"Writing instruments as an investment? A worthwhile investment!" - Wallstreet Online 18.06.2024
Link to the original article: https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/18199578-schreibgeraete-wertanlage-lohnende-investition
Michael Rheinländer, Managing Director of the Rheinländer trading company, reports in an interview on the stable value development of Montblanc writing instruments.
He explains why they are a safe investment and are in no way inferior to other sought-after investments - despite the recent slump in the luxury watch market. The view of a writing instrument expert.
Mr. Rheinländer, you speak of a stable performance of Montblanc writing instruments. Can you explain this in more detail?
If we think about the price development in the watch market, two models are particularly relevant. Firstly, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which, depending on the model, was traded on the grey market at the turn of the year 21/22 for up to 220,000 euros. The current price is a maximum of 130,000 euros, despite constant demand and years of waiting lists. Another example is the extremely popular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which has plummeted from a maximum of 140,000 euros to under 80,000 euros in the same period. Of course, that is still a lot of money, but in terms of an investment, it is an extreme drop.
In contrast, for example, the Montblanc Ferrari Artisan fountain pen Limited Edition 98, which had an initial issue price of 38,000 euros, is now no longer available for less than 80,000 euros. There have also been extreme developments in the lower price segment: The Patron of Art Ludwig II Limited Edition 888 fountain pen had an issue price of less than 8,000 euros, but now significantly more than 15,000 euros must be spent to purchase this writing instrument. The Patron of Art series is generally a very popular investment, as the collection came to an end in 2022 after 30 years and many are now trying to fill gaps in their collections.
What makes Montblanc writing instruments an attractive investment?
Montblanc writing instruments are not only known for their exquisite craftsmanship, but also for their limited editions. This exclusivity makes them sought-after collectors' and investment items. In addition, Montblanc only uses the best materials, which keeps the value of the writing instruments stable in the long term. Another factor is Montblanc's annual price adjustment of between 7-10%, which leads to a continuous increase in value. Unlike many other luxury goods that depend on fashion trends, Montblanc writing instruments have a timeless value. In addition to the Hamburg company's very long history of almost 120 years, it is above all the permanent increase in value of the writing instruments that is increasingly appealing to investors. Limited Montblanc fountain pens have not experienced any loss in value over the past 20 years; on the contrary, we have seen an increase of several hundred percent in some cases. I was 15 years old when I bought my first Montblanc fountain pen in 1999. It was an impressive feeling.
How has the market for Montblanc writing instruments developed in recent years?
Over the past two decades, we have seen a remarkable increase in the value of Montblanc writing instruments. Limited editions such as the Patron of Art series or the Writers Edition now fetch prices that are many times higher than the original retail price. This is due to limited availability and increasing demand from collectors worldwide. Another example is the Writers Edition Ernest Hemingway fountain pen, which sold for 980 DM when it was introduced in 1992 and is now traded for around 4,000 euros.
What role does the Rheinländer trading house play in this market?
As the world's largest supplier of Montblanc writing instruments , alongside the brand itself, we play a central role in this market. We procure rare and limited edition writing instruments for our customers, who are often spread across the globe. Thanks to our extensive network of suppliers and private collectors, we can also fulfill unusual requests. Our expertise and commitment ensure that we can always create attractive offers for investors and collectors. I once started a small business on the eBay online trading platform. A contact with a well-known jeweler and Montblanc concessionaire led to the first cooperation and finally to the current company on January 1, 2005.
What advice do you have for potential investors who want to invest in Montblanc writing instruments?
Interested investors should first and foremost contact us. The market and the range on offer are very complex and through targeted selection and our decades of expertise we can effectively identify and broker successful investment objects. Our unique network guarantees sustainable investment and also supports the realization of deals. Limited editions and special collections should be given special attention. Patience is also important because rare pieces are not always immediately available. In the long term, however, Montblanc writing instruments are a worthwhile investment that not only brings joy but can also offer financial security. The popularity of the writing instruments is essentially based on the fact that the buyer can tie up a lot of capital in a very small space.