For those that have found the M205 Petrol-Marbled to be too small and the M1000 Maki-e Seven Treasures to be too large and expensive, Pelikan now brings a third option to the table for 2021. Today broke with news of the forthcoming M605 Green-White fountain pen. This mid-size model keeps with Pelikan’s trend, predominantly over the past five years, of bringing brighter barrel colors with white resin accents to the M6xx line. Starting with the M600 Tortoiseshell White in 2012, we have since seen the M600 Pink (2015), M605 White Transparent (2017), M600 Turquoise-White (2018), and M600 Violet-White (2019). This time we get an eye-catching shade of green arranged in stripes made of cellulose acetate accented by white resin and palladium plated furniture. If we’ve learned anything recently, it is that pre-release photos can be deceiving but there appears to be a lot to like here. If this one looks like a nice addition for your flock, it is expected to be available at retailers worldwide starting in July of this year. This will be a special edition therefore will only be available while supplies last.
“The white parts are made of high-quality resin that is first turned and then polished to a high sheen. The barrel with the white and green stripes is made of cellulose acetate that was very carefully manufactured and turned into a sleeve. The characteristic double rings at the back of the barrel and on the cap are integrated into the material, to obtain a virtually seamless transition between materials. Every single writing instrument is mounted by hand and carefully checked to fulfill the strictest quality criteria.”
Excerpt From Pelikan’s Sales Literature
The colorful green striped finish of the piston filling M605 Green-White is accented by silver-colored palladium plated furniture. Most of the colorful releases in this series to date have actually had gold plated trim. Specifically, that trim includes a stylized beak clip, two cap bands, two trim rings at the piston knob, and a trim ring at the section. Like the last several releases of this type, the barrel looks to be opaque, lacking any discrete ink view window which is definitely a sticking point for some. The white resin of the cap, piston knob, and section stands as a nice contrast against the green background. Of course, white resin does raise an eyebrow over the inherent risk of staining which can give some prospective buyers pause. Personally, I have not had any issues when reasonable ink selection and a modicum of routine pen maintenance is observed. This model is slated to be available with nibs in the widths of EF, F, M, and B. Each nib is 14C-585 gold, plated with rhodium to give it a silver finish to match the rest of the pen’s appearance. A matching ballpoint featuring a twist mechanism will also be available for purchase separately. Packaging for this one will be similar to what has accompanied prior releases dating back to the M600 Pink, namely a rectangular box with laces done in a matching green.
M605 Green-White fountain pen with matching K605 ballpoint
Pricing for this one will vary by vendor/region and there is no word yet on pricing in the USA. To give you some sense, Appelboom in the Netherlands is offering the fountain pen at €355.37 (~$433.83) and the ballpoint at €260.33 (~$317.81) when the VAT is excluded. Keep in mind, that several retailers in the EU and elseswhere will require a roughly $30 premium if you select a nib in extra fine width. Pricing in the USA is likely to be higher, I’d estimate something in the $480 to $550 range based on historical trends and past releases. It shouldn’t be long before that information comes to light.
Personally, I think this shade of green is rather striking but I will withhold any judgement on this one as we await the surfacing of real world photos. Pelikan’s pre-release images have been deceptive in the past and, as the proverb states; “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Still, I think that there is a lot of potential here and the color combination could be a home run if executed well. What do you think about the M605 Green-White? Will this one be joining your flock? Feel free to leave a comment below.
UPDATE 6/2/2021: It looks like the US pricing is going to be even more than I could fathom. The NibSmith informs me that the US MSRP will be $720 for this one with a retail price of $576. To put that in context, 2019’s M600 Violet-White carried an MSRP of $550 with a retail price of $440 and 2020’s M600 Tortoiseshell-Red had an MSRP of $600 with a retail of $480. What a difference just a year or two makes. You’ll have to judge for yourself whether or not there is any value here at that price. I shudder to think of what the next M8xx release will run US customers shopping domestically. To make this pill a bit easier to swallow, The NibSmith is offering free nib grinds if you purchase through him and is also offering free shipping with the coupon code “freeship” (full disclosure: I have no affiliation with The NibSmith other than being a satisfied past customer). Other vendors may have similar offers to lessen the sting so shop around.
Gorgeous. Will I be buying this? If the past predicts the future, the answer is *YES*. Thanks for keeping me up-to-date.
Haha. You’re most welcome. I find that when it comes to these birds, the past usually does predict the future.
OOOOOOOOOH, NOOOOOOO! Just when I thought I had all the pens I could possibly want for a while. I had pretty much convinced myself to pass on the Petrol even though I like that teal color. But this green may be irresistible.
Thanks, sort of, for the post
That’s Pelikan for you. Just when you think you’re in the clear, they go for the kill shot. I would definitely pass on the Petrol for this one if I had to choose, provided it looks similar to the available photos. Good luck convincing your wallet of the same.
Received my Petrol a few days ago. I am extremely disappointed in it. The barrel has 2 wide black bands on it and very little teal showing. This is my first bird that I have been extremely unhappy with and I have a good sized flock. Save your money unless you can see the Petrol in person to make your decision.
I learned my lesson with the Ocean Swirl and asked my vendor take a look and try to select a Petrol pen that was a bit more consistent appearing in the finish. Doesn’t do you much good now but something to consider in the future.
Definitely a possibility- looks gorgeous, fresh and classy!
That was one of my first impressions as well, specifically that it looked “fresh.”
Well, my wallet (and my spouse) will be very happy. The (color)+white pens are pretty, but they are not for me, even though my Pelikan chassis of choice is the M6xx.
In the game of fountain pens, you’re a winner if you know your limits and stick to your lane. I’m sure your wallets reprieve won’t be too long lived though, lol.
Ha! You’re probably right.
Yikes! I just saw your addendum on pricing. I’m sure that companies around the world are feeling the strain of this past year, and that will be reflected in their prices. However, at those prices, I think demand will fall.
I agree. At some point, the prices will turn people away and demand will drop. Maybe they bank on selling fewer units at a higher per unit profit which might be sound economics but it will be at the expense of customers. It will also drive US vendors away from the brand since people can shop overseas and save $185 on this model alone. What I now fear is what the next M800 will cost. I’m starting to have visions of an MSRP north of $900.
If the photos are accurate, this will be a very good looking pen, but it is not one I expect to purchase. Of course, my expectations do not always predict my future behavior accurately.
I feel that. I’m very guilty of it myself with the Seven Treasures. Didn’t expect to purchase it but here we are…
Not having seen one of the previous colourful/white M600s in person, can I ask whether the white portion is a true white or slightly off-white/yellow? I’m assuming Pelikan uses a consistent colour on all the variations, but maybe not… Many thanks! Jack
My wife would tell you that I’m horrible at colors so take this for what it’s worth. To my eye, the pens are slightly off-white/yellow rather than a pure white. They are all pretty much the same.
I second this assessment, to my eye, the white leans a little in the grey/yellow (what some might call “ivory”) direction. But as nearly as I can tell, the white used on all models is the same color.
The shade of green in the photos is striking. My pen budget wants to know if Pelikan is releasing a special edition M80x this year before taking the plunge on this one.
It’s an understandable consideration. Believe it or not, we haven’t seen an M8xx since 2019’s Brown-Black. They are long overdue. I’d say one is almost certain for this year. Exactly when or what it will look like is still up in the air.
I’m not a big fan of greens in general. This one is OK; however, if I go for a green, it’s usually a sort of blueish green. And just how much abuse is Pelikan expecting U.S. consumers to take? At the anticipated U.S. price, NO THANK YOU.
Yes, the US pricing is getting prohibitive for a number of customers. I’m very curious where the break point is and at what price will they start to lose a meaningful number of customers/vendors to begin impacting the bottom line. I’m sure the set prices have a million dollars worth of market research behind them. Still, seems like the US market is being shaken down.
But does it really come with a silver finial ring or will we be seeing a white one to match the section?
I know where I’ll be spending my bonus money next month!
This one should be silver indeed. Nothing but the best for a Souverän. Hope you can snag one at a nice price.
I may be tempted by this one. Which is odd bc pink and turquoise are two of my fave colors but I haven’t been drawn to either of those M605s. And I’m not particularly into greens. But not only is this cheery and springy, but it’s sort of the summer dress white uniform to the classic green and black striated’s dark winter uniforms. (Can you tell I’ve always lived in Navy towns? 🙂 )
There is something about this look that is catching. It just seems fresh and airy in a way the other colors haven’t been. Hopefully that feeling isn’t lessened when we see the pen in person.
I will also wait for real-world photos, but yea, it looks to be an attractive M60x model. It’s not like I really have a choice: after all, it is an M60x. But yes, pricing at this level is very likely to start affecting my behavior. There are competitors who also have attractive models in the size class.
I can only imagine that their retail strategy includes planning on selling fewer units at a higher price. This may be reasonable for business but bad for consumers that already bear an unfair burnt of the corporate pricing policies. I really do wonder how much of a cut the Chartpak middle man takes from all of this.
Ideally for me, the green on this pen would match the green on the regular-production green-black M600.
I’m hoping for a different green that that, something a bit lighter.
This is a spring irresistable. I’ll take it in the summer or the fall. Hard to justify paying $100 plus and upward in the US though. Might have to go to Europe for this one. Thanks for your great blog!
I think this color will appeal to a lot customers, much more so than the price. Thankfully there are plenty of great overseas vendors to choose from if that is your preference. Thanks for reading the blog!
Nope, after the hairline cracks inside the cap of my gold-marbled M200, I’ve vowed to never get another white Pelikan. Well, I might reconsider if I was offered the pink M600 at a price under $500. 😉 This color doesn’t appeal to me at all.
I can definitely understand your reticence. I think the days of an M600 Pink under $500 is long gone unfortunately. I can’t believe how that blew up on the market and you just can’t find them.
Beautiful, but I prefer the M800 seize!
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