Pelikan’s 2015 product releases to date
This has been a great year for new releases from Pelikan. To recap, we’ve seen the M200 Café Crème, M805 Stresemann, M805 Demonstrator, M600 Pink, M205 Amethyst, and M800 Burnt Orange along with the two Maki-e releases, Autumn Flowers and Koi. In addition to new pens, we saw the Edelstein Ink of the Year 2015, Amethyst, released to the community. Finally, we are still expecting to see the re-release of the M200 Green Marbled fountain pen prior to year’s end. This has been one of the most robust and varied years for new products out of Hannover that I can recall for some time. With so many great pens to explore, one hardly has time to contemplate about what next year might bring. While there have been no definitive announcements from Pelikan, rumors have quietly been circulating about what we can expect in terms of new releases for next year. Details are minimal at this point but I thought that I would briefly touch on some of the upcoming products that I’ve heard whispered about. Keep in mind, the following products are just rumored at this point and may not materialize though I’m confident we’ll see a few if not all of these come to pass.
UPDATED 12/20/2015: News of early 2016 releases by Pelikan has helped confirm/deny some of the rumors originally outlined. Also, further credible information has come to light about some other potential product releases so this post has been updated accordingly.
Edelstein Ink of the Year 2016 – Aquamarine
CONFIRMED. Anticipated for release in the Spring of 2016. Aquamarine is a color that is a bluish tint of cerulean toned towards cyan. It is being described as, “neither blue nor green; it’s something in between” by Pelikan. It is named after the mineral aquamarine, a gemstone mainly found in granite rocks. It will be available in both 50mL flacons as well as standard international cartridges. Based on current pricing, the MSRP for a flacon should be 14.90 € ($16.40) and a tin of 6 cartridges 4.95 € ($5.45). This is the fifth ink of the year release following in the footsteps of Turmaline (2012), Amber (2013), Garnet (2014), and Amethyst (2015). The production run will be limited as is standard with the Ink of the Year edition.
M205 Aquamarine
CONFIRMED. Similar in concept to this year’s release of the M205 and K205 Amethyst, these pens will be made in a matching shade of the 2016 Edelstein Ink of the Year. It is unclear whether they will be translucent or opaque. I would anticipate that these will be released as stand alone pens or combined with the gift packaging, pen, and ink combo that we saw with the M205 Amethyst release. This would mark the second year that Pelikan releases a pen to match the Ink of the Year. Extrapolating from current pricing, the MSRP would be 125 € ($137.61) for the M205, 115 € ($126.60) for the K205, and 145 € ($159.63) for the M205 & ink combo set.
M400 Tortoiseshell Brown
CONFIRMED. A pen designed to match the finish of the previously released M800 Tortoiseshell Brown (2013). The brown striped barrel made of cellulose acetate will have subtle orange highlights as well as dark brown resin. The clip and trim rings will be 24-carat gold-plated with a 14 carat bi-color gold nib. I would expect perhaps a roller ball and ball point pen also to be available in this finish. The first M400 Tortoiseshell Brown was released in 1984 with a modern version following though only produced for a very limited time circa 1999. There was also a limited edition M415 Tortoiseshell Brown that came along in 2009. This would be the first Brown Tortoise to grace the M4xx line in seven years.
M600 Vibrant Blue
FALSE. See the M805 Vibrant Blue below. Similar to the M600 Vibrant Green (2014) release but in a shade of blue. The barrel and cap will be made of high-quality resin that is first turned and then polished to a high sheen. The differing patterns serve to make each piece unique. The clip and rings will be plated with 24 carat gold. The fountain pen would sport a 14 carat gold nib with rhodium trim and would likely be available in sizes EF, F, M, and B. I would also expect to see a matching ballpoint pen with this release.
M800 Royal Green
RUMORED. Initially rumored as the “Forest Green,” new information would indicate “Royal Green” as this model’s designation. Reportedly similar in appearance to the M600 Green O’Green (2011) but in a slightly brighter shade, though not as bright as the M600 Vibrant Green (2014).
M805 Vibrant Blue
CONFIRMED. Reports of a Vibrant Blue M600 appear to have been inaccurate as evidenced by the announced release of the M805 Vibrant Blue. Slated for release in February of 2016, it is described as, “bright blue with a complex structure like the sea.” There should be translucency to the material. Palladium trim will serve to accent the blue barrel and cap as well as the black piston knob and section. Available nib sizes will be EF, F, M, and B.
M1000 Raden Sunrise
CONFIRMED. In 2014 we were given the M1000 Raden Starlight. In 2013, it was the Sunlight preceded by Moonlight in 2011. The series was launched by the M800 Kyokko & Gekko set in 2005. Pelikan’s Raden Collection is absolutely stunning though often ultra exclusive and priced beyond the reach of the average collector/enthusiast. Raden is a traditional Japanese decorative craft used for lacquer ware and woodwork. Even though most of us will never own one, it is always exciting to see such beautiful pens. This year is anticipating “Sunrise” as the next addition to the series.
M120 Green-Black
CONFIRMED. This is perhaps the most unusual rumor to grace talk of the 2016 line-up. There is word that Pelikan is considering re-launching the original Green-Black 120 that was popular and in production from 1955-65. Word is that this has been in the pipeline since 2014. Expectations would be that this model would have a gold-plated stainless steel nib similar to the original. This is the rumor that I would eye with the most skepticism but it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility and the source for this one has a reliable track record. Only time will tell.
I would very much love to hear of any more information that you may have about these potential releases or any others anticipated for the 2016 line-up. What do you think about these proposed pens? Is Pelikan on the mark here or are they going astray? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message through the “Contact” form. If these releases do come to pass, I think 2016 looks to be getting off to a rather solid start.
*All of the above products are merely speculative at this point. I have it on good authority that we can expect several if not all of these in 2016. I have no inside information though so the above should not be taken as confirmation of a definitive release.
The M400 torty and a M800 GOG (or similar) are no brainers for parting me of my money… Bring it!
I’m always a sucker for a tortoise. Hard for me to pass those up.
Great post. I love thinking about things to part us from our money. 🙂
I’m only intrigued by the M600 Vibrant Blue, personally, but the M605 Marine Blue will be hard to surpass, so I might sit that one out.
I have the vibrant green and really enjoy that finish. If a vibrant blue comes across half as well, I can definitely see adding one to my collection.
I’m personally hoping for more M205 demonstrators, as they’re so nice for playing with inks. And at this point I could make good use of an aquamarine M205 demo.
Also — I’m thinking that an ink in the color you’ve posted would lend itself nicely to a highlighter ink (although I realize that an Edelstein highlighter ink is probably not a happenin’ thing.)
And speaking of highligher inks — I wonder what happened to the rumored orange Duo? I was really looking forward to that one. (Although there’s no doubt that the Amethyst demo is a treat.)
W.r.t. an Edelstein ink of the year I’m personally hoping that at some point we’ll see a saturated brownish-red (a better-behaved Ancient Copper would be ideal) and a summer green (e.g. a better-behaved Meadow). I’m kind of puzzled to see Yet Another bluish-green/greenish-blue Edelstein proposed.
I agree that aquamarine sounds a little like more of the same in terms of the spectrum of blues. I’m assured that this will be the color though. I would love to see something like a brown as well. Maybe a smokey Quartz.
Maybe the rumored smokey quartz has been put off until next year?
(Or else it’s to be added to the line as a standard?)
I would love to see a Smokey Quartz M205 demonstrator …
I had heard the rumors of the Smokey Quartz IOTY as well and took that info back to my source since this conflicted with what I was being told but I’m assured that Aquamarine is in. My source is well established so I have no reason to disbelieve their report. We’ll have to wait until we get closer to launch to know for sure. I think a nice brown would be sweet in both an ink and a pen.
Josh
Good summery of Pelikan pens for 2015. Yes it was a robust year with many new models. One of my favorites is the Cream Cafe. A very sh sh tap and elegant color. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK✒️👍
Thanks Francis. I agree that the Café Crème was one of the highlights of the bunch and a refreshing addition to the M2xx line up.
Pelikan would be foolish not to continue making a M200 to match the ink of the year.
I’ll be a little disappointed if they only release one M800, but my wallet will certainly enjoy the break as I purchased all 4 releases this year.
I would really like to see them do something interesting with the M1000. When was the last release for that? The M1005 demo in 2013?
Thanks for your comments Dan. I agree that the M205 Ink of the Year is a no brainer. I’m sure that we’ll see a few more releases in the M8xx line as we get closer to targeted release dates. The M1000 really hasn’t had much in the way of updates recently aside from the very expensive special editions. We saw the M1005 Demo in 2011 and the M1005 Black in 2013. Of course I’ll post updates on the site for anything that I might hear about.
Wow, was the M1005 demo really released that long ago?! Time sure does fly!
I completely forgot about the M1005 Black. I would love to see a M1005 Stresseman.
What about you, what’s on your wish list?
I try not to think too much about a Pelikan wish list as that is often a path that only leads to disappointment. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing an M600 Brown Tortoise like we saw in very limited release in 1999 or an M400 Burnt Orange. A demonstrator in that shade of green from the 80’s and 90’s would also be welcome. I guess more than any pen, my biggest wish would be to see Pelikan return to manufacturing their nibs similar to those nibs released in the 50’s and 60’s. Do that, and I would be one very happy camper.
i’m keeping my fingers crossed for more tortoiseshell brown pens.
I think its a matter of when and not if. The tortoise is one of the nicest designs you can find on a Pelikan, in my opinion.
i agree.
I have to say I am a little surprised (and disappointed) to hear that a M400 tortoise might hit the streets before an M600. On the other hand I suppose seen through the marketing lens the M400 might sell better than an M600.
I would love to know the mindset behind deciding which models get refreshed with what finishes. I’m sure there is tons of market research and historical experience that guides the decision making process. Wouldn’t it be neat if they simply offered finishes and you could custom order any Souverän size in that finish. Probably not feasible but it would be neat.
Of the pens listed, the M800 Forest Green is the one that really interests me. I keep hoping to find a M600 Green o’ Green at a reasonable price, but no luck. I held a M600 Vibrant Green and didn’t like the color at all; much too loud and bright. I hope the Forest Green will indeed be very close to the Green o’ Green.
I also hope for another M201 LE from another US retailer, particularly if Pelikan has some Green o’ Green material left over.
I agree that the M600 Vibrant Green is loud and bright but I quite like it. It has been my daily carry for a few weeks now. I too would love to track down a Green O’Green though. We’ll have to see what this M800 looks like. As far as more M201s, I do know that there were other blanks being shopped around and that some vendors passed on the opportunity. That means we may yet see a few more of these small runs arise. Let me know if you come across any.
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I’m VERY excited for the M205 Aquamarine! The Amethyst is such a lovely color, and matching pen-and-ink sets are a great idea.
Provided Aquamarine is the color of the IOTY, I’ll be curious as to what shade of Aquamarine they’ll come up with and how that would translate to a pen. Would definitely be one of the more unique colors released in the M2xx line up.
Indeed, there’s a whole blue to green spectrum that they could pick from.
I collect fountain pens, and love the variety of Pelikan pens. As many as different pens have been initiated in 2015, indicates the new way of Pelikan Marketing to enrich writers with Pelikan pens. It becomes a more trendy and modern brand. If you love one brand you will be fascinated by a new edition or color. 2016 seems to follow the same way as 2015 has been. Terrific. My question would be are these editions also available on European market? During this year I have recognized that some limited editions were only reserved for the US market. Lucky you. My retailer told me that some limited editions which have been send to US market also might appear on the European market, maybe in an other way or color. So I’m already exited. A wish list is never ending.
My information largely comes from overseas so I would expect this to all be standard releases for the international market. The few 2015 M2xx releases for the US were special editions offered to various vendors. I expect that we will see the same offer extended to vendors overseas at some point as I believe Pelikan had more material to shop around than we’ve seen released. All speculation of course.
Dear Joshua,
Great site and great post!
I always love to hear the rumors of what may be coming up.
I hope the forest green is the only new M800 they release in 2016, since that is my favorite line and I still have quite a few of the older ones that I would like to get, on my limited funds. But that M400 brown tortoise is trouble for me, since both me and my wife absolutely need it!
Do you have any information on a rough timeline for these releases?
Thank you for you kind words Luiz. I think an M400 brown tortoise would spell trouble for a lot of people. Again, all the above pens are only rumored at this point so no definite timelines that I’m aware of. The information posted is all I’ve heard about each potential release. Of course, I’m always keeping my eyes and ears open and will report anything more that I hear on this site.
Gah, that M800 Forest Green sounds extremely enticing. I’d hope for nice dark green cap with a vibrant emerald barrel.
I’m not sure if that combo would be very appealing to me but thats the beauty of all of these releases. Bound to be something for everyone. We’ll just have to wait and see what develops.
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The 120 green/black is intriguing. Yes the originals (and the Type II aka Merz & Krell pens) are still fairly commonly available in the secondary market, but with the right pricing structure I think it would work well. Maybe as a gateway Pelikan in between(?) the P2xx and the M2xx lines? It was a school pen back in the day why not pay tribute to those pens or yesteryear?
I agree that it would be a nice tribute. There is a lot of history in that original 120 over its initial 10 year run. Not sure that this will materialize but I’d love to own one if it does.
Aquamarine – I definitely will be getting this!
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The M120 seems to be confirmed since it appears in Pelikan’s website. I would like to see the Brown M400 😉
Indeed it is confirmed. I expect that we will see a tortoise later this year but only time will tell.
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Good evening,
do you know if the possible pelikan m400 Brown tortoise
will be released as a limited time edition or a permanent model?
Thanks in advance.
If we see an M400 Brown Tortoise this year, it will almost certainly be as a limited edition. Very unlikely to be a permanent model. Tortoises are usually special edition pieces.
Omg, beautiful Pelikan pens. I have an m800 green striated and an m400 white tortoise. I have yet to see a design and color combination as appealing and beautiful as the white tortoise. I just can’t put it down,
I agree. The M400 white tortoise is a very special pen and one that is not easily rivaled.
It’s especially cool to fill it with Röhrer und Klinger’s “alt goldgrün”. The perfect match! So stylish.