Great Characters: Albert Einstein Limited Edition 2013

by Jim Mamoulides, January 26, 2013

Montblancʼs tribute to the genius of the worldʼs most revered scientist

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." – Albert Einstein

In January, 2013 Montblanc will introduce the third in its Great Character series, begun in 2009 to honor great individuals of the 20th century who "created history with their groundbreaking work." The first two editions honor the brilliant filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and the leader Mahatma Ghandi.

Albert Einstein is probably best known for developing the general theory of relativity and the formula E = mc², one of the most famous and well known equations in the world. Interestingly, his 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, which became a critical discovery in establishing quantum theory. Although he made many other contributions, publishing over 300 papers over his lifetime, these two discoveries place him as one of the leading physicists of the 20th century.

Following is the official press release from Montblanc, including the sections relevant to the pens in the collection:

Montblancʼs Limited Edition Writing Instruments are designed and created in honour of the great individuals who, through their unique talent and vision, have made an enduring impact on mankind. True to this tradition, Montblancʼs Great Characters Limited Edition brings to life the extraordinary genius of Albert Einstein (1879-1955). With an unparalleled ability to understand the most complex mysteries of the physical universe and an insatiable desire to break new boundaries, no man of science has achieved such widespread recognition for his contribution to the advancement of human knowledge. Now this writing masterpiece, available in an Albert Einstein Limited Edition of just 99 pieces and an Albert Einstein Limited Edition of 3000 pieces, celebrates Einsteinʼs remarkable legacy.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 99 fountain pen

The German-born Swiss-American theoretical physicist, philosopher and author is widely recognized as the greatest scientist of all time. The now famous equation “e=mc2” gave the scientific community a way of unlocking the previously unknown mysteries of the Universe. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his overall achievements in Theoretical Physics and his discovery of the law of the Photoelectric Effect. In addition to profoundly altering our understanding of space, time and energy with his scientific discoveries, Einstein became a passionate advocate of peace, world order and cooperation. The infinite knowledge and moral stewardship Einstein left behind are brought to life in Montblancʼs latest Great Characters Edition.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 99 fountain pen, nib detail

With a limitation number of 99 pieces, a reference to the chemical element ʻEinsteiniumʼ with the ordinal number 99, the Limited Edition is a masterpiece in design. Every detail brings to life the groundbreaking work that earned him such respect and admiration internationally. Crafted from 750 solid white gold, the body of this precious piece is covered with a skeleton net with a filigree overlay representing the space-time curve, Einsteinʼs disruptive discovery that demonstrated how in his universe, space and time are no longer flat but can pushed and pulled, stretched and warped by matter.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 99 fountain pen, cap detai

The filigree engravings on the barrel and cone of the pen reflect his most famous formulas, and the nib is enriched with the engraving of the chemical element ʻEinsteiniumʼ or ʻEsʼ, a rare radioactive metal named after Einstein to honour his achievements. The penʼs clip is bejewelled with a sapphire bowl of approximately 1,3 ct, while the iconic star-shaped Montblanc emblem carved out of moonstone crowns this masterpiece with its luminous display of colours.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 3000 fountain pen, cap detail

A numerical reference to Einsteinʼs outstanding body of work, the limitation number of Albert Einstein Limited Edition 3000 refers to the speed of light measured at ~300.000.000 m/s. While platinum-plated lines defined in the dark blue lacquer of the penʼs cap represent the space-time curve, the platinum barrel is engraved with his most famous scientific formulas. This 750 gold nib delivers an unparalleled writing experience. Crowning the top of the cap, the iconic Montblanc emblem is covered with sapphire glass. This special Edition consists of 3000 Fountain Pens, 1500 Roller Balls and 1500 Ballpoint Pens.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 3000 fountain pen, cap detail

The Montblanc Great Characters Albert Einstein Limited Edition is available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from January 2013.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 3000, uncapped

The Montblanc Great Characters Albert Einstein Limited Edition is planned for availability in Montblanc boutiques in January, 2013. The retail price of the Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 99 fountain pen is £19,656.00. The retail price of the Montblanc Albert Einstein Limited Edition 3000 fountain pen is £2,352.00. The Montblanc Great Characters Albert Einstein Ink is priced at €13,30.