Making it write
A pen is perhaps 'the only tool that allows us to express our thoughts freely'
be rising in popularity, but there are still few opportunities for a man to show off some bling - especially in a professional setting. A watch, cufflinks or a tie clip pretty much round up the candidates - that is, until we have to sign on the dotted line. Then the pen, unfairly relegated to the status of a functional rather than aesthetic accessory, comes into play.
Whether resting on the desk as a subtle art piece, tucked in a suit pocket or used to sign documents and paperwork, a fine writing instrument not only adds flair, but, like luxury watches, it serves as a reflection of an individual's personal taste. And in the professional, alpha male world, a bespoke fountain pen is the way forward.
It may come as no surprise that the first ever pen was a bespoke piece. Many historians credit the creation of the first fine writing instrument to a custom design requested by an Egyptian caliph, Ma'âd al-Mu'izz, who simply wanted a writing tool which would contain ink in a reservoir to be delivered to the nib, thereby not staining his hands or clothes even when held upside down.
For S.T. Dupont, which creates 10 or so bespoke pens a year, it's an exciting development each time it receives an order, as the creation process is truly an artistic one in which the pen is crafted from scratch.
"It's a joy and a thrill for artisans," says Alain Crevet, CEO of the French company. "They love it. They take a picture [of the requested inspiration and theme], then they create, sculpt and carve the pen [accordingly]."
It comes as no surprise that there is a long waiting list for this service, Crevet says, although he does not disclose the exact timeframe required. In the past, S.T. Dupont has created pieces based on historic figures, such as Louis VIII, and landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal.
A bespoke pen offers the chance for the commissioner to transfer their passions onto their writing instrument, says Giuseppe Aquila, CEO of Italian company Montegrappa, whose customised services range from etching a design onto a pen barrel to creating "one-of-a-kind pens for discerning individuals".
In the case of the latter, the client is heavily involved in the design process, as the final product is "the result of close communication with the commissioner, who has the option to choose materials, themes, manufacturing techniques and so on," Aquila says.
Even with the level of luxury that comes with a personally customised piece, there are nevertheless some pen aficionados who prefer to let the artisans take control. Eric Tan, a private pen collector who submitted his prized and extremely rare full set of Namiki Yukari Zodiac fountain pens to the Bonhams' November 2013 auction, is one of them.