Platinum
Fountain pens and writing instruments - inventor of ink cartridge, unique Slip & Seal system, Nakaya sub-brand (urushi)
Philosophy
Platinum is the third pillar of the Japanese fountain pen trio (with Pilot and Sailor). Constant innovator: world's first ink cartridge (1956), Slip & Seal system preventing drying for 24+ months. The #3776 Century is the best value gold nib pen. Sub-brand Nakaya produces urushi lacquer pens among the most beautiful in the world.
History
Tokyo, 1919. Shunichi Nakata founds Platinum. Third pillar of the Japanese fountain pen trio with Pilot and Sailor. Three century-old houses sharing the Japanese market.
1956: Platinum invents the world's first ink cartridge. The Slip & Seal system prevents ink from drying for 24 months - no competitor matches this. Forget your Platinum in a drawer for two years, it writes on the first stroke.
The #3776 Century (named after Mt Fuji's altitude in meters) is les passionnés' best value gold nib. 14K gold, Slip & Seal, under 100 euros. At the other end, Nakaya: hand-lacquered urushi pens taking weeks to make. From the 5-euro Preppy to the 3000-euro Nakaya. Same house, same writing obsession.
Iconic Products
#3776 Century
Best value gold nib on the market. 14K gold nib, Slip & Seal anti-drying, named after Mt Fuji's altitude. Under 100 euros. The pen enthusiasts recommends as a first gold nib. Mt Fuji in a pen.
Preppy
The 5-euro fountain pen. Pilot's Kakuno has a serious competitor. Same Slip & Seal as the #3776, decent steel nib. On 애호가들: 'best pen under $10, period.' The disposable fountain pen that writes better than 50-euro pens.
Nakaya (urushi)
The art sub-brand. Handmade urushi lacquer pens by specialized artisans. Each piece takes weeks. Tamenuri, aka-tamenuri, heki-tamenuri - traditional Japanese lacquering techniques. Goldsmithing, not stationery. From 800 euros, no upper limit.