Just yesterday, I reported news of the anxiously awaited M200 Golden Lapis. In a surprising move late last evening, we were given our first glimpse of a second new model, also due to drop in September. The M670 Warm Grey is an M6xx sized pen leading a new model designation with a fresh look and some unique elements never before seen on a Souverän. For those who don’t care for demonstrators or lament the smaller size of the M2xx series, this may be just the alternative that you’ve been waiting for. Pelikan’s M6xx releases since 2012 have largely focused on bold, bright colors married with white resin. The M670 features grey tones and PVD coated trim imparting a unique, black appearance. The look recalls the white M100 from the late 80s/early 90s, affectionately referred to as the “Stromtrooper.” While it’s tempting to attribute a fresh design to the influence of new ownership, it is important to remember that models like this often spend months to years in the development pipeline before materializing. Regardless of whose fingerprints are on this one, it is always refreshing to see Pelikan breaking out of its shell and trying something new. Keep reading to learn whether or not this is the Souverän for you.
Pelikan’s promotional literature has this to say about the next M6xx;
“Inspired by the earthy natural grey tones that are currently all the rage in the automotive industry and in interior design, the writing instruments of the special edition Souverän 670 Warm Grey series combine aesthetics with functionality. The soft, warm grey stands for balance and contentment. It grounds you and brings you into inner balance – exactly what you expect from a high-quality writing instrument. The fittings of the writing instruments have a black PVD coating. This technology not only ensures exceptional robustness and hardness, but also gives the writing instruments a striking accent. Clip and rings are perfectly matched to the natural grey and create stylish contrasts. A highlight of the Souverän 670 series is the 14-carat gold nib. It has also been finished with a black PVD coating and guarantees a smooth writing experience. We offer the piston fountain pen in four different line widths EF, F, M and B to suit individual writing styles.”
That’s an action packed description with a lot to explore. I don’t know about the auto industry or interior design but the M670 Warm Grey features a pleasant but muted grey barrel and cap. Grey can be either a cool or warm tone and the hue on this one certainly looks warmer. That resin is complemented by a stylized beak clip, two cap bands, two trim rings at the piston knob, and a trim ring at the section. While those elements are nothing new, their appearance marks a Souverän first. All of the furniture is PVD coated giving each element a black appearance. PVD stands for physical vapor deposition and refers to a process that can change the surface properties of the object to be coated, where new mechanical, chemical, electrical or optical characteristics are needed. The coatings traditionally impart surface hardness as well as corrosion and wear resistance. The new M670 features the classic Souverän furniture and not the newer single piece construction recently seen on the M1000 Renaissance Brown. Also included is a discrete, dark green ink view window just behind the section. The overall design addresses a lot of gripes people have had with Pelikan’s models recently. Finally, the 14C-585 nib will also feature a black PVD coating and will be available in EF, F, M, and B widths. Also available will be a K670 Warm Grey ballpoint featuring a twist mechanism for those that prefer ballpoint or like matching sets.
Pricing will be subject to regional variation. The US MSRP is $660 with a retail of $528 from most domestic vendors. That is not too far off from last year’s M600 Red-White. Vendors from the EU will have somewhat lower pricing when the VAT is excluded, ranging between $385 and $450, again consistent with last year’s models. The ballpoint will retail in the U.S. for $448.
I seem to get most excited when Pelikan breaks free from their long established, traditional designs. That does not necessarily mean a radical overhaul but more often than not, a willingness to experiment with new materials and color combinations. That holds true here and while this pen has a more muted look, I think that it is quite regal looking in its subtlety. I cannot wait to see this one in real life as I suspect the promotional pictures aren’t doing it any justice. The M6xx line continues to enjoy some of the most varied and exciting releases in recent years making it seem like Pelikan’s playground. Those who like even larger pens will likely have to wait until later in the year for some potential satisfaction. Is the new M670 Warm Grey a winner? Do you think Pelikan is on the right track with releases like this? I look forward to your thoughts on this one. Feel free to leave a message in the comments section below.
I think this Pelikan looks fine, not one of my favorites though and I’ll most likely pass on it. I do however think it’s interesting and nice that they are making a black trim and nib choice here. I hope they do more with Rose Gold trim and Nibs like the Copper Rose Gold recently released. It’s interesting also they they threw in an ink window on one of the bigger pens.
Rose gold is a rarely used material for Pelikan. I think it has limited application and is easy to overdo but I think a few tasteful rose gold releases spaced appropriately apart would be nice.
It’s a nice-looking pen, but I can’t get excited about it. The Glauco Cambon was pricey, but exciting. This one is not–not at that price. I wish they’d made it in the m200 size.
I can’t argue that perspective. The next art series release is anticipated for 2025 so maybe something more worthy of the price tag will come about then.
Too close to white. Will likely pass on it but like they included an ink window though.
While Pelikan abandoned the transparent ink view in their striped models, they haven’t necessarily done so with their resin releases. Not all of these get an ink view but I find the barrels of solid color tend to come with ink views.
I guess it’s just me, but I prefer my gold nibs to look gold. I would have preferred a gold clip as well. This one holds no allure for me.
I just like that they are trying new things and trying to get out of their comfort zone. I’m sure the look won’t appeal to everyone but it’s nice to see them thinking about how to expand their appeal.
Likely there will be a staining issue for those of us with less than perfect filling skills.
Likely an eventual staining issue for those of us with less than perfect filling skills.
Yes, I suspect this material would be just as prone to staining as if it were white resin. That said, I would think the PVD coating might resist corrosion better than gold, specifically with regards to the trim ring on the section.
This is an exciting new design and, happily, addresses one of the greatest drawbacks of the recent Pelikan models: the lack of an ink window or the abandonment of the translucent striping which allows the user to check the remaining ink levels in the pen. This was a major reason why I did not buy the (otherwise beautiful) black tortoiseshell M605 or the Glauco Cambon M600.
But this new design ticks a lot of boxes. I am not sure I like the colour enough as it looks slightly dull. However, it Pelikan starts producing a new line of M670 pens in attractive colours with ink windows, then I definitely will expand my collection!
I have a suspicion that this one doesn’t photograph well. I’m really looking forward to seeing it in real life. The ink view doesn’t surprise me as they tend to incorporate them on pens made of a solid color resin (not always but often).
I’m all in for Grey (gray). This is a lovely color combo with some flair, but still should be at home in my button-down IT world. In fact, it’s about perfect for a programmer or actuary (though perhaps not traditional enough for an accountant). I am excited about this and am in line for my copy. The only thing I’m not excited about is the color of the ink window. A dark red might have set it off a bit better. Even smokey gray would have been in keeping. But this will match the dark green band on my Pelikan three-pen case, so I’m not put off.
The trend to gray is building. I love my Sailor TUZU in the light gray. I hope to see more gray/grey editions, especially with maroon accents.
Gray is how we would spell it here in the USA but the rest of the world goes with grey. They’ve had so many smoke colored windows, I’m not sure why they went with green on this one. I don’t think that it looks bad but, yes, thematically something grey may have been a better fit. On the other hand, maybe they were looking to keep it from being so one note.
Grey is an accepted spelling in the US
Absolutely, both are accepted. Just how people tend to commonly spell it in the various regions, at least according the grammar sources that I’ve looked over in the past.
Love it. Want it. Will be getting it.
Same for me!
I’m very drawn to this pen. I tend to love white pens so this is a nice alternative to that. Can’t wait to see what they really look like IRL. I do love that they made it in the 600 size.
The M6xx series really has seen a lot of action in recent years after being neglected for some time. Seems like we get more M6xx releases these days than M8xx.
If I owned a Nardo Gray Audi, I’d definitely be interested. It’s a nice “outside the box” color combo for Pelikan. Kudos, but it’s a bit pricey.
I drive an Audi S5 Sportback. Love that car. My only regret with it is that I went with Daytona Gray and not Nardo Gray (the Mrs. didn’t care for Nardo).
Pelikan dire need to present New model instead of recycling of color s Old well known models
Pelikan is a creature of habit rooted in deep German conservatism. Wholly new models are usually reserved for the much lower tiered pen lines, such as the Ineo. The fine writing recipe has largely been unchanged in over 30 years. That said, I think we’ve seen Pelikan take on riskier designs in the last few years and that may be the best we can hope for.
Greys are notoriously difficult to balance in photos, so I think I will really need to see this one in person. Overall, I am on the fence.
The color is somewhat alluring, but somehow to me putting a PVD coating on a gold nib is almost a crime against humanity. The engineer in me asks if one wants a PVD coating, why not just put a stainless steel nib on there, coat it, and call it a day? Even the rhodium x05 nibs have that noble metal shine, and of course the two tone Pelikan nibs are legendarily beautiful.
I am trying to keep an open mind until I see it for myself. Maybe it will surprise me. I’ll never dismiss any M600-based model out of hand.
That’s my thought too. This one just seems off in the promotional photos so I’m not sure of how much of a true reproduction the photos are. I don’t mind taking the PVD through to the nib because I like the uniformity. I think it would look extra odd if you had a grey barrel/cap, black furniture, green ink view, and golden nib. Personally, I would love, love, love to see the PVD black applied to a resin pen in Porsche red, preferably in an M800 (are you listening Pelikan?).
Hola a todos los Pelikano amantes. El blanco, a diferencia de Laura, no me atrae.
Aprecio mucho la ventana, aunque, como dice Colin, pudo haber sido de un color humo, ya que estamos con los colores negro mate. Me alegra que lo hayan elaborado,
pues todas las compañías manufactureras se han lanzado a esta nueva tendencia.
En lo personal, opino como Karen, prefiero clips y plumines dorados, pero eso es totalmente un gusto personal (¿será por ser ya un viejo? pues aún disfruto de mis discos de acetato y de leer el Pequeño Larousse Ilustrado), mis gustos están bien cimentados, me encantaría la Pelikan Souveran M 600 Renaissance Brown, que parece estar complicado de conseguir, aunque no tenga ventana de nivel de tinta.
Sherin tiene toda la razón, en este mundo tan cambiante, y a una vertiginosa velocidad, en la que, muchos evitamos caer en la vorágine novedosa en la que,
la transmutación de lo útil es destronada por la visión y el deslumbramiento cibernético, y como los poseedores y practicantes de la escritura con pluma fuente (en 1,974 llevaba un tintero y el canutero para aprender caligrafía en la primaria del liceo), y de un reloj que marcaba la hora con tres agujas, es fácil pensar que su uso va en disminución,
salve que como los relojes, se han de convertir en obras de arte y el dar la hora sea lo secundario, esta industria deberá de innovar a toda costa para sobrevivir y que mis nietos se entusiasmen por las plumas fuente en el futuro,
Saludos a todos.
Pablo.
I agree that innovation will be key to survival, something Pelikan did well at the outset but has fallen behind on in recent decades. I believe it will be necessary to have a strategy other than “same pen, different color” in order to survive into the future.
This one is not doing anything for me, although I, too, wonder (hope) it looks better in person.
Side note: I’m always amazed by how important the ink window is for some folks. I had striped Souverans for years before reading somewhere that they showed the ink level. And to this day, I don’t look for the ink and actually don’t think the ink is easy to see. Different strokes …, I guess.
Finally, I’m still waiting for new M8xx releases, with emphasis on “new.” Didn’t we used to get 2 a year?
I find the ink view useful but not a deal breaker. For some, it’s an absolute deal breaker. It’s nice to have variety either way. I believe that you will get an M8xx release before year’s end. It seems like supply chain has dictated a lot about pen availability in the past few years.
While it’s different, the lack of color in it, for me, makes it full and muted. I don’t have expensive Pelikan pens like many here, but I just don’t see this pen grabbing the attention of many. Sorry…
Sometimes though, you don’t want a pen to grab attention. I see this along the lines to the Antracite/Stresemann. Subtle and subdued but still able to make a refined statement and fit in in places that say an M200 Golden Lapis might stand out in a not so good way, e.g. the board room.
Hello Joshua. I’m a physician who recently acquired several Pelikan pens. After a period of using Pilot and Aurora pens i discovered Pelikan. I am a great fan of Pilot’s Namiki Yukari Royal and Custom Urushi pens. It seemed these pens were all that i needed. I took a chance and purchased a Renaissance Brown M1000 preferring larger pens in general. I have since gone on to acquire the classic M1000 green and black barrel version and recently purchased a second hand teal white M600 (2018). All within a month. I am planning to purchase the Glauco Cambon soon. At a certain price point there are many amazing pens with great nibs to be found. Owning and using a Pelikan has given me a great deal of pleasure which is not exaggeration on my part. Pelikan have mot coloured outside the lines and they have become more adventurous design wise as of late which is noticeable to a new Pelikan owner like myself. I have several Red Mambas made by Aurora which have a PVD coating on the nib. It seems a hard wearing layer and has added more friction/ feedback compared to my other non PVD coated Aurora pens. If it is indeed the same , i fear the smooth writing experience one experiences with Pelikan may be altered somewhat. Thank you Joshua for your articles and reviews. I greatly appreciate your opinions.
Sounds like you have a great collection that is growing nicely. The Glauco Cambon is a must have in my opinion. It remains to be seen how the PVD coating may affect the nib’s characteristics. I’m excited to find out personally.
I never thought I would be a fan of white pens, and for the most part am not. However, a few years ago, I picked up a M205 Classic White and found myself using it more than some of my other Pelikans (perhaps because it had a double broad double-chick nib). The only down side was wishing to have it in a larger format, which this model would bring to the table. I also like the ink window and that it’s the start of a new SE series.
The M205 White was my first Pelikan. I guess you’d call it my gateway pen. I could get behind this black PVD coated trim if they paired it with some really vibrant red or yellow resin. I think it would pop something wonderful.
I’m with you on the Yellow for the pop or maybe olive green for stealth… and a vermillion red… yes.
Olive Green and black would be an amazing combo. There is a lot they could do in that color space if they were so inclined.
Judging by the comments above, if seems to be a divisive model. I’m not necessarily a fan of white, or bright colored pens but some of them do look really nice. The M605 in white, with silver trim (AKA the Ghost) looks pretty cool. I have to admit that the first thought that came to my mind, when I saw the first pics of this pen, was “the stormtrooper” that was based on the old M100. But this is more than it; it’s a Souverän. I hope the color is in the end indeed grayish and not white (as it currently looks). The trim is interesting, but the ink window and the double-cap-rings are a welcome feature. It looks like Pelikan may be indeed going to the old, proven formula, which utilizes ink windows and not (such a cheap and fake looking) single cap ring. Now, if they could also make it in M800 size, and re-introduce the colors of the bygone era, such as solid burgundy or primer-gray… that’d be the cats pajamas.
I would definitely be all in for a PVD M800 in burgundy or primer-gray. That would be quite to my liking. I don’t mind bright colored pens though so give me red, yellow, and orange as well. This new coating could open up a few exciting possibilities if they run with it.
I am very pleased to see the return of the ink window. But why the hell does it have to be green!!!
For their solid resin models, the ink view never really went away. Most, but certainly not all, of them have included an ink view. As to why it’s green, that I cannot answer. I figured they would have gone with a smoke colored one for this model.