Pens of Note

Waterman Edson

 

The Edson Line

The Edson pen is dedicated to the founder of the company, Edson Waterman. The Edson pen was first released in France and then in England. I am note sure of the exact release daters in France and England, however, the Edson, in Midnight Blue, was introduced to the North American market in 1993.

The pen has been produced in various colours and finished. The classics are the Midnight Blue (1993), the Emerald Green (1995) and the Ruby Red all with translucent resin colours. The translucent appearance is a result of a narrow space between the barrel and the inner lining. This allows light to pass through and give the body a translucent appearance.

Around 2004, the Edson was released in an all metal body. There were a few versions of the metal including Sterling Silver.

Finally, in 2008 a non-translucent colour was issued, the Diamond Black. I was so much looking forward to that pen I had the folks at my local pen store, Vancouver Pen, pre-order the pen for me. When it arrived, well it was a black/grey tone and not that impressive. Thankfully there was no pressure to continue with the sale. Now I regret that, I think the pen with its silver-toned platinum-plated cap would be a find addition to my collection.

There was an Limited Edition which is is overlaid with platinum-coated sterling silver, featuring a distinctive elliptical form and precisely chiselled guilloché decoration. There were 4,000 pens of this limited edition produced.

The Look

Before you even open the pen, the cap with the strong, spring loaded clip attached with a circular band to the top of the clip catches your eye. The cap is brass with 23 kt gold plate. All the trim on the pen is 23 kt gold plate. Then, in the case of the blue, green and red Edson, the translucence make the resin look like it is giving off its own light.

Remove the cap and the inlaid nib is visually stunning. There are three small gold touch points for the cap to grab the nib section. The Edson was the first time the new Waterman trademark was used on the nib: the seal of the brand, an exquisitely handwritten "W" within a hexagon. The nibs were available in seven widths

The nib sections are not black, but rather a darker tone of the same semi-translucent resin of the body. Keep that in mind in case you order a replacement of second nib. I bought a number of second nib, and each time indicating the body colour it is to match.

Unscrew the body from the nib section, each pen has a converter in the same colour as the pen. The ink feed uses a three-fissure system whichhelps to regulate the flow of ink and prevent excess discharge. Waterman notes this ink feed system is important in making the pen leak-proof upt to 30,000 feet.

Here is what Waterman said about the ink flow system in the booklet that came with the Edson:

The interior of the nib unit hides the engine of the Edson. An engine, that for the first time, prevents leakage; the most common fault in classic fountain pens.

Very simply, according to the law of physics, when pressure is exerted due to altitude or heat, the volume of air in the ink reservoir increases in volume and tends to expel the ink towards the nib.

Waterman's engineers have therefore added a compensator of unequalled efficiency to the Edson engine, which by completely absorbing any overflow, eliminates such a risk even in extreme conditions.

I have the fountain pen in all three colours, but I also acquired the ball point and the roller ball to match the green fountain pen.

You will find the serial number for the pen engraved on the side of the clip at the top. You will need a jeweller’s quality magnifying class to read it. The pen has a solid 18 karate gold nib with an inlaid design. Firm but very smooth writing. You will find the serial number for the nib section on the inside along the top of the nib section where the converter inserts. The nib gives a very smooth writing experience although it is stiff. No flex to this nib.

The cap snaps in place, held by three spring-loaded studs. This is one classy pen; it has great style. The snap-on cap is secure. No fear of over-tightening the screw-on tops. The threaded brass body gives this pen a solid feel. The rubber gasket, just before the threads, creates a good tight seal.

As I look at my Owner's Booklet I see the Edson came with a lifetime warranty!

 

Waterman Edson Ruby