
Great Characters
Montblanc Great Characters – A tribute to the icons of history
The idea behind the collection
Since its founding, Montblanc has stood for more than just writing instruments – the
Brand embodies the highest craftsmanship, cultural significance and a
Commitment to writing culture. The Great Characters Collection , which
was first presented in 2009 with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi,
is an impressive example of this. With this line, Montblanc pays tribute
Personalities who left lasting traces through their actions, ideas and visions
left behind.
In contrast to the traditional Patron of
Art collection, which mostly focuses on patrons of art and culture
Great Characters is aimed at a broader cultural relevance –
including personalities from politics, science, music, film and sports.
Products in this series are not just writing instruments, but lovingly
designed works of art that, with every detail, reflect aspects of life and work
of the honored persons.
Structure of the collection: Special and Limited Editions
The collection is divided into three variants:
- Special Edition (SE) : This version is limited in time but unnumbered. It is aimed at a broad audience and is often the most accessible form of the respective homage.
- Limited Edition : Limited to a specific number, matching the respective historical model. This version is characterized by fine materials and elaborate craftsmanship.
- Artisan Edition : The most exclusive versions. Often made of precious metals such as gold or platinum, they are very limited and highly sought after by collectors.
All variants are carefully designed: from the cap to the clip to
to the feather – every design element aims to capture the essence of the honored
to capture a person.
Big Names – Big Stories: Highlights of the Great Characters Collection
Muhammad Ali (2023)
The latest addition to the collection honors an icon of sports and
Civil Rights. The Great Characters Special Edition Muhammad Ali is more than
a writing instrument – it is a stylish tribute to the most famous
Heavyweight boxer in history.
The case made of matte, black precious resin is reminiscent of a
Punching bag, completed by the clip in the form of a winner's sash with the name
“ALI” and engraved laurel leaves. On the cap , which is decorated with the
white Montblanc emblem , there is the engraving “I shook
the world." The cone contains lines that represent the ropes of a boxing ring.
The handmade 585 gold nib features an engraved boxing glove.
This edition is a symbol of the unshakable charisma and the
Ali's unique style.
Elvis Presley (2020)
The King of Rock 'n' Roll has, with his musical talent and his
Charisma influenced generations. The Elvis Presley Special Edition
picks up this attitude to life: with a microphone-shaped clip, colors of his
Outfits and engravings of his most famous songs.
The use of precious resin in combination with
platinum-plated details underline the glamorous aesthetic, while
Engravings like "Jailhouse Rock" evoke memories of legendary performances. The gold nib
is decorated with a silhouette of the musician.
Enzo Ferrari (2021)
The homage to the founder of the iconic car manufacturer Ferrari ,
Enzo Ferrari , celebrates Italian engineering and passion.
The bright red of the body is reminiscent of classic Ferrari racing cars, the
Clip is modeled after a piston.
Engravings on the body and cap are reminiscent of central
Stages of his life – from the founding of the Scuderia to the first
Grand Prix victory. The pen features an engraved steering wheel. The entire edition
conveys the temperament, ambition and style of Ferrari
– a true masterpiece for motorsport and design lovers. Anyone who appreciates Ferrari aesthetics
This edition presents a unique fusion of technology,
Experience emotion and writing culture.
James Dean (2018)
James Dean is still considered the epitome of youthful rebellion. The design
is inspired by his famous leather jacket, with engraved quote: “Dream as
if you'll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”
The cap is reminiscent of the exhaust of a vintage car, and on the clip
There is an engraving of the caliber of his revolver from the film “Giants”.
Homage to The Great Gatsby
Another creative exception in the series is the edition Homage to
The Great Gatsby – inspired by the novel of the same name. With
art deco-inspired lines and a noble color palette of black, silver
and gold, this series recalls the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Combination of historical flair and modern rollerball design makes
This edition is particularly popular. Anyone interested in literature and lifestyle
interested, will find in the Gatsby Edition an ideal expression of the zeitgeist
and aesthetics – a true masterpiece for discerning collectors.
A journey through time through the Great Characters series
Year
personality
Meaning
2009
Mahatma
Gandhi
Nonviolent
freedom fighter
2011
Alfred
Hitchcock
Pioneer of
psychological thriller
2013
Albert
Einstein
Revolutionized
modern physics
2014
Leonardo da
Vinci
universal genius
the Renaissance
2015
John F.
kennedy
Symbol for
Progress and Diplomacy
2015
Andy Warhol
Father of the
Pop Art
2016
Miles Davis
Pioneers
of modern jazz
2017
The Beatles
Icons of the
Pop culture
2018
James Dean
Symbol of rebellion
and youth culture
2019
Walt Disney
inventor
modern entertainment
2020
Elvis
Presley
Revolutionary
the music scene
2021
Enzo Ferrari
Legend of the
Racing
2022
Jimi Hendrix
Pioneer of
electric guitar
2023
Muhammad Ali
civil rights activists
and sports legend
Materials, technology and design: In a class of their own
What makes the Great Characters series special is the union of
Symbolism and first-class craftsmanship . Every clip, every engraving and
Each inlay has been chosen with the utmost care to capture elements from the
to represent the life of the honored personality.
The writing instruments are often made of high-quality precious resin ,
combined with precious metals such as gold or platinum. The Montblanc emblem
always adorns the cap , often with creative variations. The elaborate
Engraved feathers are made by hand in Hamburg – usually with a
Symbol that captures the essence of the respective character. Especially in the rollerball variants
The attention to detail is reflected in the combination of
Functionality and style are particularly noticeable. If you want a dynamic writing experience
the rollerball pen offers a perfect balance between comfort
and find expressiveness.
Writing experience meets style: The writing instruments in detail
The Great Characters series includes the following variants:
- Fountain pen :
Handmade gold nibs , ideal for lovers of the classic
Writing. - Rollerball pen : Smooth, fluid writing experience
with water-based or gel ink. The rollerball pen is ideal
for users who want a velvety smooth writing experience with instant
expressiveness. Especially collectors and prolific writers
appreciate the rollerball as a perfect combination of tradition and
modern functionality. - Ballpoint pen : Precise
and durable – ideal for everyday use.
Each model brings the characteristic advantages of the respective
mechanism. The fountain pen offers a noble appearance and an individual
typeface, while the rollerball with smooth ink flow
The Montblanc ballpoint pen impresses with its instantly drying,
pasty ink – perfect for frequent writers.
More about the comparison between Montblanc ballpoint pen and rollerball.
For collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts
If you want to own a piece of contemporary history, a Montblanc
Great Characters writing instrument is the right choice. The limited editions
make many models sought-after collector's items after just a few years.
Particularly rare editions such as the LE 888 achieve high prices on the secondary market.
Prices. This applies especially to special editions such as the Enzo
Ferrari , the legendary rollerball variants or the popular Gatsby interpretation.
At the same time, these writing instruments are stylish gifts – for anniversaries,
professional successes or as a token of appreciation. They are also suitable
Excellent for an individual engraving that makes the gift even more
Those looking for something extraordinary will find it in the Meisterstück
the Great Characters collection is the perfect symbol of individuality and
Elegance.
Discover more: The Montblanc World
The Great Characters series is just an excerpt from the rich portfolio of
Montblanc. Other popular collections include:
- Montblanc
Meisterstück: The most famous line, made of black precious resin
with golden accents – a true masterpiece of modern
Writing culture. The masterpiece is not only a classic, but
Benchmark for all other collections. - Montblanc
Starwalker: Futuristic design with floating emblem – ideal for
technology enthusiasts - Montblanc
Writers Edition: Writers in Focus – a line for
Literature lovers - Montblanc
Classique: Classically elegant writing instruments for every day - Montblanc
Patron of Art: Magnificent pieces with an artistic touch
Conclusion: Personalities write history
The Montblanc Great Characters collection is an impressive
Combination of design , symbolism , material quality and writing culture .
It honors important personalities in a way that is unique in the world of writing instruments
is unique.
Whether you choose a fountain pen ,
Whether you choose a rollerball or a ballpoint pen , each pen in this series is an expression of style, appreciation, and character. It's an invitation to grasp history – with your hand.
and with the heart. Whether you are a Ferrari enthusiast, Gatsby romantic or
Masterpiece collectors – in this collection everyone will find a story that suits them.
Friends of elegant rollerball writing instruments will also appreciate the successful
Appreciate the combination of functionality and culture.