Montblanc M and the introduction of a new aesthetic language

With the launch of the Montblanc M writing instrument, the Maison demonstrates the passion for innovation that has always been part of Montblanc’s DNA, continuously pushing the boundaries of design with timelessly elegant and high-performing creations.  Through its collaboration with designer Marc Newson, Montblanc has developed a new aesthetic language, capturing the spirit of the moment in a writing instrument that expresses the modernity of today and the timeless elegance of tomorrow. 

“For the first ever design partnership in the Maison’s long history, Montblanc has chosen to work with Marc Newson, without a doubt the most influential designer of his generation”, says Jérôme Lambert, Montblanc CEO. “Montblanc M brings together Newson’s trademark biomorphic style, defined by its fluid and pure organic forms, and Montblanc’s iconic design cues, resulting in a new and unexpected expression for writing instruments.”

In an original approach to the craftsmanship with which Montblanc is synonymous, Newson brings innovative design elements to the writing experience, perfectly balancing form and function with an object that has both a rational existence and makes a bold aesthetic statement. Functionality is expressed in the ingenious use of a magnet that allows the magnetic closing of the cap and barrel, with perfect alignment of the clip to the innovative “plateau” at the barrel end. An additional snap mechanism smoothens the closure and ensures the cap remains firmly in place. For the first time ever, a Montblanc writing instrument takes on an additional function, as a Fineliner pen for technical and precision drawing.

While Newson has retained distinctive design elements of a Montblanc writing instrument including the use of black precious resin and the iconic white emblem, the shape of Montblanc M stands out with a “plateau” at the end of the writing instrument created by milling the
polished black resin with a diamond tool.  The fluidity of the overall design is achieved by avoiding breaks in the pure lines of the shape. Thus, the Montblanc emblem made of white precious resin is ultrasonically welded onto the plateau to form a perfectly flat surface, while the platinum-plated clip is mounted invisibly into the cap to not interrupt the design flow. For an optimal writing experience, the ruthenium-plated metal forepart engraved with “MONTBLANC”, balances the weight of the writing instrument. The AU585 gold nib of the writing instrument is plated in two tones for the first time, using both rhodium and ruthenium. 

Inspired by the Maison’s heritage of sophistication, every design element comes together to deliver a multi-sensorial sensory writing experience, reflecting the discerning customer’s increasing desire to slow down, disconnect and enjoy products that bring the senses together: a piece to be seen, felt and heard all at once. “Like Montblanc, I seek to strike a balance in the design between the simplicity of the functional qualities of this product and the creation of a sensory experience in its use,” explains Marc Newson. “From the sight of the shape’s clean lines or the detailed plating of the nib, from the touch and feel of the writing instrument with its polished surface and ruthenium forepart, to the sound of the click of the cap as it is drawn to the body of the writing instrument with the magnet, Montblanc M offers a seamless writing experience that engages the senses.”

With this new generation of writing instruments, Montblanc continues to redefine the culture of writing, crafting fine lifetime companions that deliver the highest quality and unexpected cutting-edge design. Though it stands at the forefront of contemporary design today, it has been designed with the same timeless qualities as every Montblanc writing instrument. Montblanc M is available in Fountain Pen, Rollerball, Ballpoint Pen, ScreenWriter for use on touch screens and as a thin Montblanc Artfineliner for technical drawing. During the launch year only, the nib is engraved with the letters “MN” as a tribute to the designer who imagined this latest evolution in writing culture.