How I Ended Up with My First Montblanc 149

Original video: Montblanc 149 The Hype Is Real

I never set out to become a fountain pen enthusiast. It all started with a ballpoint pen—a Montblanc StarWalker that I picked up in Las Vegas simply because I wanted a “nice” pen. I wasn’t thinking about nibs, ink, or filling systems—I just wanted something fancy. But that one purchase opened the door to an entirely new world.

Fast forward, and I now own several Montblanc fountain pens. Each has a unique place in my collection, but none compare to my most recent addition: the Montblanc 149—a pen often considered the grail of Montblanc writing instruments.

The Journey to the 149

Montblanc StarWalker (Ballpoint & Fountain Pen)

My first real experience with Montblanc, starting with a StarWalker ballpoint.
Later, I added the StarWalker fountain pen—a sleek, modern design that quickly became a daily writer.

Montblanc 220 (Vintage 1960s-70s)

A smaller, vintage piston-filler from Montblanc that competes with the Lamy 2000.
Fantastic gold nib and a comfortable size, but with some quirks (like ink getting on the back of the nib and inside the cap).

All of these pens were great, but they weren’t the Montblanc most people think of. That led me to hunt for something bigger, bolder, and truly classic.

The Montblanc 149 Experience

The Montblanc 149 is one of the most famous fountain pens in the world. It’s massive, with a huge nib and a piston-filling system. I found mine from a trusted Japanese eBay seller, specifically looking for a late 70s to early 80s model with a bi-color nib, one-piece ebonite feed, and a windowed ink reservoir.

Is It Worth the Hype?

Yes. Absolutely.

The Writing Experience – The nib is unbelievably smooth, with a soft, bouncy feel. I thought my Pilot 823 was smooth—this takes it to another level.
Ink Flow – It’s insanely wet, bringing out the full character of inks like Pilot Kon-peki.
Size & Comfort – It’s a big pen, but surprisingly balanced in hand.

Even though Montblanc gets labeled as a “luxury brand,” the 149 earns its reputation. It’s not just a status symbol—it’s a pen that delivers an incredible writing experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking at a Montblanc 149, my advice is: do your research and buy from a trusted seller. I couldn’t be happier with mine, and it just might be my favorite nib I’ve ever written with.

Do you own a Montblanc 149, or is it on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!