Make A Note: 11 Luxury Pen Brands Worthy Of Your Desk
A scratchy, blotchy, uncomfortable pen is one of life’s great frustrations. In contrast, there’s something extremely satisfying about using a writing implement that has weight and balance and glides across the page, giving a consistent, clear line.
You can point your stylus at us all you want; nothing beats a pen. So whether you’re looking to treat yourself or give the gift of luxurious writing to someone else, here’s our rundown of the greatest pen makers in the world right now.
Graf Von Faber-Castell
Ape’s Pick: Anello Ballpoint Pen
Established in Germany in 1761 by entrepreneur Kaspar Faber, Graf von Faber-Castell is one of the oldest and best-known companies in the field of writing instruments.
Renowned for using luxury materials such as resin, ebony and ivory, the brand produces an array of ballpoint and fountain pens as well as mechanical pencils that are worth every penny.
Buy now at Graf Von Faber-Castell
MontBlanc
Ape’s Pick: Meisterstück Ballpoint Pen
Crafters of some of the finest pens money can buy, Montblanc is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the luxury pen world. Although now a global brand dealing in leather goods, watches and more, the beating heart of Montblanc remains its writing instruments.
The iconic Meisterstück – which translates to ‘masterpiece’ – isn’t just a pen; it’s a status symbol. With its ribbed cap, glossy black body and gold accents, it’s the Rolex Submariner of writing tools: timeless, elegant and endlessly imitated.
But Montblanc goes further. Its Writers Edition and Great Characters series honour literary and historical giants – from Hemingway to Shakespeare, Mandela to Einstein – with limited-edition pens that are as collectable as they are functional. If you’re looking for a gift that borders on art, this is it.
Montegrappa
Ape’s Pick: Extra Otto Fountain Pen
Founded in 1912 and still producing from its original workshop by the River Brenta, Montegrappa pens are steeped in Italian flair, historical charm and unapologetic luxury. This is the brand for those who like their writing tools with a bit of drama and a lot of character.
The Extra Otto is one of Montegrappa’s finest creations—a bold octagonal design inspired by vintage pens from the 1930s, handcrafted in natural celluloid and trimmed with sterling silver. Thanks to the organic nature of the materials, each one is slightly different, and the 18k gold nib ensures a writing experience as smooth as silk.
It’s less an everyday jotter, more a statement piece – one that whispers wealth rather than screams it. Think of it as the Ferrari of fountain pens: high-performance, unmistakably Italian, and built to turn heads.
S.T. Dupont
Ape’s Pick: D-initial Rollerball Pen
S.T. Dupont was originally founded as a carriage-making company in France, but after a destructive fire, founder Simon Tissot-Dupont turned his attentions to a workshop and began crafting briefcases. Since then, the luxury goods company has become widely known for its exquisite range of writing implements.
The D-initial Rollerball is enjoyably chunky, with a wonderful black body accented by polished chrome. The perfect luxury jotter.
Chopard
Ape’s Pick: Allegro Ballpoint Pen
Precision and unfaltering quality are the name of the game at Chopard, and so is its penchant for slightly alternative design. While other brands stick to familiar silhouettes, Chopard pens are known for their curvature and shape, resulting in comfortable and eye-catching writing instruments.
Case in point: the Allegro Ballpoint. Its curved edges, smooth resin and recognisably fluid writing combine to make it an extremely luxurious option.
Cross
Ape’s Pick: ATX Brushed Black Ballpoint Pen
For over 175 years, Cross has quietly built a reputation for stylish, dependable writing tools – the kind that feel right at home in both a boardroom and a breast pocket. The ATX range is where the brand leans into contemporary design, offering a sleeker, more sculptural silhouette without sacrificing the heritage feel.
The ATX Brushed Black Ballpoint is effortlessly cool – matte black, with chrome accents and an ergonomic shape that fits the hand like it was custom-made. It’s not overly flashy but still feels special. The twist mechanism is smooth, the ink flow is reliable, and the build quality is spot on.
A workhorse with style – ideal for daily use, yet sharp enough to gift.
Sheaffer
Ape’s Pick: Sheaffer 100 Black Ballpoint Pen
Sheaffer has been synonymous with quality American penmanship since 1913. It offers sturdy, no-nonsense writing instruments that quietly get the job done—and look good doing it. With its classic cigar-shaped silhouettes and polished finishes, the brand has long been a favourite among those who favour function over flash.
The Sheaffer 100 is a solid introduction to luxury pens. With its glossy black barrel, gold-tone accents and satisfyingly weighty feel, it punches well above its price tag. The twist-action ballpoint mechanism is smooth and reliable, while the ink flow is clean and crisp.
A dependable everyday pen with just enough polish to impress – think of it as the navy blazer of your desk drawer.
Caran d’Ache
Ape’s Pick: Léman Grand Bleu Fountain Pen
A Swiss brand synonymous with precision, Caran d’Ache has been producing luxury writing instruments since 1915. The house is especially well regarded for its meticulous attention to detail and flawless enamel work.
The Léman Grand Bleu is a standout, combining fluid design with a vivid deep blue lacquer reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer. Paired with a gold nib and buttery ink flow, it’s a fountain pen that makes every signature feel like a declaration.
Yard-O-Led
Ape’s Pick: Viceroy Grand Barley Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
Handmade in the UK and steeped in tradition, Yard-O-Led pens are a rare mix of craftsmanship and collectability. Each pen is made from solid sterling silver and hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter – a fact that should make Anglophiles swoon.
The Viceroy Grand Barley offers Victorian elegance, complete with barley-patterned engraving and a reassuring weight in the hand. It’s less pen, more heirloom.
Pilot (Namiki)
Ape’s Pick: Custom 823 Fountain Pen
Japan’s answer to fine European penmanship, Pilot – particularly through its Namiki sub-brand – has become a cult favourite among serious writers. The Custom 823, often called one of the smoothest-writing pens ever made, has a vacuum filler mechanism and a 14k nib that glides like silk.
It’s a perfect blend of innovation and understated luxury, proving elegance isn’t always wrapped in silver and gold.
Lamy
Ape’s Pick: Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen
While it sits on the more accessible end of the luxury scale, Lamy still deserves its seat at the table. Designed in 1966 and still in production today, the Lamy 2000 is a Bauhaus masterpiece – minimalist, reliable and endlessly functional.
The matt Makrolon body and spring-loaded clip make it a favourite among design purists. Proof that good taste doesn’t always have to shout.
