Caran d’Ache’s Ecridor is a series that has not only stood the test of time but has also made a name for itself with its iconic design. Today, one simply walks into any fine stationery store and instantly notices the hexagonal silhouette and highly polished finish that make the Ecridor series a world-famous writing instrument.
History
Initially introduced as a mechanical pencil back in 1947, followed by the ballpoint pen version in 1953, Ecridor remains a timeless classic that put Caran d’Ache on the map. The series, renowned for its exceptional elegance, durability, and reliability, has undergone a few design changes but without sacrificing the DNA that made it popular.
Design
There are many objects that have earned a reputation for their iconic design, such as the popular Coca-Cola bottle, Apple’s iPhone, or the Leica camera. Equally iconic has become the hexagonal design of the Ecridor series. But as simple as its shape is, the magic happens when the company’s master craftsmen put their engraving skills to work, turning each of the six faces of an Ecridor into a veritable jewel. In fact, it is the intricate engraving and impeccable finishing that make an Ecridor stand out. From retro-inspired to more feminine designs, it’s quite impossible not to find your match in their collection.
Current collections
Back in 1947, the first Ecridor mechanical pencil versions featured a lozenge guilloche, a decoration preserved today in the Retro collection. Since then, the series has seen an impressive evolution, with a wide variety of models available today including the Golf, Milanese Mesh, Racing, or the most recent one, the Ecridor Venetian.
As sophisticated as it looks, each collection tells a story through its guilloche and I find that fascinating: while the Avenue edition’s design draws inspiration from the charming cobblestones of Geneva’s Old Town, the Milanese Mesh pays tribute to a legendary decoration created in the 17th century by Milanese goldsmiths.
Each decoration stands out not only visually, offering users a delightful tactile experience with every writing session, something I would consider for my next purchase.
Ornaments aren’t the only aspect where you get variety, each collection comes in different materials, from platinum finish to rose gold, including the classic yellow gold that exudes sophistication. Not to mention the lustrous finish that wins me over every time.
Before we get to the cool feature that every Ecridor is famous for, you should know that each collection is offered in four versions: fountain pen (that comes with a rhodium-coated steel nib), rollerball pen, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. So, depending on your style, you can find the version that suits you best without compromising on design.
Explore the full range of Ecridor writing instruments here.
When I first came across an Ecridor pen I learned that its cartridge can deliver up to 600 A4 pages, thanks to the acclaimed Goliath cartridge. I don’t know if you can visualize, but that’s about 8km (writing distance). Quite impressive, isn’t it?
Limited Editions
If you haven’t found something in the current collection that suits your taste or you’re simply looking for a special gift for a loved one, the Ecridor range also offers limited or special editions, the latest editions launched being the Ecridor Venetian and Keith Haring (which will soon be featured in an article)
What’s Next?
I am pretty confident that Caran d’Ache’s innovative spirit will keep the series alive adding new editions to complement the current range. Until then, stay tuned to read about their most recent Keith Haring.
