The name Orient Express evokes a sense of timeless enchantment—an era when refined travelers were drawn to the allure of distant, exotic destinations. It stirs images of a train crafted for elegance and indulgence, blending the thrill of exploration with the finest in luxurious comfort. This extraordinary journey began with Georges Nagelmackers, a visionary determined to make seamless and opulent overland travel from Paris to Constantinople a reality. His dream was fulfilled on October 4, 1883, when a distinguished crowd gathered at Paris’s Gare de l’Est to witness the inaugural departure of what would become one of the world’s most iconic and extravagant trains. And so, the legend of the Orient Express was born.
Limited edition 333
This iconic train, known for its elegance and charm, inspired the Montblanc High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 333. The train’s classic exterior—deep blue, ivory, and gold—is reflected in the pen’s design, with a blue lacquer barrel and cap, and warm gold details made from solid Au 750 gold. The ivory-colored lacquer inlays on the cap top represent the train’s stripe design, while a Montblanc emblem made of mother-of-pearl sits in black onyx. Famous designers and skilled craftsmen of the time created the luxurious interiors of the Simplon-Orient Express in the Art Deco style, known for its bold floral and geometric designs. Among the elegant features were detailed metal luggage racks, which inspired the rhodium-coated, solid gold overlay of the pen. The handcrafted Au 750 solid gold nib is decorated with a flower design, honoring interior designer René Prou and his artistic marquetry work for the train. An engraving on the gold cone shows the 1930 route of the Orient Express—an era when the train was at the height of its Art Deco glamour. Montblanc’s use of “signature gold” refers to a special warm tone of yellow gold that has become a hallmark of the brand’s writing instruments.
Limited edition 83
The legendary Orient Express, known for its style and sophistication, inspired the Montblanc High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 83. This version takes design cues not just from the train cars, but from the powerful, smoke-filled steam locomotive that pulled them—an essential part of the train’s iconic image. The cap and barrel are crafted from deep black precious lacquer with a textured finish, echoing the rugged feel of a steam engine. Gold accents made from solid Au 750 signature gold, some coated in rhodium and set with blue sapphires, add a 3D effect that brings to mind the train’s wheels and rails. The train made a grand impression when it stopped at stations like the Gare de Lyon in Paris. The station’s impressive iron structure, where passengers once boarded, is honored with detailed engravings on the forepart of the pen. One standout design detail—the train’s signature oval window—inspired the solid gold nib’s engraving and the sunken, oval-shaped clip. This clip is crafted from solid Au 750 signature gold, filled with pearly white lacquer, and topped with a round blue sapphire for a touch of elegance. The train’s rich midnight blue, ivory, and gold exterior is reflected in the design too, with a rounded ivory-colored cone and cap top made from precious lacquer. These soft curves echo the streamlined shape of the train’s body. The oval window featured on the nib adds a final tribute, while the engraving on the gold cone showcases the routes the Orient Express took in 1930—during its most glamorous Art Deco years. Montblanc’s use of “signature gold” refers to its warm, rich tone of yellow gold that has become a beloved feature of the brand’s most refined writing instruments.
Limited edition 10
This extraordinary edition of Montblanc High Artistry: A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 10 takes inspiration from two iconic sources—the elegant interior designs of René Lalique and the mystery-filled world of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Agatha Christie, an avid traveler and one of the most famous authors in history, once journeyed aboard the Orient Express herself. Her 1934 detective novel set on the train turned it into a literary legend, filled with suspense, unique characters, and clever clues. This edition reflects key elements of the story and the train’s refined style. The body of the pen is made from stained sycamore wood, decorated with handcrafted gold-leaf and delicate crystal flower inlays. These details pay tribute to the opulent interiors of the Orient Express, especially the marquetry work of René Prou and the glass artistry of René Lalique. A hidden push-button mechanism is richly decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds, while the top of the cap features white chalcedony set with the Montblanc emblem in solid Au 750 gold, surrounded by even more brilliant-cut diamonds. Hidden inside is a tiny, “broken” clock with a white enamel dial, frozen at 01:15—the time of the fictional murder. Twelve sparkling stones set around the cap top ring represent the number of stab wounds in Christie’s mystery. The bi-color Au 750 solid gold nib is engraved with the murder weapon: a dagger. The pen’s forepart shows a detailed engraving of cabin 2’s floorplan, where the crime took place. The number “2” also appears on the cone, which features diamonds and white chalcedony inlays, along with a screw-style mechanism for filling the pen. Another hidden gem is the recessed clip—made from solid Au 750 gold and inspired by the train’s iconic oval dining car window. It features a finely engraved serpent body, part-set with diamonds and two rubies for eyes—a tribute to the Montblanc Writers Edition from 1993, which also honored Agatha Christie with a serpent-themed design. Montblanc’s use of “signature gold” refers to its distinctive shade of yellow gold, a warm and refined tone that has become a signature of the Maison’s most exquisite writing instruments.
Limited edition 5
The Montblanc High Artistry Orient Express Limited Edition 5 captures the elegance of early 20th-century style through a striking design. Its body features an abstract pattern crafted from solid Au 750 signature gold and hand-carved red chalcedony, inspired by the unique upholstery used in the Orient Express’ luxurious furnishings. With a sleek, modernist look, this edition reflects a time when the Orient Express was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous. Its passengers included royalty, film stars, and legendary figures like Mata Hari—the mysterious dancer and spy known for her charm and secrecy. As a tribute to her, a tiny window in the barrel reveals a miniature hand-painted portrait. Due to its small size, this painting showcases a remarkable level of detail, visible only under magnification. The theme of espionage continues with an engraving of a magnifying glass and fingerprint on the solid gold nib, hinting at Mata Hari’s secretive world. The pen’s bold design blends gold, diamonds, and red chalcedony. Hidden inside the cap is a clever snap-opening mechanism, alongside a solid Au 750 gold clip set with red chalcedony. This mechanism, activated by a side button, is a nod to the mechanical sophistication of the steam engine. The cone of the pen is engraved with the Orient Express routes from 1930 and surrounded by diamonds, with a crown of white chalcedony on top. In honor of the importance of time on these legendary journeys, the cap top opens to reveal a miniature automaton watch with a mechanical movement and an elegant enamel dial. The domed white chalcedony cap top mirrors the ivory-colored curved roofs of the train’s carriages, while the entire edition is topped with a Montblanc diamond—a final tribute to the legacy of luxury the Orient Express represents. Montblanc’s use of “signature gold” reflects its signature warm shade of yellow gold, a hallmark of the Maison’s most exceptional writing instruments.
Limited edition 1
The Montblanc High Artistry Orient Express Limited Edition 1 reflects the legendary beauty and luxury of the famous train that once connected Europe with Asia. Crafted entirely from solid Au 750 signature gold, this extraordinary writing instrument is a tribute to the lavish design details of the Orient Express, especially the floral marquetry work of René Prou. Diamonds form an Art Deco-inspired floral pattern across the cap and barrel, capturing the elegance of that golden age of travel. The romance of the Orient Express—stretching over 3,000 kilometers of scenic routes—is brought to life on the pen’s forepart, where diamonds, rubies, and blue sapphires trace the historical routes of the train as they existed in 1930. The grid of diamonds on the cap top is inspired by the intricate iron roof of Paris’s Gare de Lyon, where many passengers began their journey. At the center of this graceful design sits a stunning blue sapphire. The solid gold nib, carefully handcrafted, features an engraving of a classic steam engine set with a brilliant-cut diamond, honoring the heart of the train itself. Like the Orient Express, this edition is full of hidden beauty and thoughtful craftsmanship. The cap opens with a smooth snap mechanism—activated by a simple button press—paying homage to the precise engineering of a steam locomotive. This masterpiece also comes in a specially designed wooden travel case, created to protect and showcase the pen. The case features handcrafted wood marquetry, echoing the interior panels and furniture found on the original Orient Express, designed by René Prou. It includes a working mechanical watch powered by the Minerva 62.00 movement and an inkwell—blending function and luxury just as the train once did, making sure travelers had everything they needed on their journey. Montblanc’s use of “signature gold” refers to its signature, warm shade of yellow gold—a timeless tone that has become a symbol of the Maison’s most exceptional writing instruments.
Limited edition 333
Limited edition 83
Limited edition 10
Limited edition 5
Limited edition 1
