HISTORY
Montblanc, synonymous with exquisite writing culture for the past 100 years, follows lasting values such as quality and traditional craftsmanship. Its uncompromising demands on shape, style, materials and workmanship are reflected in all its products.
1906
The start of the “modern” new century had a stimulating effect on inventors and craftsmen. Ingenuity and imagination helped the fountain pen to make its technical and commercial breakthrough as a writing instrument. It was a Hamburg banker, Alfred Nehemias, and a Berlin engineer, August Eberstein, together who recognised the signs of time and decided to produce simplicissimus pens. After a short period of time Wilhelm Dziambor, Christian Lausen and later Claus Johannes Voss took over the business and thus laid the foundation for the future internationally successful company Montblanc
1908
“Manufacturers of high-class gold and fountain pens” – Montblanc started its history by making this confident claim for itself. For the time being, the partners took the name “Simplo Filler Pen Co.”. “Simplo” referred to either the idea of the simplicissimus pen or the word “simple,” which described new pen design, including a “build-in” ink-well. After the Hamburg businessman Claus Johannes Voss joined the company, the “Simplo Filler Pen Co.” was established with its headquarter situated in the “Industriepalast” on Caffamacherreihe in Hamburg and received entry into the commercial register.
1909
The safety fountain pen “Rouge et Noir” appeared on the market. The name “Montblanc” was established; and rumour has it that it took place during a card game when a relative of one of the partners drew an inspired analogy between the pen, which had become the pinnacle of writing instruments, and the Mont Blanc, the most majestic and highest peak in the Alps.
1910
The name “Montblanc“ was registered as a trademark and henceforth used for all writing instruments produced by the company. Furthermore the technically improved fountain pen “Montblanc“ was introduced. The white tip on the pen cap was the forerunner of what would become the world famous white star. Paris and London became the venues of Simplo‘s first representatives abroad.
1913
The Montblanc star emblem became the brand logo and trademark. All writing instruments produced by the “Simplo Filler Pen Co. “ ever since would include the unmistakable rounded star. The shape would represent the snow-covered peak of the Mont Blanc – the highest European mountain, symbolising the brand’s commitment to the highest quality and finest European craftsmanship.
1924
It was the year of the launch of the legendary “Meisterstück” and the beginning of its successful career as the world’s most celebrated writing instrument of all time. The “Meisterstück 149” fountain pen soon became the ultimate symbol for writing culture and the style icon for perfect timeless design.
1926
At the end of the nineteen-twenties, Montblanc quickly expanded to become a well known name in more than 60 countries. Impressive advertising campaigns, like fitting cars with an oversize fountain pen, as well as the first advertising planes taking the Montblanc name into the “third dimension”, attracted tremendous attention. Montblanc also established its first leather goods workshop producing luxury small leather items near Offenbach, a town renowned for its leather craftsmanship.
1929
For the first time, the heart of the Montblanc “Meisterstück” – its nib – was engraved with the number “4810.” This represents the height of the mountain Mont Blanc, and acts as a sign of supreme quality, and “4810” would find a place on all “Meisterstück” nibs from this time forth.
1934
The company was officially given the name that had already become a brand all over the world: “Montblanc Simplo GmbH.”
1935
By issuing a “lifetime guarantee” for the “Meisterstück,” Montblanc demonstrated that it always paid off for the customer to opt for the very best. Montblanc expanded its product range by taking over a producer of leather goods in Offenbach, Germany. High quality leather products such as pen pouches, notebooks and writing cases were produced under the name Montblanc from then on
1946
The Montblanc facilities destroyed during the Second World War were quickly rebuilt. During this time, Montblanc fountain pens were being produced in Denmark, and representative offices had begun to be re-established abroad.
1952
The legendary “Meisterstück 149” was launched and began its successful career as the world’s most celebrated writing instrument of all time. The “Meisterstück 149” fountain pen soon became the ultimate symbol for writing culture and a style icon for perfect, timeless design.
1955
Montblanc launched the “60 Line,” representing a new style of design and developing into the first major success in the post-war period, alongside the traditional “Meisterstück” series.
1963
”May I help you, Mr. Adenauer?” – John F. Kennedy helped the German chancellor Konrad Adenauer out of a predicament by offering him the use of his “Meisterstück 149” fountain pen.
1986
This famous claim “Montblanc – The Art of Writing” was launched and became a model for many brands in the luxury field. The fountain pen – an ideal writing instrument – started to experience a renaissance in the Eighties. The “Meisterstück Solitaire Collection,” the precious metal version of the Meisterstück, was introduced. Numerous international sponsorship initiatives in the areas of literature, ballet and music marked the beginning of Montblanc’s world-wide commitment to art and culture.
1989
Montblanc moved into new, purpose-built headquarters in Hamburg, integrating design, production and administration, as well as the Montblanc Museum.
1990
Montblanc opened its first boutique in Hong Kong. After initial developments in Asia, the first shops in Europe opened in Paris and London marking the beginning of the expansion of the international Montblanc boutique network, which today consists of more than 350 boutiques in more than 70 countries.
1992
Montblanc established the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award to honour outstanding patrons of the arts. The first Patron of Art Limited Edition pen “Lorenzo di Medici” and the Limited Writers Edition “Hemingway” were launched – the first of the annual editions that are coveted by collectors worldwide. There was expansion of the Meisterstück range, introducing the product line “New Dimensions” – including small luxury leather goods, handmade paper and desk accessories.
2015
Montblanc appointed Charlotte Casiraghi, equestrian champion, writer and producer, as its global brand ambassador during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. Montblanc introduced the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, combining a TimeWalker timepiece with a highly functional e-Strap with an integrated-technology device offering an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions.