The imprint "idéal" on a waterman nib indicates that the nib in question is the top of the range from waterman. It's like for Montblanc "Meisterstück" or something like this. My father owns a Waterman Le Man from the 1980s (which hopefully I will inherit some day), with a bicolor gold nib already with the inscription "Idéal" on it. It is an absolutely stunning nib. I have always been curious about this line of pens. Maybe I will get one some day…
I have this exact pen, smoothest nib I have ever tried. However, the plastic on the barrel is cracking in 3 out of the 4 corners. Waterman are not interested in fixing it. AWFUL COMPANY
I love my Waterman pens, but I may pass on the Exception as I tend to hold my pens further up on the grip section. I wonder if the nib can be turned within the section for a more comfortable grip. Thanks for another great review.
Michael, a quick potted history, if I may. The "Ideal" imprint upon the nib has been a consistent hallmark of (most) Waterman's, & originates from the original company name – 'Waterman Ideal Pen Company' (after it's founder, Lewis Edson Waterman – 1884). He was prompted to start the business due to a mishap with a contract signing (he was an insurance salesman), where the scribe he was using, exploded, irreversibly soiling same, & thereby, losing that self same contract. Waterman was an American, but as time went on, the licence for manufacture was made global – UK, France, & a host of other nations. My first Waterman was made in England, in 1943 – a W3; subsequent models have been of similar quality, but when the American company closed it's doors in the 1920's, the French licensee bought the company out – hence, 'Waterman, France' adorns all versions, in the modern sense. If memory serves, Waterman developed the first irrigated feed, because up until then, ink flow in fountain pens was erratic – so he may be credited for that, too – but it is a contentious point within the fountain pen community. The Exception seems to have an almost Art Deco aesthetic – but I can see your point that the squared off edging may present grip issues. Like you, I like black & silver pens, & Waterman nibs are invariably reliable blades. In truth, haven't acquired any new contemporary scribes from this brand – I tend to purchase the vintage models. Thank you for such an interesting overview, my friend 🙂
Another fantastic review. Thank you very much for sharing. After watching your review I decided to buy this pen. Mine is a beautiful blue lacquer and as you say it’s top quality and a very unusual design. I love it.
15 Comments
FIRST COMMENT
Aren’t Visconti’s shaped like that? I wonder which model came out first.
visconti opera elements has a square shape too
Another interesting review. Thank you. Oeace✌️
I really like the design of this pen! Too bad it is out of my budget for now…But thank you for showing it to us!
The imprint "idéal" on a waterman nib indicates that the nib in question is the top of the range from waterman. It's like for Montblanc "Meisterstück" or something like this. My father owns a Waterman Le Man from the 1980s (which hopefully I will inherit some day), with a bicolor gold nib already with the inscription "Idéal" on it. It is an absolutely stunning nib.
I have always been curious about this line of pens. Maybe I will get one some day…
The pilot quattro also has this square shaped but it is discontinued.
I have this exact pen, smoothest nib I have ever tried. However, the plastic on the barrel is cracking in 3 out of the 4 corners. Waterman are not interested in fixing it. AWFUL COMPANY
I love my Waterman pens, but I may pass on the Exception as I tend to hold my pens further up on the grip section. I wonder if the nib can be turned within the section for a more comfortable grip. Thanks for another great review.
my first waterman
Michael, a quick potted history, if I may. The "Ideal" imprint upon the nib has been a consistent hallmark of (most) Waterman's, & originates from the original company name – 'Waterman Ideal Pen Company' (after it's founder, Lewis Edson Waterman – 1884). He was prompted to start the business due to a mishap with a contract signing (he was an insurance salesman), where the scribe he was using, exploded, irreversibly soiling same, & thereby, losing that self same contract. Waterman was an American, but as time went on, the licence for manufacture was made global – UK, France, & a host of other nations. My first Waterman was made in England, in 1943 – a W3; subsequent models have been of similar quality, but when the American company closed it's doors in the 1920's, the French licensee bought the company out – hence, 'Waterman, France' adorns all versions, in the modern sense.
If memory serves, Waterman developed the first irrigated feed, because up until then, ink flow in fountain pens was erratic – so he may be credited for that, too – but it is a contentious point within the fountain pen community.
The Exception seems to have an almost Art Deco aesthetic – but I can see your point that the squared off edging may present grip issues. Like you, I like black & silver pens, & Waterman nibs are invariably reliable blades. In truth, haven't acquired any new contemporary scribes from this brand – I tend to purchase the vintage models.
Thank you for such an interesting overview, my friend 🙂
Nib of Waterman Exception is the same that Waterman Gentleman or Waterman Expert II or III, in gold sterling covered or no in rodium.
This nib is greatest that Waterman Elegance, I love big nibs.
For Waterman pens, I prefer Pelikan cartridges, I can inked when they are empties.
Pelikan cartridges plastic is beter that Waterman cartridges plastic, so I inked this cartridges when they are empties.
Antonio from Alicante, Spain.
Another fantastic review. Thank you very much for sharing. After watching your review I decided to buy this pen. Mine is a beautiful blue lacquer and as you say it’s top quality and a very unusual design. I love it.
I wish Waterman reissue Waterman 52 and other similar models and also make some different flex nib fountain pens similar to the Waterman 52🖋️
Fine review! thanks. I also have one like yours. It looks very elegant.