The 5 Best Waterman Pens

By Samantha Di Nardo

Best waterman pens

The 5 Best Waterman Pens

By Samantha Di Nardo

Welcome to the wonderful world of Waterman pens! If you are reading this article, you have probably already decided that you are interested in owning or gifting a Waterman. However, when you are going to drop a minimum of $60 on a pen you want to make sure you are getting the best.

This article is here to help with the top 5 Waterman pens available to you. There can be a lot to think about like writing style, size, cost, and, of course, the look.

I'll look at all these factors as I break down the top 5. Moreover, if you thought these are just for fountain pen users watch out! (Waterman's ballpoint pen is a thing of beauty...)

 

What's the deal with the Waterman Fountain Pen?

 

For all the pen enthusiasts out there, you probably hear the name Waterman and immediately think of their rich history in the world of fountains pens.

Innovator of the "Three Fissure Feed" (a major victory in the ever gruesome battle of fountain pen ink leakage), founder Lewis Edson Waterman was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work with the fountain pen.

As a testament to its popularity, by the end of the 19th century, seven out of ten writing tools were Watermans.

Today, the Waterman fountain pen is still considered an excellent choice (surviving over 100 years of competition).

However, the fountain pen isn't all the brand has. They kept up with the innovations of the 20th century to produce ballpoint pens and rollerball pens that are genuinely excellent at writing, not to mention truly beautiful to look at.

 

Top 5 Best Waterman Pens

 

There are tons of reviews out there about their pens. Consequently, that's a great place to find advice from real people to find the perfect gift. This is just my list of favorite Waterman pens. The results of which are based on a combination of three factors:

  1. Customer reviews
  2. Popularity
  3. The judgement of our expert staff (we love pens as much as our customers, and we handle them every day. In fact, as I write this, I've got a Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball in my shirt pocket).

 

Here is our list of Waterman’s top 5 pens.

 

1. Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Pen

 

hand holding Black Gold Waterman Hemisphere

 

Color: High Gloss Black Lacquer with 23k Gold Trim; available in stainless steel and with chrome trims

Size: Medium point

Writing Styles Available: Fountain Pen, Rollerball Pen, Ballpoint Pen

Ink Color: Mysterious Blue Ink

Price Range: $56.99-115.49

By far the most popular Waterman pen, both the matte and lacquer versions have received rave reviews.

The elegant, slim design makes for a refined silhouette. It reflects a crisp style with a 23-karat gold trim and Waterman’s iconic nib.

It's no wonder that it ranks high among the best ballpoint pens in the market.

Indeed, this ballpoint pen has 5-stars from Dayspring Pens, being a best-selling pen. Waterman does not disappoint with this everyday user. 

Find your Hemisphere at: 

Dayspring Pens

Amazon

2. Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen

 

Waterman Expert Ballpoint pen with signature engraving

 

Color: Black with gold and chrome trim (pictured above in the ballpoint version)

Nib Size: Medium nib

Writing Styles Available: Fountain Pen, Rollerball Pen, Ballpoint Pen

Ink Color: Black Ink

Price Range: $136.49-167.99

With a high-quality stainless steel, the Waterman Expert pen is designed to last a lifetime.

Even with heavy use, the durable cigar-shaped body is ideal for writing day in and day out. The Waterman fountain pen is also quite exceptional with its unbelievably smooth texture and consistent ink flow.

 Buy your Waterman Expert at:

Dayspring Pens

Amazon

3. Waterman Carene Fountain Pen

 

Color: Black Lacquer and Chiseled Silver Plating with 23k Gold Trim

Nib Size: Medium fine point 

Writing Styles Available: Rollerball Pen and Ballpoint through Dayspring Pens

Ink Color: Black Ink Cartridges

Price Range: $149.99-215.99

With a high-quality 18kt gold plated nib, the Waterman Carene Fountain pen is perfection. Fluid curves meld with sleek modern finishes to evoke a boat cutting across the waves.

This pen is a testament to the brand with materials that match the elegance of the design. The writing experience is just as fantastic as the look. 

Related Topic: The Story of How Waterman Came to Define Fountain Pen Elegance

4. Waterman Perspective Rollerball Pen

 

Color: High Gloss Black Lacquer with 23kt Gold Appointments

Size: Fine point

Writing Styles Available: Rollerball Pen, Ballpoint Pen

Ink Color: Black Ink (blue ink available)

Price Range: $146.99-157.49

This Waterman rollerball pen is one of the best due to its smooth the writing experience of the rollerball is combined with the uniqueness of the pen.

Far and away Waterman's most modern looking pen, the Perspective has a solidness about it from its look to its feel in hand that makes it feel as expensive as it looks. 

 Learn More: What Is a Rollerball Pen?

5. Waterman Exception Ballpoint Pen

 

Waterman Exception ballpoint with signature engraving

 

Color: High Gloss Black with 23kt Gold Trim

Size: Fine point

Writing Styles Available: Rollerball Pen, Ballpoint Pen

Ink Color: Mysterious Blue Ink

Price Range: $314.99-356.99

While this pen is square, which sounds uncomfortable and weird, in reality, it is far and away my favorite Waterman pen.

The mechanical function of the twist-action is addictively satisfying to twist open and closed. The weight is perfectly balanced in your hand, and it writes beautifully.

I'll be completely honest. I thought this pen was going to be overrated due to the price, but (by golly!) it's actually incredible. 

Discover: How Ballpoint Pens Are Made

 

All The Best Waterman Pens

 

There are seven different collections currently on the market by Waterman, not to mention some limited edition releases. Each can be highlighted by their own rich features and unique designs that make writing feel downright luxurious.

Notably, all Waterman pen styles are available as a fountain pen, ballpoint, or rollerball.

Some even offer mechanical pencil options.

Each ballpoint pen for every collection is twist-action, which is particularly awesome on the Waterman Exception (I'll go into it down below), while the Rollerball pen is capped.

 

1. Waterman Emblème

 

Waterman's love letter to the city of Paris, the Emblème takes its name from the grey zinc rooftops that line Paris's streets. Interestingly, it is the only design that offers a metal cap across the entire collection.

The Emblème features Waterman's largest fountain pen nib and contains an etching of the Eiffel Tower, that glorious metal work of art that is a heart of Paris.

 

2. Waterman Perspective

 

This design is real cool. Sleek and modern, the Perspective is all about the geometrical details and architectural lines.

Indeed, the Perspective is elaborate and weighty without being gaudy.

 

3. Waterman Hemisphere

 

The slimmest collection, the Waterman Hemisphere is designed around Parisian elegance. It boasts a classy, simple design and a variety of finishes that are perfect for the working professional.

Additionally, it islightweight and fits well into a pocket or purse.

 

4. Waterman Expert

 

The Waterman Expert features the famous "Cigar-shaped" body that makes you feel like a snazzy 1920's big shot as you sign your documents.

With average width, this Waterman Expert pen looks classy enough for a business meeting yet not ostentatious. Reviews applaud it for providing consistent writing without being scratchy or bumpy.

 

5. Waterman Carene

 

Ah! Le Carene... a pen designed to make you feel like you are out on le mer...

This pen was actually handcrafted to accentuate the features of a luxury yacht at sea. It is all smooth curves and sleep lines, not to mention the nib on the fountain pen looks ridiculously cool.

 

6. Waterman Exception

 

The Waterman Exception is aptly named; being an elegant, beautiful, and exceptional pen. Waterman has designed a square body shape with a classic understated finish.

It is perfect for serious pen users who revel in fine writing. It is also a worthy edition for collectors due to its special mechanical design that makes the square shape functional.

 

7. Waterman Allure

 

As described by the Waterman Pen company, the Allure is trendy and sophisticated. Sometimes perfect simplicity is the highest mark of design.

This pen is available in gorgeous pastels that bring a 1960s Paris right into the 21st century.

 

How to Find the Best Waterman Pens for You

 

If you're looking at this list and wondering where to begin looking for genuine Waterman pens...

Look no further for your next Waterman fountain pen than Dayspring Pens. We are a certified brand seller of Waterman Pens and are happy to offer free engraving and fast delivery.

Stuck between two pens? Check out our exclusive offer of Waterman pen sets.

Ever Waterman pen comes in a Waterman gift box to protect these pens.

Made in France like the pens themselves, the Waterman fountain pen ink cartridge will ensure consistent, smooth ink flow every use.

We even offer discounts for bulk pen purchases.

Thousands of customers are proud owners of exclusive Waterman writing tools, and they could not be happier.

Shop now and experience the quality and dependability of the Waterman brand.

We also want to hear from you!

Tell us about your favorite Waterman pens in the comments below!

Sam Di Nardo

Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018.

From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments.

A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens.

Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

6 Comments

MICHAEL CHARD Interesting situation! Have you tried soaking the pen in water overnight? Warm water flushes can be very useful, but if the ink is dried in it might need a little bit of time to dissolve the water soluble ink. The issue might also be with the filling mechanism instead dried ink in the section/fins. What kind of filling system does the pen have? Feel free to send a message to supportdayspringpens.com and use my name (Samantha). If I can’t help you with the issue, I can point you towards some companies that do repairs on fountain pens.

Samantha Di Nardo

iwas given a fountain pen (mottled blue with black flat top and tapered black bottom and gold trim) on leaving IBM in 1983 and have used it intermittently but now not for some 10 yrs or so. What is the best fluid to rinse it as the mechanism is not moving well and so no ink being taken in. Have tried warm water but not effective.

Michael Chard

Looking for a Waterman Perspective, black and gold fountain pen with a fine to medium nib.

Donald Tysor

@RNeiland That’s a tough one. Waterman stopped using the Titane style ballpoint a while back and has now also stopped manufacturing the refills. I do not know of any US based companies that sell either vintage refills or compatible ones, but doing a quick search online I did find some UK based companies that offer compatible refills. Here is a link to one such company: https://www.custompenparts.co.uk/gb/ballpoint-compatible-refills/110-waterman-cf-refill.html

Samantha Di Nardo

Please help – where can I get a refill for my Watermans Titane ballpoint ??
Ref no. N34 59 112 ????

R Neiland

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