Pens of Note

Waterman Opera

 

Waterman issued the classic Man 100 line to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the company. Using the Man 100 style, in 1985 the company issued the Opera. The pen has a vintage look with body treatment that emulates a chasing pattern used on hard rubber pens of the 1920s and 1930s.

I remember buying this pen back on August 31,1991. Karen and I went to see the impressive pen department in London's Harrod's Department Store.. The pen department was located on the lower floor and I must say I had never seen an outlay of pens as extensive.

I also remember the sale very well as the sales person was very skilled. As she listened to the conversation between Karen and I. You know, "Do you really need this pen?" In 1991 getting this pen was a big deal, and at $350 CAD it was up there in terms of the pen purchases that I was making at the time. Happily, that question has run its course. But at one point there was a pause, and salesperson simply said, "What colour of ink would you like with your pen?" I have told this story to so many who are in a sales role. Using the power term "your pen" meant I already owned it. I choose Waterman Blue Black ink of course!

So here I am, over twenty-two years later, I am still using and enjoying this pen. The pen has stood the test of time in terms of style and appearance as well as quality construction. The pen looks as good as it did when I picked up at Harrod's.

While some comments on this pen, published over the years on various sites, indicate that for some users, the pen is too heavy. It is no heavier than the other Man100 lines. There is some weight to the pen as it is a acrylic resin body over a brass inner structure. This gives the pen strength, but does add some weight to it.

The prn is fitted with a 18 kt gold, number six, two toned nib, that is interchangeable with the nibs used for the Man 100 line. A very good Waterman nib that is very smooth writing. Being able to interchange the nib sections has meant that over the years this pen has meed a Medium, Broad and Stub - every writing option I would want.

 The pen sits at 5.75" long and uses a cartridge fill system. I must admit, while I like the ink capacity of piston fill pens, there is nothing easier to clean than the cartridge ink filling system. Certain standing the test of time in terms of dependability.

The pen is resin with an inner brass body, the exterior has an engraved scalloped chased design to emulated the look of hard ruber pens in the 20's and 30's. The trim is gold plate.