After its debut in 2024, the Greek Mythology series returns with a second edition. Over the past two years, Montegrappa has been developing the next chapter of the story, this time inspired by the most challenging phase of Odysseus’ voyage. Odyssey – Chapter II has everything you’d expect from a pen of this calibre: refined aesthetics, an imposing size, and incredibly detailed ornaments in vermeil and sterling silver. On top of that, you get the smooth Italian writing experience that has made Montegrappa a favourite among collectors over the years. Let’s dive in and discover the story behind it!
Having the first edition as a reference, which is unquestionably more detailed, the first thing that struck me about Chapter II was its more restrained design. It still carries the proportions and unmistakable identity of the series, and personally, I like this approach better. It feels more balanced. With less to distract the eye, it’s easier to appreciate the finer details.
The narrative also moves deeper into Homer’s epic. Instead of focusing on the beginning of the journey, the new edition explores the trials that tested Odysseus’ endurance, judgment, and determination.
Along the sterling silver barrel, produced using the traditional lost-wax casting technique, a series of micro-sculpted friezes depicts some of the Odyssey’s most memorable episodes. Circe’s enchantments, the descent into the Underworld, the Sirens’ call, and the encounter with Scylla unfold in remarkable detail despite the limited space available. And to be honest, rendering such complex scenes into sculptures only a few millimetres tall is no small feat. Even with technology on your side, a single mistake at any stage of the process can compromise the entire piece.
Each scene is framed by vermeil wave motifs that evoke the sea throughout Odysseus’ journey. Between them, fluted cobalt-blue resin adds depth and reinforces the maritime theme.
One of the edition’s highlights is the clip. If you look closer, there is a finely detailed micro-sculpture of Poseidon adorning the top of the clip. As the god of the sea and Odysseus’ greatest adversary, his presence reflects the central conflict of this chapter. The cap completes the architectural concept with a shape inspired by a Doric capital.
If there’s one thing Montegrappa never compromises on, it’s craftsmanship. It’s enough to look at the sterling silver castings or the individually sculpted decorative elements to realize the level of precision required to create something like this. With that level of artisanal excellence, it’s no wonder Montegrappa has become one of the brands collectors turn to when searching for truly collectible pieces.
The fountain pen is equipped with an 18k gold nib engraved with Poseidon and operates through Montegrappa’s piston-filling mechanism.
The packaging is also worth mentioning. I truly believe it’s a brand’s responsibility to create a complete experience for the customer, because there are so many small details that can make the experience more memorable beyond the product itself. While most brands tend to treat packaging as an afterthought and invest very little in it, Montegrappa sees it as an opportunity to elevate the user’s experience. As a result, each writing instrument is presented in a museum-grade wooden display inspired by Odysseus’ ship. How clever is that?
The new Odyssey – Chapter II is limited to 266 fountain pens and 266 rollerballs. The limitation number references the isopsephic value of the Greek word “Ελλάς” (“Hellas”), the traditional Greek name for Greece, which is a clever way to add another historical detail to the collection.
Collectors looking to give this masterpiece a place on their desks will have to dig deep into their pockets. The fountain pen is priced at €10,995, while the rollerball follows closely at €10,295.