The history of Montblanc dates back to 1906 when a Hamburg stationery trader, a Hamburg banker, and a Berlin engineer decide to produce fountain pens. The gentlemen eventually created the Simplo Filler pen Company, based in Hamburg Germany and co-owned by the three; Claus-Johannes Voss, Christian Lausen and Wilhelm Dziambor. In 1910 they introduced the”Montblanc” fountain pen and by 1913 the Montblanc star was trademarked. In 1935, after nearly 25 years of business in pens and stationary, they branched out and began a separate leather goods production works in Lämmerspiel Germany, to make small luxury leather goods and to build upon their existing products.

Meisterstuck pen

In 1996 and 1997 Montblanc had again branched out. This time, with the introduction of the Meisterstück Jewelry line, a line of stylish accessories for men, complementing the Meisterstück writing instruments. Also, with the foundation of the Montblanc Montre S.A. in Le Locle Switzerland, and introducing the Meisterstück Watch collection at the SIHH (Salon de la Haute Horlogerie). It didn’t take very long for them to delve into other lifestyle accoutrements as well, such as fragrence and eyewear . I should note, being the watch fanatic that I am it is exceedingly difficult to merely briefly mention their watch line here, but I am sure I will address that again in a subsequent post.

Montblanc Star 4810

Last year Montblanc presented a new men’s fragrance. Called Legend, it is dedicated to inspiring, virtuous and self-confident men who are courageous, passionate and authentic. I kind of like that description, don’t you? The slightly curved bottle is inspired by the famous Meisterstück pen design, in black glass and metal it is quite weighty and very masculine. The perfumer Olivier Pescheux, who is behind this fragrance said he wanted to make a scent filled with contrasts, combining notes that evoke strength and tenderness, tradition and modernity (this certainly sounds like How to be Swell doesn’t it?). It is described as having tones of bergamot, lavender, pineapple leaf and exotic verbena. The heart emphasizes oak moss merged with geranium, coumarin, apple, rose. The base is derived sandalwood, tonka bean and evernyl. Legend is available as 30, 50 and 100 ml sizes. I wear this scent often, and I can tell you from experience that this one definitely is…swell.