Founded in 1918, Waldmann is a well-loved and respected German stationery maker. Known for their classic styles and use of Sterling Silver in their high-end models, this brand has only come into my purview in the past year as they made a push into the US market.
Waldmann’s US distributor, Luxury Brands, sent me several pens to check out, and the Précieux immediately stood out among the group. The style, design, feel, and look of the pen are all right up my alley. But before I break it all down, I want to quickly discuss my review process as it relates to this pen, because I’ve found it to be especially challenging.
Objective: Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering or representing facts.
Subjective: Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
When reviewing products, I think I do a good job on both sides of the objective/subjective ledger. That said, I believe in having an opinion at the end of the day. The difficult thing is that it is just that: One persons opinion. I’m fortunate that people find my opinions valuable, and I’m going to keep giving my opinions. But sometimes, like in the case of the Waldmann Précieux, the subjective butts up against the objective in a challenging way.
Objectively, the Précieux is a great pen. Waldmann’s build quality is exceptional. The metal barrel is well-balanced and comfortable to use. The 18k gold nib - manufactured for Waldmann by Bock - is tuned perfectly for writing right out of the box. It’s all-around enjoyable to use, and beautiful to look at. If I was forced to put down a negative, the only one I could come up with is that it feels priced a little high. Not outrageously high by any stretch, but there is a ton of competition in the $400 price range.
Subjectively, I’m finding it difficult to come up with any reason to own this pen myself. On the surface, it falls into the Cross, Parker, Sheaffer, and Waterman category: Safe, trusted brands. Brands that just work. Also, brands that make products I rarely find compelling, despite how nice the end result is.
The Précieux wasn’t the only Waldmann pen I was able to take a look at. I was sent the Tuscany, Commander, and Xetra models as well. And while the Précieux jumped out of the box in relation to the rest of the group (I guess I have expensive tastes!) the rest of these are just as nice. In fact, I think the Tuscany in Rose Gold is the best looking of the bunch, and for just over $200 with a steel nib, makes a more compelling buying argument.
Waldmann Tuscany
Waldmann Commander
Waldmann Xetra
(Sidebar: Why do companies not include converters with the purchase of a pen? I don’t care if the selling price is $20 or $2000, the manufacturer cost for a converter is minuscule, and the benefit and goodwill it offers with inclusion far outstrips the cost. The Précieux only comes with a converter because it is integrated in the design of the pen. The others don’t.)
Waldmann makes good pens. Their designs are eye-catching in a classic sense, and they have 100 years of production behind them. There is clearly a market there, even though I may not be rushing to pick one up for myself. If you like the look of their pens, I think you will be happy with your purchase. They are very well made. Personally, I am interested in what they are doing on the ballpoint and pencil side of the ledger, and may look at exploring those next and seeing what else this brand has to offer.
For further reading, JetPens has a lengthy interview with Stefan Schnirch, CEO of Waldmann, and also carries a wide range of Waldmann ballpoint and fountain pens.
(Luxury Brands loaned this product to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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