Japanese high-quality fountain pens have grown immensely popular over the last few years, which isn't very strange if you consider the great quality of brands like Sailor, pilot, Nakaya,... Unfortunately, most of them are also quite expensive. The Platinum #3776 Century is different though, it's in a much more acceptable price range. But can it still keep up with the more expensive pens?
The #3776 is very similar to the Sailor 1911 Large I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. It has approximately the same shape, almost the same size,... Apart from the gold accents instead of silver, it is hardly any different in appearance.
The difference in price is only slightly visible if it comes to design and build quality: The acrylic on this pen feels a bit cheaper, and seems slightly less scratch-resistant than the Sailor, there's also a small seam on the section of the pen.
Overall I really like the looks and the build quality of this pen is still very decent, it just isn't on par with the Sailor yet.
I personally prefer to post the cap, because it adds some weight, but it's long enough to be used unposted as well! There is a little step from barrel to section, but I haven't really had any trouble with it.
A cool feature of this particular model is the slip and seal cap. It ensures an airtight seal when capped, which makes it almost impossible to dry out. Platinum states that it can easily survive months without drying out. I'm really impressed by this feature, the system has worked flawlessly so far, it's so easy, but brilliant at the same time! The pen always starts to write as soon as it hits the paper. A very occasional hard start occurs, but not nearly as often as with other pens!
A simple and modern gold nib with a nice heart-shaped breather hole! |
Yes, it does have a few construction flaws, but for around 170 USDollars, this is definitely a good deal! This model is also available in a silver trim version, as well as a transparent burgundy red and transparent Chartres blue version for the same price or even less!
I bought mine at Fontoplumo, a great Dutch online shop that ships worldwide, be sure to check it out!
I have two of these pens. I think you did a nice review here. Like you I appreciate the cap seal feature on this pen. I don't write with it every day but when I do it never hesitates. I really love the sleek classic design. When you mentioned the seam on the section I felt on my own pen and felt none. I got the loupe and did find one faintly but it has no feel. Glad you like the pen over-all.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The seam isn't too big of a deal, it is indeed only very faintly visible!
DeleteThese pens are great writers! I have one in EF and one in SF. Gonna buy an UEF and a M later, so I can decide which nib size I want, when I finally order a Nakaya pen :)
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