In 2024, Montblanc celebrates the 100th anniversary of its icon, the Meisterstück writing instrument. The first Meisterstück was introduced in 1924 when Montblanc still went by its first name, Simplo. The story goes that some customers began to request a writing instrument for “Sunday-use” – one that would be special, offering a finer experience not meant for everyday use. Coincidentally, our craftsmen who had spent years honing their savoir-faire, were already developing their personal projects and creating one-of-a-kind writing instruments for themselves. Because they exhibited highly advanced craftsmanship, these creations were known as Meisterstück, meaning “masterpiece” in German. This fateful coincidence gave rise to the first Meisterstück collection that quickly rose to the status of a cultural icon, one that is still synonymous with Montblanc to this very day.

So iconic was the Meisterstück that although its name was first translated in various markets, soon these translated names were dropped completely and the German Meisterstück became its given name in every market it appeared in.

MEISTERSTÜCK THROUGH THE YEARS

The first Meisterstück writing instrument range was developed by the Simplo Füllfedergesellschaft (later Montblanc-Simplo) in 1924.

Right from the start, the number “4810” – referring to the height of the Mont Blanc mountain in meters – has been intrinsically tied to the Meisterstück. The four digits were prominently shown on its packaging, engraved on the cap, and – since 1930 – on the nib.

Another attribute considered characteristic of Montblanc today was introduced with the Meisterstück – the notable use of the gold colour. It was in 1928 that two gold rings were first added to the cap, not simply as a decorative element, but to strengthen the cap and reduce the risk of cracks.

The years 1934 and 1935 marked the start of a new era for the Simplo Füllfedergesellschaft: the next generation of leaders took over responsibilities and the company was renamed Montblanc Simplo GmbH. With........

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