Every entrepreneur enters an industry with a big goal, one that may or may not feel realistic at first, as the trajectory is rarely as linear as expected. And yet, when the goal is clear enough, the drive is strong and consistent, and all efforts gravitate towards it, sooner or later, it turns into reality.
For Samuel Naldi, owner of Style of Zug, this goal – or, if you will, this dream – came true when Montblanc accepted the proposal to create a Meisterstück 149, arguably the most iconic pen in the world, exclusively for Style of Zug.
The edition I’m about to present had long been in the back of Samuel’s mind, but it took nearly eight years of patience and dedication to materialise.
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Style of Zug Exclusive is the result of a long-standing relationship built on trust, genuine values, and a shared commitment to the culture of writing – one that dates back to 2008, when the boutique was founded.
This is the second exclusive edition Samuel has brought to life for Style of Zug. Around two years ago, he teamed up with Delta to create The Good Life, rendered in a similar shade of grey that echoed the boutique’s visual identity – a project that naturally laid the foundation for this current collaboration.
Over the years, Style of Zug has evolved from a small retailer nestled in the scenic Canton of Zug into a global curator and a prominent voice within the world of fine writing, cultivating a discerning community, nurturing dialogue with collectors, and consistently pushing craftsmanship to new heights.
Such sustained effort eventually opened new perspectives, and from there to a groundbreaking collaborative project with Montblanc, the historic Maison, was only a matter of time.
“This is the result of years of vision, persistence, dialogue, and belief in what we are building. Over the last five years, we have experienced an extraordinary phase of growth. We have expanded our community, strengthened our expertise, deepened our relationships with collectors and manufacturers, and consistently worked to elevate the conversation around fine writing instruments. Every single thing we have done has ultimately led to this moment,” states Samuel.
The Edition
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Style of Zug Exclusive Edition, rendered in a “Grey-blue Glacier” tone, marks a key milestone in the company’s evolution. Drawing inspiration from the serene landscapes and cultural symbols of the Swiss canton of Zug – while equally reflecting the boutique’s ethos – the edition, limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, is crafted from precious resin and refined with metal elements at the top and piston knob, a configuration historically reserved for rare special interpretations.
“For decades, the 149 has primarily existed in black precious resin with yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum-coated trims. Only a limited number of variations in resin have appeared over the last twenty years, often produced in quantities between 1,900 and 4,810 pieces. Our proposal to Montblanc was clear. We wanted to create a 149 in a color that had never been used on this model before,” explains Samuel Naldi.
The character and terroir of the region are expressed on the 18k gold nib through some of Zug’s most iconic symbols. Among them is the historic Zytturm clock tower in the Old Town – its spire rising majestically above the historic buildings and rendered as a geometric relief at the centre of the nib. Positioned above the main engraving, three stylised cherries appear as a secondary motif, a subtle reference to an emblem that has been associated with the region’s heritage and identity for centuries. On the left side of the geometric motif, the nib bears the engraving “Style of Zug,” while the opposite side carries the marking “1 of 500.” A defining feature of this nib lies in its decoration technique: at a special request, each piece is embossed rather than engraved.
“We wanted a dedicated nib that would be embossed, not laser-engraved, so that the edition would carry its identity not only visually, but structurally,” Samuel adds.
Writing Experience
Just like any Montblanc 149, this edition is no exception when it comes to the writing experience. Equipped with an 18k gold nib, available in Fine and Medium, the Style of Zug 149 glides smoothly across the page, while its piston-filling system – holding up to 2ml of ink – ensures long, uninterrupted writing sessions.
Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide and priced at CHF 1,590, this exclusive edition is poised to become a highly coveted collectible – eagerly awaited by the boutique’s discerning circle and those who have followed its journey from around the world. The edition is available exclusively through Style of Zug and can already be ordered here.
The edition carries an added layer of significance, aligning with a new chapter in the evolution of Style of Zug, as the boutique prepares to unveil a rebranding in the near future.
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