Parker Changing Everything?

[Brilliant Bill]

Just got a promo mailing from folks at ipenstore in Michigan. They're not prone to hype, but this sounds pretty far out...

"Parker has been our most important pen brand since our original store opened on Michigan Avenue in Chicago in 1932. Parker is still our best-selling product line and our deepest inventory brand. We regularly bring Parker products in from Europe that aren't available in the US market (especially hard to find Jotter colors!) We've even sampled products manufactured in India by Luxor under a Parker license.

"Now, over the next few months, we'll be working closely with Parker to introduce the complete re-engineering of the entire Parker product line. Parker is calling it the 'Parker Transformation 2016' and we've never experienced a bigger product re-introduction in our company history. EVERY Parker product has been redesigned."

[jar]

I have also heard that from several authorized dealers.

[gwgtaylor]

The Duofolds available from the UK Parker site are completely different. Metal Duofolds? Crazy!


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[gwgtaylor]

Actually go to parkerpen.com --they've already updated all the models. sonnets have shiny metal sections now. It's true--all models redesigned.


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[gwgtaylor]

Ok. False alarm. I was on the UK site. :-/ oops. Still--the redesigned models are there to be ogled. Also if you want to take advantage of the weak pound sterling you can use Borderlinx to get a pen from the UK


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[Blue Note]

Where are Parkers being made now? The last one I bought (a Sonnet) was made in France.

[gwgtaylor]

Pens are made in France--Nantes I believe.


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[gwgtaylor]

Actually Saint-Herblain rather. That's for their high end pens like Duofolds and Sonnets. Not sure if everything is made there.


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[Blue Note]

Actually Saint-Herblain rather. That's for their high end pens like Duofolds and Sonnets. Not sure if everything is made there.


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I believe their lower end offerings are made in the Far-East. I don't think any Parkers are made in the US or the UK, but I could be wrong.

[gwgtaylor]

Yes I've heard the super low end stuff is made in China. Not confirmed. Anything with a gold nib is France. U.K. New Haven plant closed a few years ago and USA Janesville closed in the mid 90s I think.


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[Mags]

I wish this sort of news was in PenWorld or Fountain Pen Journal in upcoming issues. I just still really enjoy reading a printed magazine. when did all this change start?

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[gwgtaylor]

I wish this sort of news was in PenWorld or Fountain Pen Journal in upcoming issues. I just still really enjoy reading a printed magazine. when did all this change start?

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I noticed a few months ago. It almost seems like they are piloting the new designs in the UK. I agree--would be nice to read something official about it somewhere.


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[Kaputnik]

Yes I've heard the super low end stuff is made in China. Not confirmed. Anything with a gold nib is France. U.K. New Haven plant closed a few years ago and USA Janesville closed in the mid 90s I think.


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My one modern Parker, an IM, had "made in China" on the package but not on the pen itself. For me, Parkers are all about the vintage models, although I'm sure their high end pens are still good.

[gwgtaylor]

Their high end models are still fabulous. Got a new Ivorine Duofold Centennial and it's a true masterpiece. I prefer C/C pens so I'm modern all the way.


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