Montblanc Worldsecond

The Montblanc Worldsecond, a unique mobile app inviting people all over the world to capture everyday moments at the same time in photographic snapshots, has reached its final destination. The prize for best Worldsecond Photo as voted by the public was awarded to a Spanish entry, and a participant from Belgium was recognized by the jury for his Worldsecond Gallery, compiled from pictures selected from the Worldsecond entries. Armed with their smartphones and the unique Worldsecond App, participants from 90 countries, shared their individual take on our world’s everyday life each time the app’s self-timer triggered the cameras on their phones. Users were also invited to tell their stories by creating photo galleries from all uploaded Worldsecond photos. The result of the Montblanc Worldsecond photo project is an extraordinary mosaic of different perspectives, impressions and moments from around the globe. The winner of the Worldsecond Photo receives a Montblanc TimeWalker Twinfly Chronograph and the winner of the Worldsecond Gallery takes home the Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono Voyager UTC.

Another vote for the written word....

Handwritten mail delivers more cheer than an electronic exchange, according to a recent study. And it also can lesson the emotional load of unknown or frightening circumstances. In a study of 193 soldiers recently returned from deployment, those who received letters from family and friends had fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress than those who had communicated through email, instant messaging and video chat. "These days, letters are relatively rare, so writing and sending one is a sign of commitment," says coauthor of the study Howard Markman, Ph.D., University of Denver. In addition, since letters may be re-read, they may help a person feel connected to loved ones when lonely or in need of support. So keep writing.

Classic and Modern from Sheaffer

The Sheaffer Taranis features a patent-pending gripping section that combines the warmth of resin with the durability of metal. Designed by renowned US architect Charles Debbas, the pen collection is named for the Celtic God of Thunder. It includes a fountain pen, rollerball pen and twist-action ballpoint. The fountain pen has a stainless steel nib in fine, medium or broad. Prices range from $125 to $165. Colors include Stormy Night, Icy Gunmetal, White Lightening, Stormy Wine and Sleek Chrome. 

Caran d'Ache pays tribute

The Caran d'Ache new La Rindyà limited edition pays homage to the company's homeland of Switzerland. Every year, autumn signals one of the country's most beautiful traditions: A procession of cattle, richly decorated with flowers and greenery, wends its way slowly down the mountain to the foothills where they will spend the winter. In the Canton of Fribourg, and particularly in the Gruyere region, this custom (which dates to the Middle Ages) is referred to as La Rindyà. 

There are 1,291 pieces in this edition, the number recalling the founding date of the Swiss Confederation. The fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint are beautifully engraved with pastoral images contrasting the platinum and the black lacquer. The writing section of the fountain pen and rollerball is decorated with an engraving of Le Moléson, the most famous peak in the Fribourg Alps, and the cap features the Caran d'Ache name and logo, while the clip flies the Swiss flag. The pens are presented in an original box of Swiss beech. Its design is based on the stacks of wood planks, common on Alpine farms, that are used for the restoration of chalets. 

The cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen has a rhodium-coated, 18-karat gold nib, available in three widths (F, M, B). The rollerball offers a choice of a fine-point roller cartridge or a fiber-tip cartridge in two widths (F, M). The fountain pen is priced at $2,500.

Earlier limited edition tributes to Switzerland include La Poya and the Matterhorn pen collections.

Made in America

Tuff-Writer, Inc., makers of low-priced, American-made pens is launching "The Ultimate Clicky Pen Project" to create a first production run of some new aluminum click pens. Tuff-Writer General Manager, Jack Roman, who has been designing pens for years, has turned his attention to building an all-metal, modular pen, with each component replaceable. 

Demonstrator Pens

It's a big trend in pens these days--demonstrator pens, that is. It seems that most companies worth their salt are introducing these translucent lovelies in some fashion or another. As an example, there are new colors in the Artista Crystal line of demonstrator-style pens from Monteverde. Made from acrylic and hand polished inside and out, with shiny chrome accents, the collection is available as a fountain pen with a steel nib and a cartridge/converter filling system, a rollerball and a ballpoint. Spring colors include clear, pink, lime green and turquoise. They range in price from $35 to $45. An interesting note: the ink feed on the fountain pen is clear.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Cash!

 Yesterday was Johnny Cash's eightieth birthday, and according to my sources at Think pens, the limited edition Johnny Cash fountain pens released a few months ago are sold out. But take heart. There are a few rollerball pens still available, priced at under $300.


The black Italian resin pen has striped wood-grain accents inspired by the detailing on Cash's guitar. The clip recalls the guitar's fret board, and Cash's signature is featured on the band. Just 888 fountain pens were created. Each comes in a black lacquer commemorative box.

Camouflage One-Touch

Monteverde is adding yet another version of its popular One-Touch, the combo ballpoint/stylus it introduced in 2011. The soft-point stylus may be used on your iPad or iPhone or any other type of touch screen. This retractable pen currently comes in a variety of colors, and the new camouflage style is hitting the streets February 15. Priced at around $30, it comes in camouflage green, brown, blue and purple.

It's a Natural

Maryland-based pen maker Richard Greenwald is introducing his Naturals collection, a limited edition of twist-activated ballpoint pens. They measure in at about 5-3/4 inches long and just over two ounces in weight. Made from treated leather or cork, they have sterling silver appointments individually clay cast at Richard's own machine shop. The pens are front loaded, and come with a Schmidt refill, but Parker-style refills work, too. Naturals are available at select retailers or directly from Richard.

Lifetime warranty

According to the December 20 Mail Online, a 78-year-old British woman visited her doctor complaining of pain and weight loss. After a series of tests, it was discovered that the source of her trouble was a felt-tip marker she'd accidentally swallowed 25 years earlier while "poking her tonsils." The pen was clearly visible on a CT scan, and her team of doctors decided that it should be removed from her stomach, where it had sat for over two decades. The woman is recovering nicely. The marker? It still writes.