Founded in New York in 1884, Waterman is one of the oldest and most prestigious fountain pen houses. A century and a half of production has left behind models that have become legendary and are now highly sought after by collectors. Here is an overview of the most coveted Watermans, from vintage to modern exception.

The great vintage pieces (pre-war)

The Waterman Patrician (1929)

A true Art Deco icon, the Patrician is one of the most desirable Watermans. Large and richly crafted, it was produced in spectacular celluloid colours — Pearl, Onyx, Turquoise, Emerald, Red — now very rare. A Patrician in fine condition, especially in an uncommon colour, fetches high prices.

The Waterman “100 Year Pen” (1930s)

As its name suggests, this model was guaranteed for a hundred years. Made of a translucent, durable celluloid, it appeals through its quality and transparency. The coloured versions (blue, red, green) are particularly prized.

The “ripple” models (52, 54, 56…)

The 1920s Waterman pens in red-and-black marbled ebonite — the famous “ripple” pattern — are among the most appreciated vintages. The large models (54, 56) and the rare colour variations (“rose ripple”, “olive ripple”) are the most sought after.

The “Safety Pens” and overlays

Safety pens (retractable nib) and especially the models dressed in an overlay — finely chased gold or silver mesh (filigree, vermeil, solid gold) — dating from the early 20th^e century, are high-end collector’s pieces.

The giant Waterman 20

An oversized model produced in very small numbers, the Waterman 20 is one of the collector’s holy grails: extremely rare and highly valued.

The iconic modern models

The Man 100 / L’Étalon

The great classic of the French era, guaranteed for “100 years”, a symbol of Waterman craftsmanship. The precious finishes (gold, lacquer) and special editions are the most valued, notably the smooth solid 925 silver versions.

The most sought-after MAN 100 models are the solid 925 silver versions, in fluted and smooth finishes, 925 vermeil and solid 18-carat gold, in a fluted finish.

D’autres modèles sont aussi rares, les versions en bois teinté, Fontainebleau bleu, vert ou brun, en bois massif ( bruyère, buis ou macassar), les versions précieuses en ivoire, ou encore certains prototypes n’ayant pas été commercialisés.

The Edson

A masterpiece of the 1990s: curved silhouette, deep sapphire-blue resin, vermeil or gold trim, inset nib. TheEdson is today one of the most collected modern Watermans. The most sought-after versions are those in green and burgundy. The brand also produced special editions, the Edson 125 for the brand’s 125th anniversary, or the Edson Boucheron, echoing the arcades of Place Vendôme in Paris, where one of its most prestigious boutiques is located.

The Carène and the Exception

The Carène, with lines inspired by a yacht hull and an integrated nib, as well as the Exception range with its bold design, appeal to lovers of high-end contemporary pieces. The most sought-after versions are the large XL models, notably in the Night & Day, silver-plated or gold-plated finishes.

The Waterman C/F (from 1953)

The first cartridge fountain pen in history, the C/F possède une véritable valeur patrimoniale. Les versions en métal précieux ou en laque intéressent particulièrement les collectionneurs. C/F signifie  » Cartridge Filler  » ou remplissage par cartouches.

The brand notably produced a series of solid 18-carat gold models, with various finishes: lined, fluted, waves, bark, rings. Some models were also made with prestigious houses such as Cartier, Dunhill, Hermès or Boucheron.

What increases the value

Depending on the model, the criteria to consider are as follows:

• Condition : no cracks or scratches, intact nib, working filling system.
• The gold nib (14 or 18 carats), and broad nib widths.
• Rarity of the model — and especially of the colour.
• The original set : box, papers and warranty increase the value.

Waterman at Aretoile

At Aretoile, we select, authenticate and buy back pre-owned and collectible Waterman pens. Do you own a vintage Waterman, or are you looking for a specific piece? Contact us.