Designer Watches | Designer Pens

Cross pens

Cross pens appeared in 1846 as the elegant creation of Richard Cross; throughout his life Richard Cross patented an incredible number of twenty one pens until he passed the company over to his son Alonzo. At present the company is proud to be preserving the oldest tradition in the design and manufacturing of chirography instruments.

In 1879 the precursor of the ballpoint pen was released by the company with a considerable commercial effect, and later on, in 1930 the company’s first fountain pen appeared. In 1946 the company’s new logo, the Century, was introduced, and it still preserves its meaning even today. Since its beginnings the company has sold more than one hundred million pens becoming a symbol of quality and longevity.

Cross pens are known as being more traditional than trendy, they focus more on quality than on design, and here, the Century II model is the best example possible since this is the one to combinerefinement with high class style. In 1916 Walter R. Boss bought the company and encouraged his son Ellery to share his passion for good pens. Ellery joined his father in 1920 and led the company for more than forty years retiring only in 1966.

In those years Cross become a company known more as a line of personal leather accessories than as a pen maker. However, following a definitely ascending path, in 1971, it was listed to the American Stock Exchange, and later on, new partners were attracted to start designing other types of appreciated fine products.

Over the last two decades Cross pens imposed themselves more as being a work of art than simple writing tools; and their price has often been considered relevant for the tradition they represent. In 1993 the Townsend fountain pen and the Selectip ballpoint pen were designed; only high quality materials were used in the process of which we could mention eighteen and ten karat gold, black lacquer, medalist and titanium. The Century II appeared in 1996, it mainly relied on fourteen or ten karat gold, blue wood, black lacquer or rose wood.

These features strictly belonged to the Century model for the international market. Another variety was produced exclusively for the American continent, and the pen was plated with gold of twenty three karats, medalist, black lacquer and chrome, the set also included a ballpoint pen, a rolling ball pen, a 0.5 millimeters pencil and a fountain pen. Later models like the ATX, Verve and Apogee respected the luxurious line the company has followed from its beginnings.

Lamy Pens

Though designed and launched on the European market, Lamy pens imposed themselves as some of the best products in the field. Initially specialized in the production of fountain pens, the German company started its activity in the early 30s and opened the door to the use of synthetic plastics for the making of the product. Thus, Lamy pens were among the most first to use such manufacturing primary matters. The company was founded as a family business and it has remained with the Lamies ever since, being presently run by the founder’s son. The guiding principle of the Lamy pens is their functionality, always kept at the highest standards possible.

Lamy pens and refills are utilitarian first and foremost, and each product launched on the market has a specific name that distinguishes it from the others. Take for instance the Scribble model: this is a mechanical pencil with graphite refills that works great for drawing sketches. Thus, when you look for a certain item among the many Lamy pens, you should also be familiar with this surname of the product. Awards for quality pen design are among the many distinctions the Lamy company has received over years, and this should not surprise one since pens launched in the 60s are still in production today.

Lamy produces fountain pens and ballpoints alike; the latter have the advantage of modern designs such as telescoping and triangular models. These kinds of Lamy pens come in all sort of chromed colored finishings, some of them being sold together with especially designed leather carrying cases. Here is one further reason for which Lamy perns make great gifts for a dear one or for a business partner, as they are suitable for both personal and formal gift making. Some Lamy pens that are produced in the ballpoint variant have remained faithful to the fountain pen design.

Among the more special Lamy pens we should include the multi-system varieties that make a combination of ballpoint and a highlighter in one unique body. Most such models are made of aluminum and presently enjoy a high value recognition on the market. On the other hand, there are the mechanical Lamy pens that deserve all the attention, as they are considered highly reliable tools particularly for people who depend on sketching. From 0.7 to 3.15 mm variants, such Lamy pens have clip removing features as well as integrated erasers and needles for corrections and de-clogging.