Following the remarkable success of the previous two collections, Montblanc continues the journey, unveiling a new chapter inspired by the legendary adventure of Phileas Fogg and his loyal companion Passepartout as they circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. The final installment of this three-year tribute series completes the collection, offering collectors a must-have treasure that beautifully captures the spirit of exploration and craftsmanship. Let’s dive into the highlights of the third edition of Around the World in 80 Days and discover why it deserves a place in your collection.
The Inspiration Behind
The collection draws inspiration from the final leg of Phileas Fogg and his companion Passepartout’s journey, spanning 36 adventurous days. This thrilling chapter takes the duo from Yokohama to San Francisco, followed by a cross-country train ride to New York. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including a bison herd blocking the tracks, a collapsing bridge, and a Sioux ambush during which Passepartout is kidnapped. In a daring rescue, Fogg, with the help of soldiers, manages to save his companion.
Undeterred, they continue their journey by wind-powered sledge to Omaha, then board a train to New York, and finally set sail for Ireland, reaching London via Liverpool. Initially believing they are a day late, Fogg soon realizes they gained a day by traveling eastward, allowing him to arrive at the Reform Club just in time to win his wager.
The Collection
The collection comprises five distinctive editions: Classique, Solitaire LeGrand, LeGrand, Doue Classique, and a Limited Edition of 811 pieces, each featuring unique decorative elements that pay homage to Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel. The barrels of the Meisterstück Precious Resin Classique and LeGrand are crafted from polished, dark-blue precious resin, while the Meisterstück Doué Solitaire features a barrel made of coal-blue precious lacquer, inspired by the steam trains of the time, used by the protagonists on their travel.
The barrel of the Solitaire LeGrand, by contrast, is ruthenium-coated and finished in the same dark-blue precious lacquer. The Solitaire Edition’s barrel is adorned with a milled smoke pattern and pressure gauges, evoking the powerful steam engines that speed Fogg and Passepartout to their destination.
The caps of each edition are crafted from the same material as their barrels, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive design. A recurring motif throughout the collection is the steam pattern, symbolizing the train’s vital role in Phileas Fogg’s journey. The caps also feature two pressure gauges, reminiscent of those commonly found in the cab of a steam train.
Additionally, each writing instrument showcases a train depicted in a cartouche, reinforcing the collection’s central theme. The prominence of the train motif is no coincidence, as the train plays a crucial role in Fogg’s race against time, transporting him from San Francisco to New York. This rapid crossing of America, made possible by the Transcontinental Railroad, is essential to his ultimate success.
To honour the initial wager of Phileas Fogg, the clips are decorated with a lacquered heart like that seen on playing cards. The heart also represents the strengthening bond between Fogg and Aouda, which culminates in a wedding after their return to London.
A closer look at the cap tops reveals two significant numbers: ’80’ on the front, symbolizing the total duration of the journey around the world, and ’36’ on the back, representing the length of the final leg from Yokohama to London.
Each cone is adorned with rivets and chains reminiscent of those used to connect train wagons, a thoughtful detail that recalls a pivotal story episode in which a wagon detaches from the engine. This subtle design element reinforces the collection’s homage to Fogg’s remarkable journey.
Continuing the tradition established by the previous collections, the nib design features a hot-air balloon engraving. This time, however, it also displays the dates marking the journey from Yokohama to London: 14 November — 21 December. The hot-air balloon motif not only symbolizes adventure but also pays tribute to Verne’s first adventure novel, Five Weeks in a Balloon (1863).
In keeping with Montblanc’s commitment to craftsmanship, the nibs of the Meisterstück Precious Resin Classique and LeGrand are meticulously crafted from Au 585 gold, while those of the Meisterstück Doué Classique and Meisterstück Solitaire LeGrand are crafted from the more luxurious Au 750 gold.
The Around the World in 80 Days 811 LE
The highlight of the collection is a true masterpiece that brings together all the significant elements of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout’s epic journey. The decision to limit this edition to 811 pieces is a thoughtful tribute to Fogg’s adventure around the world, symbolizing the eight cities he visited and the eleven nations he traversed.
Unlike the other editions, the 811 edition features a barrel crafted from black structured lacquer, symbolizing the intricate and robust construction of a locomotive’s cast steel elements. Enhancing its luxurious appeal, the barrel is framed by two solid Au 750 gold rings and adorned with an Au 750 solid gold inlay depicting pressure gauges.
The cap is made of Ag 925 sterling silver and features a smoke pattern etched onto its surface, along with an Au 750 solid gold cartouche depicting a train journey through the mountains. This detail is set in a frame adorned with rivets.
On the clip, you’ll notice the recurring lacquered heart motif, symbolizing the strengthening bond between Fogg and Aouda, which culminates in a wedding after their return to London. The ruthenium-coated cap top features the number ’80’ on the front, symbolizing the apparent duration of the journey around the world, and ’36’ on the back, representing the duration of the leg from Yokohama to London.
Rivets and chains similar to those used to connect train wagons encircle the cone of the pen, recalling a key story episode where a wagon detaches from the engine.
Upon arrival in London, Fogg manages to get back to the Reform Club just in time and wins the wager of £20,000. As a nod to the wager, the nib of the Limited Edition 811 is decorated with card suits. Furthermore, it is embellished with a spine’, which represents a piece of the black coal used to fire up locomotives.
The collection is complemented by a special edition of ink in blue, a notebook #146, a thematic pair of cufflinks and a 1-pen pouch, offering collectors a complete experience. If you own the previous two editions, this one is simply a must-have so you get the complete trilogy. However, the beauty of this collection, along with its captivating story, makes it so valuable—even as a standalone.
You can discover this new collection at any Montblanc authorized retailer.