Best Waterman Fountain Pen
Birthed in 1883, Waterman has staked their claim as one of the most prolific pen brands across the world. With the mark of influential 18th-century writers like Beaumarchais, Diderot, and Rousseau, it’s unsurprising that other writers have been drawn to Waterman’s bold French influence and design.
Of course, modern fountain pens have evolved to become status symbols and precious keepsakes for a much larger demographic, with people treating them more like investments in the future than a simple writing utensil.
Still, Waterman’s influence on fountain pen users remains unchanged through their centuries-long history.
Maybe you’re unfamiliar with Waterman pens, or you’re simply looking to add a touch of elegance to your office stationery. Either way, we compiled a list of our favorite pens from every collection that will help you find a pen that matches your style.
7 Best Waterman Fountain Pens (Our Review)
Waterman Carene Fountain Pen – Black Sea ST Silver Trim (Best Overall)
- High-gloss black lacquer barrel for a distinctly pleasurable writing experience
- Liquid-shine palladium-plated trim and clip make a bold, modern statement
- Taking its cue from the majestic bow of a ship, the integrated rhodium plated 18-karat solid gold nib boasts a sophisticated curved design to glide effortlessly across the page
- Meticulously crafted in France to enhance your signature style
- Presented in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box with a Converter; ideal for marking momentous occasions
Known for its smooth lines and sleek design, the Carene collection gives off an air of luxury while still retaining a bold personality.
Inspired by the bow of a ship, and offering a sophisticated design that glides across the page with minimal effort.
The rhodium-plated 18k solid gold nib comes with a medium-sized tip or a fine nib, making it the ideal choice for many fountain pen users. Presented in a luxury gift box, the pen comes with its own converter as well as a cartridge of blue ink.
Pros
- Includes converter
- Sleek design
- Striking blue colorway
Cons
- Not available in other color options
Waterman Exception Fountain Pen – Black Lacquer Silver Trim (Most Versatile)
- Exception Slim Blue Lacquer ST Medium Point Fountain Pen
- Fountain Pen Medium Point
Waterman’s Exception pen collection is known for its classic finishes and elegant design. With its unique yet functional square body, the Exception is an excellent way to make a statement while still keeping a professional and sophisticated look to your fountain pen.
The Waterman Exception pen is cased in a smooth, black lacquer with solid silver trimmings and an 18k gold rhodium-plated sterling silver nib with detailed vertical chiseling. The gold nib is flexible which makes for a smooth writing experience.
The pen comes with a medium nib and includes one blue ink cartridge, packaged neatly in a luxury gift box.
One of the best features of the Exception is its versatility and the ability to use the included converter to easily change your pen for use with bottled ink.
Pros
- Distinctive shape
- Good for professional use
- Includes converter
Cons
- Square design not ideal for all users
Waterman Allure Fountain Pen – Red Chrome Trim (Best for Everyday Writing)
- Choose from a range of sophisticated barrel colours
- Engraved durable steel nib for consistent everyday writing
- Comes equipped with vivid erasable blue ink
- Refillable with short or long Waterman ink cartridges
- Perfect for students and professionals; Presented in a Waterman gift box
If you’re looking for a pen that’s fashionable while still maintaining the elegance of a modern fountain pen, the Allure collection may just be what you’re looking for.
This bold, red lacquer pen with a matte finish gives you just the right amount of flair without looking tacky and is our favorite pick for an everyday fountain pen. The design also comes in a blue and black variation for a more understated look.
The classic Waterman nib comes with a stainless steel, fine-tip point with an elegant palladium finish. This fountain pen is made with classic Waterman craftsmanship and is a great pick for a budget-friendly or gifting option.
Unlike most budget fountain pens, there’s no worry that you’re getting a product of inferior quality. Thanks to Waterman’s comprehensive testing and production procedures, you can be sure that your pen has been thoroughly vetted by a team of qualified experts.
Pros
- Good for everyday use
- Stylish and bold
- Budget-friendly
- Available in 3 colorways
Cons
- Only available with Fine nib
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen – Lacquer Black Gold Trim (Best Customizable)
- Generous silhouette for premium, executive styling and supreme comfort when writing
- Sophisticated gloss black lacquered body, gleaming 23-karat golden trim and clip, and broad ring embellished with the brand name
- Smooth, consistent, skilfully constructed stainless steel and 23-karat gold nib engraved with the iconic Waterman emblem
- Meticulously crafted in France to enhance your signature style
- Presented in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box; ideal for celebrating graduations, promotions and new jobs
With its powerful cigar-shaped silhouette, the Waterman Expert is a fountain pen that demands your attention. The toned-down design aesthetic is subtle enough to blend in well with almost any environment while still proudly displaying its personality and charm.
The 23k gold trimmings create a striking contrast against the smooth, black lacquer body and highlight the sleek, modern design of the pen. This creates a striking balance between classic style and contemporary audacity.
The stainless steel nib is gold-plated and comes in a variety of sizes. This gives the option of customization depending on your writing needs. If you’re a fan of calligraphy, you can tend towards fine or medium nibs. If you’re looking for something to take comprehensive notes with, consider a bold nib size.
A Waterman Expert makes an attractive addition to any office stationery and is the obvious choice for any business-oriented powerhouse.
Pros
- Elegant
- Good for professional use
- Choice of nib size
Cons
- Converter sold separately
Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen – Mars Lacquer Black Chrome (Most Functional)
- Waterman Hemisphere Mars Black Chrome Trim Fountain Pen Medium
- Black
Boasting classic Parisian influence and flair, the Waterman Hemisphere collection is the slimmest collection of fountain pens in its catalog.
Both the narrow design and lightweight feel make this fountain pen one of the most comfortable to use for extended periods. It also fits seamlessly into any pocket or purse, making it ideal for both business and personal use.
Compared to some of the other Waterman fountain pens available, the Hemisphere is more simplistic in form. With its classic look, this pen is a minimalistic beauty.
People with larger hands might struggle to use the Waterman Hemisphere owing to its slim physique. Your hand can start cramping after an hour or two if you have to squeeze your fingers together to get a proper grip.
Featuring a Mars black lacquer casing, the slim, understated shape of the pen is contrasted by a broad chrome ring and matching trim. The medium-sized tip is hyper-resistant and ensures a smooth writing experience. It’s made of stainless steel and showcases an intricate set of detailed engravings.
The Hemisphere also includes its own converter.
Pros
- Slim shape
- Comfortable feel
- Classic look
- Includes converter
Cons
- Lightweight feel not ideal for all users
Waterman Embleme Fountain Pen – Ivory Chrome Trim (Best Writing Experience)
- Taking inspiration from the iconic Parisian skyline, emblème’s modern designs exude effortless style and success
- Precious resin barrel in a refined shade of ivory that brings to mind crisp and delicate elegance; large pen size provides total comfort and a satisfying feel in the hand
- Stainless steel cap with chrome plating, modelled on the grey zinc rooftops of Paris, for a bold yet elegant finish
- Skilfully constructed large stainless steel nib, engraved with a distinctive Eiffel Tower design, enhances the pleasure of putting pen to paper
- Meticulously crafted in France and presented in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box; an ideal present for sophisticated taste-makers and those that appreciate true Parisian design
Known for its graceful Parisian style and flair, the Embleme is a dream come true for any fountain pen collector or aficionado.
The cigar-shaped barrel is made from clean, lightweight ivory and resin and is finished with superior polished palladium trimming.
The Embleme is known for its oversized nib and flaunts a simplistic yet classy engraving of the Eiffel Tower to give your pen a certain je ne sais quoi. The grip is fluted for comfort, allowing you to hold it comfortably in the center. The overall lighter feel of the pen makes for an unmatched writing experience.
Unlike some of its Waterman counterparts, the Embleme’s converter is sold separately. Considering the price, we would have liked for it to be included in the package and we don’t really understand why it’s not.
Pros
- Unique nib design
- Decorative
- Good for any situation
Cons
- Converter sold separately
Waterman Perspective Fountain Pen – Black GT (Best for Gifts)
- Deep gloss black lacquer barrel and telescopic metal grip for a distinctly pleasurable writing experience
- Chrome coloured trim, palladium clip and geometric patterned wide central ring highlight the expressive elegance of this urban design
- Stainless steel nib with a finely engraved web of powerful, oblique lines for sharp-edged impact
- Meticulously crafted in France to enhance your signature style
- Presented in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box with a Converter; ideal for marking momentous occasions
With a Gold plated stainless steel nib that features oblique geometric lines and a 23k gold clip, this lavish pen is the perfect statement piece for any collection.
The pen is sold with your choice of a fine or medium tip and is presented in a luxury Waterman gift box. It makes the perfect gift for that special person in your life, or even for yourself. After all, you deserve to be spoiled every now and then too.
If you prefer to use bottled ink for your fountain pens, be sure to buy the Perspective converter as it’s not included with the pen.
Pros
- Unique nib design
- Choice of nib size
- Glossy finish
Cons
- Converter not included
Waterman Fountain Pen Buyer’s Guide
Why Choose Waterman Pens?
Waterman’s Parisian style and classic French craftsmanship have set them apart since 1883. Waterman gained its reputation after being awarded a Gold Medal of Excellence at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, and have since continued to maintain their position as one of the most well-known brands in writing instruments.
Priding themself on their superior quality, every Waterman pen is assembled by hand and tested by one of their experts to ensure that it meets the exacting Waterman standards. Each pen sold comes with a 3-year warranty that can be extended to 5 years with product registration.
The company is also known for its creation of pens with clips, allowing for them to fit securely in your pocket and not leak ink all over the place.
With a wide range of collections, Waterman caters to almost every price point, from budget-friendly options to more expensive, luxury pens for collectors.
Waterman Collections
With seven collections to suit any kind of writer, Waterman pens are traditionally sold in three writing mediums: the rollerball, the ballpoint pen, and the fountain pen.
Allure
Introduced by Waterman as the ideal fountain pen to introduce new writers to ‘Fine Writing,’ the Allure series pairs a modern French design with the elegance of a classic pen.
The Allure collection boasts fashionable designs with smooth lacquer finishes to create a pen that’s as elegant as it is trendy.
Expert
The Expert collection masterfully combines traditional styling and modern influence into its design ethos. Made with smooth lacquers and intricate detailing, the Expert range is all about authority and confidence.
This fountain pen brings a regal brilliance to any situation, ideal for creating a lasting first impression.
Carene
This contemporary statement of individuality combines precious metals and high-quality leathers into its design, making the Carene the ultimate declaration of elevated style.
The integrated nib dances effortlessly across the page with its smooth tip and lightweight feel.
Embleme
Showcasing the French elegance that Waterman is known for, this pen is inspired by the beauty of the Parisian skyline.
Embleme also boasts the largest and most striking nib across all of Waterman’s collections, with each nib adorned with a minimalistic etching of the Eiffel Tower.
Hemisphere
With its narrow form and slim barrel, the Hemisphere is a true testament to Waterman’s eye for detail.
The Hemisphere is known for its colorways and metallic patterns and effects, with the fine detailing carried through onto the nib of the pen. Available in a variety of finishes, including palladium, matte lacquer, and a luxurious silk print, this pen was designed for even the most discerning of writers.
Similar to the other collections, the Hemisphere series comes in the standard three writing mediums, as well as in a mechanical pencil variant.
Exception
True to its name, the Exception is known for its unprecedented technical ingenuity and stunning square design.
Made from smooth lacquer and durable material, this prestigious range of pens incorporates a unique bayonet system to ensure the perfect alignment of the cap.
If you’re looking for a pen to draw the eye, look no further than Waterman’s Exception series.
Perspective
Pairing intelligent architectural design with elaborate geometric influence, the Perspective is truly a pen like no other.
With a telescoping metal grip and patterned nib and central ring, you’re guaranteed a well-rounded writing experience of class and comfort.
Conclusion
Waterman is known for its sleek, classic designs and beautiful artistry that translates seamlessly from its Parisian background to its pens.
From journaling to signing business deals in the boardroom, owning a Waterman will boost your confidence as a writer and elevate your personal and professional style.
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