Montblanc pays tribute to both the paradigm of excellence of the Meisterstück as well as the visonary traditions of masters craftsmen. With the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac, Montblanc brings together its quintessential expertise of creating writing instruments with Forge Laguiole, the epitome of traditional French qualitiy knives.
Masters for Meisterstück – Masterpieces of Artistry
With the legendary Montblanc Meisterstück, which symbolizes outstanding savoir-faire since 1924, Montblanc has long nurtured a profound respect for other exponents of fine craftsmanship and artisans, who have become masters in their domain. In this respect, Montblanc initiated the Masters for Meisterstück series, uniting two traditions of artistry in the creation of one exceptional collection. Following its collaboration with Meissen porcelain, Montblanc proudly pays tribute to the excellence of Forge de Laguiole knives, which are crafted in the L’Aubrac region of southern France.
Forge de Laguiole – The knife that became a legend
Derived from both the local capuchadou and the Spanish navaja, the Laguiole knife was originally produced in 1829 and used by L’ Aubrac farmers and cattle herders, before becoming a cult object that is recognized the world over as a symbol of French art de vivre. Crafted by hand from start to finish in up to 180 operations by a single artisan, a Laguiole is more than a knife. Imbued with the care and commitment of the hands that made it, it is a talisman, a faithful companion. Like a Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain Pen.
Savoir-vivre enriched with a legacy of savoir-faire
Drawing on collective expertise and inspiration, the craftsmen of Montblanc and Forge de Laguiole worked together passionately to produce the new Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’ Aubrac. The result is a masterpiece collection of fountain pen editions, which interpret the spirit and brand culture that made it possible.
The Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Special Edition
A tribute to the finest master craftsmen and to their love of artistry: The Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’ Aubrac Special Edition comprises a Meisterstück LeGrand Fountain Pen and Rollerball crafted from precious granadilla wood. The famous small rivets, synonymous with the traditional knife handle, have been carefully embellished on the barrel. A historical Laguiole pattern is finely engraved on the rings enhancing the polish of the precious grenadille wood. Grenadille is considered to be the finest of all turnery timbers, cutting most exactly and finishing to a brilliant waxed surface. The clip is platinum-plated while the fittings are carefully made in sterling silver. The Montblanc emblem, in mother-of-pearl, and the 18 K gold nib round up this Special Edition. (~$2540*)
The Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Artisan Edition
Creating icons means paying meticulous attention to the smallest of details. Each piece from the Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Artisan Edition is handcrafted – not for sentimental reasons but because only craftsmen can produce the design and finish required.
Limited to 50 pieces, the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Artisan Edition is crafted from Brazilian precious wood enhanced by 18 K white gold inlays, which pay tribute to the veteran manufacturing techniques used by Forge de Laguiole. This refined interpretation of the Meisterstück LeGrand Fountain Pen is finished by an 18 K gold nib and a Montblanc Diamond on the cap top. (~$26,600*)
Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Atelier Privé Edition
Acknowledged for their craftsmanship and by the element of the detail that is inherent to the Collection, the Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Atelier Privé Edition are products of meticulous refinement and fascinating design. Representing the absolute pinnacle of this outstanding collaboration, the Edition is strictly limited to just eight pieces. The three-dimensional pineapple pattern with its many facets is a traditional Laguiole design and one of the most challenging patterns for an Artisan to create. Each facet is set with a diamond. The cap and barrel are made of precious ebony wood. The fittings in 750 white gold and the 18 K gold nib are complemented by the Montblanc Diamond that crowns the cap top. (~$66,500*)
These elegant writing instruments are destined to be treasured by connoisseurs of true craftsmanship. The Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück L’Aubrac Editions are available from October 2012 in Montblanc boutiques worldwide.
1. The artisans select only the most exotic woods like precious grenadille and ebony wood for this exceptional collection of Writing Instruments. Cap and barrel tubes of challenging thin wall thickness are sculptured out of wooden raw material.
2. Wooden cap and barrel tubes are treated with finest sandpaper giving the surface its harmonious texture.
3. Wooden tubes are hand polished using natural wax to create a shiny and smooth surface.
4. The famous small rivets from the traditional knife handles of Forge de Laguiole are carefully set in cap and barrel tubes. Accuracy is requested as the pins need to build a plain surface with the wood.
5. The legendary Laguiole pattern is hand engraved by a master craftsman on the silver /white gold inlays and rings.
6. The engraved white gold fittings have to be manually polished to create the precious surface finish.
7. The artisan needs all his experience to mount the patented 43-facet Montblanc Diamond, cut in the shape of the iconic Montblanc emblem, on the cap top. Heat, pressure and precision is needed for this production step.
8. The nib specialist crafts the heart of the unique instrument in more than 30 individual work steps.
9. All components of the cap are finally assembled.
10. The 18 Karat gold nib undergoes a final check by the nib master craftsman. Every single nib is tested by hand to ensure perfect writing characteristics (no scratching and noise while writing).
11. After a long and onerous process the artisan carries out the finishing touches and inspects the finished masterpiece to guarantee Montblancs high quality standards.
*Prices were given as a “ballpark” from a Montblanc Boutique.
