate the design, as it’s similar to the style used by brands like Namiki and Nakaya. This tailored approach enhances both the practicality and the elegance of the case, making it a worthy complement to this exceptional writing instrument.

Filling the Pen

If I were to summarize the filling mechanism of this pen in a few words, it would be: One press with clean hands.

However, it’s not as simple as it sounds, though it’s not overly complicated either. The key is to prepare your ink bottle beforehand. You’ll need any Montblanc ink bottle, as the adapter must be screwed onto it. This adapter fits all Montblanc bottles, not just the ones included with the pen. The adapter consists of a seal, a spring, and the mechanism itself, which is visible from the top where the pen is inserted.

Once the pen’s lower part is unscrewed, you simply insert the pen into the adapter, press it down firmly until you feel it click into place, and release. The pen will automatically rise back up. Afterward, remove the pen, screw the bottom part back on, and you’re ready to write—without a single drop of ink spilling and with the nib remaining perfectly clean.

The first time you write with the pen, it may take some effort to get the ink flowing. Since the ink needs to work its way through the entire pen, it’s not immediate. It’s recommended to vary the angles of the pen and tap lightly on the bottom to speed up the process. However, I opted for the classic approach of simply writing consistently, and after 5–7 minutes of intense use, the ink finally flowed. Since then, the pen writes flawlessly, with no skipping or interruptions.

Cleaning the Pen

I haven’t cleaned the pen yet, but it’s important to clean it regularly to avoid dried ink buildup or issues when changing ink colors.

The first basic step is to always thoroughly clean the filling mechanism adapter to prevent any ink from drying inside. This should be done right after refilling the pen.

I can update this section with more detailed cleaning steps once I have firsthand experience, but you can find the exact cleaning process in the manual or video guide available on Montblanc’s website here.

Demonstrator

A great piece of news for collectors is the introduction of new demonstrator pens. A demonstrator refers to a pen with a fully transparent body, allowing you to see the inner workings of the mechanism. This type of pen has been somewhat scarce in recent years, as Montblanc demonstrators typically featured older models that were used for display in boutiques and at various events. However, with the introduction of the new filling mechanism, this type of pen is making a return.

The catch, however, is that Montblanc demonstrators are not typically available for purchase. They are primarily intended for display and demonstration purposes. This makes acquiring a demonstrator pen, whether it be older models or the new Traveler demonstrator, quite difficult—and extremely expensive.

Is it a true “traveller”?

In my subjective opinion, not entirely. The term “traveller” evokes an image of a truly heavy-duty pen, one that wouldn’t easily get scratched or damaged by the rough handling that often comes with travel. I do appreciate the leather pouch included in the packaging, as well as the box, but the ink bottle with the adapter doesn’t seem very practical for travel. If it were up to me, I would have included a travel-sized version of the ink and a more portable adapter for easier transportation. The manual even mentions that the ink adapter cannot be in the bottle when flying, due to air pressure, which isn’t very convenient.

If the pen were sturdier, ideally scratch-resistant, it could be the perfect traveller pen. Perhaps one day we might see an outdoor version of it, one that we could take with us on a mountain expedition, perhaps even to the summit of Mont Blanc. One major advantage, though, is the large ink reservoir, allowing for more ink to be drawn into the pen. Without a doubt, its safe transport in carry-on luggage on flights is a plus.

Price and Where to Buy the Montblanc Traveller

The pen is sold at a retail price of 4800€. Although they could have symbolically priced it at 4810€, this is undeniably a high price, higher than we’re used to for such understated and less extravagant pens. However, when I calculate it and subtract the cost of the box, which would normally be over 1200€, two ink bottles worth 80€, the leather pen pouch worth over €300, and other accessories, the price for the pen itself seems somewhat lower. Although, of course, we can’t buy the pen without the entire package. Personally, I feel that the price is a bit steep, but the pricing strategy here is likely set to reflect the innovation behind the filling mechanism.

This pen is exclusively available in Montblanc boutiques and is not sold through other retailers, meaning it cannot be found elsewhere. Another option is to purchase it online through their website. However, its availability online is uncertain; at the time of writing, it is available in most Montblanc boutiques around the world. I would recommend checking with your local Montblanc boutique by phone or email to confirm availability.

Investment Potential?

The pen is quite expensive, priced at €4800, which is already a high cost. Because of this, I don’t expect its price to rise quickly. The limited edition of 1924 pieces isn’t the smallest either. Currently, the pens are still widely available, meaning the price remains stable, and on the grey market, you can even find it for a slightly lower price. Once they are sold out, the price will likely increase gradually depending on demand, which is uncertain given the high price point.

The investment potential is further complicated by the fact that many people purchased this pen as an investment, aiming to profit from it. In an ideal scenario, the price would follow a trend similar to the Montblanc Heritage 1914 pens, where the value nearly doubled over the years.

The question remains whether the price will rise after the release of a second pen with the same filling mechanism or if it will drop. There is also a possibility that it will increase, especially if it becomes part of a collection with the new pen featuring the same mechanism. Ultimately, it depends on demand.

This may not be the ideal pen for investment, but it’s possible that it holds some potential for future value growth.

The most valuable pens will likely be those that are still sealed in their protective packaging.

Overall Evaluation

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful pens Montblanc has ever created, although it comes with a slightly higher price tag, primarily due to the modern filling mechanism. It is expected that Montblanc will not use this mechanism in another pen for at least 3-5 years, which is quite a long time. The stunning color, craftsmanship, packaging, and the pen’s case elevate this pen to a whole new level, especially in terms of the experience of using a new writing instrument.

Personally, I recommend this pen, but I wouldn’t buy it as an investment. Instead, I would buy it for the ultimate writing experience. This is also due to the simple filling mechanism, but the relatively complex and new maintenance process, which makes the pen feel even more connected to you.

Pros:

• Unique filling mechanism
• Hassle-free travel by air
• Custom-designed case for secure transport
• Limited edition of 1924 pieces
• Beautiful leather box
• Simple yet elegant design
• More thorough cleaning of the pen’s mechanism

Cons:

• Complex cleaning (not ideal for someone who doesn’t treat it as a passion)
• High price
• More difficult availability (only in boutiques)
• Initial break-in period for the pen
• Inability to use the box for other pens
• Future pens with the same mechanism