Montblanc continues to celebrate a century of excellence with its ‘100 Years of Meisterstück’ as it unveils the second chapter of this year’s anniversary campaign.
Following the introduction of the first chapter of ‘100 Years of Meisterstück’ in May, featuring a short film by the award-winning director and screenwriter Wes Anderson, this time Montblanc has decided to delve deeper into its own extraordinary world with a series of new campaign visuals that pay tribute to the iconic Meisterstück writing instrument. The first chapter reintroduced Montblanc and Meisterstück to the world with a playful story following a trio of colourful characters – comprising Anderson himself alongside actors Rupert Friend and Jason Schwartzman – at the fictional Montblanc Headquarters, situated at the peak of the eponymous Mont Blanc mountain. The second chapter reveals another aspect of the Maison’s story, while still embodying the same infectious feelings of comfortable, whimsical adventure.
Since its debut in 1924, the Meisterstück – named for the German word for ‘masterpiece’ – has remained a keenly sought-after writing instrument, renowned as the pre-eminent piece among a series of hero products created by the Maison. Originally envisioned as a special ‘Sunday-use’ pen, not intended for everyday business, the Meisterstück today is viewed by many as the quintessential companion of writers, poets and penmen. Certainly, it can be said to have made its mark on the world, having found its way into the hands of many of history’s most influential figures.
At the core of the instrument’s enduring appeal is its distinctive design, which has been increasingly refined and honed to perfection over the last 100 years. The elegant silhouette and exquisite details of such treasured items are a reflection of Montblanc’s unflinching dedication to the highest standards of craftsmanship. However, it is within the smallest of details that one will find the most stunning demonstrations of both the Meisterstück’s own design philosophy and the ethos of the Montblanc brand. The number ‘4810’, the height of the real Mont Blanc in metres, engraved upon the two-toned gold nib of the pen, serves as an apt reminder of the Maison’s alpine legacy, while the bold clip and streamlined shape each provide a sense of simple, yet timeless sophistication.
As the ‘100 Years of Meisterstück’ campaign continues into its second chapter, the new campaign visuals transport the viewer back to the pristine, snow-covered peak of Mont Blanc, and the endearingly whimsical Montblanc universe previously brought to life by Wes Anderson and the short film he created for the first chapter. Captured by expert photographer Charlie Gray, familiar faces from the beginning of the campaign make their return – including actor Rupert Friend, Korean actor and Montblanc Mark Maker Lee Jinuk, Chinese actor and Montblanc Global Brand Ambassador Jing Boran, and Indian-American actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia – to bask once more in the warm glow of pleasant nostalgia and singular craftsmanship.
Also featuring alongside the iconic Meisterstück fountain pen within the new campaign visuals are pieces from Montblanc’s exquisite Extreme 3.0 leather collection, shown in a brand-new lavender-grey colouration. Bearing an original geometric motif – a descendant of the Maison’s 1920s visual language and style – and the M LOCK 4810 closure inspired by the dependable yet easy-to-handle closures favoured by professional mountaineers, this marvellously contemporary leather collection weds Montblanc’s rich heritage with new, modern and daring forms, combining both style and functionality.
Some particular highlights among the items featured include the Extreme 3.0 Backpack with M LOCK 4810 buckle, the Extreme 3.0 Montblanc 142 Bag Mini with M LOCK 4810 buckle – sported in photographs by Rupert Friend and Jing Boran – and the Extreme 3.0 Sling Bag with M LOCK 4810 buckle, worn cross-body by Lee Jinuk.
Maison Montblanc’s ‘100 Years of Meisterstück’ is a well-earned, gregarious celebration of everything that makes its fine Meisterstück writing instruments unique. Between a legacy of fine craft and a future-facing vision for innovation, for those who love to write their own ticket, there is no finer implement to do so with than this aptly named ‘masterpiece’.
