Caran d’Ache has put its guilloché and lacquering expertise to work in its latest collection, continuing to innovate and expand its portfolio of fine writing instruments. The new Damier Collection brings together two of the series from the Haute Écriture division in a design positioned at the intersection of tradition and avant-garde.
Inspired by the world of board games—where strategy reigns supreme, precision matters as much as intuition, and every move brings one closer to victory—the collection consists of two models: Leman and Ecridor, two icons of the Maison, both interpreted through a distinctive design language.
The Leman edition, a model long favoured by enthusiasts, is offered as both a fountain pen and a ballpoint. It features a rich black lacquered body, paired with a diamond-engraved, checkered-pattern guilloché cap.
Weighing 56 g and measuring 141 mm in length, the fountain pen sits comfortably in hand, although some may find the weight noticeable during longer writing sessions. It is fitted with an 18k gold nib—available in F, M, and B sizes—which, I must admit, I would have liked Caran d’Ache to make slightly larger to better match the grandeur of the Leman line; yet hope remains. The pen is accompanied by a smooth black cowhide leather pouch, embossed with the same checkered pattern.
Equally refined yet more utilitarian, the ballpoint pen adopts the same aesthetic language. I’ve always felt that if a ballpoint is to be used, it should at least look good.
Moving on to the Ecridor, it offers greater variety than its counterpart. Three finishes—platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold—make up the permanent collection. The platinum version is available across all four writing modes, while the yellow gold and rose gold finishes are offered exclusively as ballpoint pens.
Two Special Editions complete the lineup, with the platinum and rose gold ballpoint pens paired with a leather case embossed with a reinterpreted checkered motif.
Here, the rollerball weighs 42 g, making it the heaviest in the range, followed closely by the fountain pen at 39 g and the ballpoint at 27 g.
While I have long been a supporter of the Ecridor line—developed in Geneva as a high-end metal alternative to the mechanical Fixpencil, with the first model dating back to 1947—I find it somewhat surprising that the Leman is limited to just two configurations.
Nevertheless, it remains an elegant collection that reflects Caran d’Ache’s mastery of refinement, and I believe it deserves a place on one’s desk. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on the new Damier Collection.
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