Montblanc thinks the pen is mightier that the smart phone, even in the digital era

With most people these days using their mobile phone or computer for writing text, will the old fashioned pen become a museum item?

Montblanc chief executive Jérôme Lambert said the same question was raised when mobile phones began to become more widespread in the late 1990s, but now those concerns have disappeared.

“About 10 to 15 years ago there was debate over whether digital technology development would eventually replace writing. Now we have proved that even in the most digitalised cities in the world, the digital and traditional way of writing can live together well,” Lambert told the South China Morning Post at the Montblanc boutique in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The 110-year old company is well known for its deluxe pen collection, but also sells leather goods, watches and jewellery. Lambert said even in the digital era, the pen is still its flagship product line, representing 40 per cent of all its sales, while watches and leather goods each represent about 25 per cent, while jewellery makes up the remaining 10 per cent.

“It is true that some people may not use a pen for everyday use. However, when it comes to the important moments in life, such as weddings, signing a deal or contracts, people would use a high quality pen to mark the important occasion,” he said.

“Everybody want to leave a mark and the digital message is not long lasting. The pen has become less used for its functionality but more for pleasure, passion and experience to mark the long lasting commitment between people and businesses. The pen will not disappear in the digital world,” Lambert said.