Rail Love

Montblanc’s High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express limited-edition writing instruments are a voyage deep into its creative sanctum.

- Alvin Wong

THE JOY OF discovery is an emotion that Montblanc always strives for, especially with its famed High Artistry writing instruments. Whether paying homage to the Great Wall of China or celebrating the first ascent of Mont Blanc, each High Artistry creation is more objet d’art than writing instrument; handcrafted in Montblanc’s Hamburg-based atelier and carefully imbued with meaning and backstories.

For 2023, Montblanc embarks on yet another artistic adventure with the High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition collections. A series of writing instruments brimming with unencumbered creativity and decorative techniques, they attempt to manifest the romance and magic of travel on the Orient Express—and arrive with stunning results.

Intricately sculpted gold motifs, handcrafted wood marquetry, traditional enamel technique and gorgeous gemstones are lavished on the creations. The collection comes in seven variations, the most collectible of which are two piece-unique models: the High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 1 with Case and the High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 1 Papillon.

All Aboard 

As the name suggests, the first version is housed in an impressive wooden case. Evoking the train’s original panelling and cabinetry designed by pioneering art deco artist, René Prou, it is inlaid with wood marquetry. Besides housing the writing instrument, the stunning vessel doubles up as a discreet timekeeper, fitted with a tiny watch face driven by a hand-wound mechanism made by Minerva, a centuries-old movement specialist company, which Montblanc acquired in 2007.