The Perch is back after a short break, and I have a lot to explore in the coming months. I’ll start with a series of reviews, beginning with the M200 Golden Lapis fountain pen. The M2xx line has had some design and material inconsistencies over the years, but I’m pleased to say the Golden Lapis resolves those issues, presenting itself as one of the most cohesive releases yet. Launched in 2015, Golden Lapis is the tenth special edition fountain pen inspired by Pelikan’s Edelstein Ink Of The Year and only the third M200 in this collection, alongside the Smoky Quartz (2017) and Golden Beryl (2021). The M200 line features gold-plated trim, unlike the silver colored chromium trim of the M205. The Golden Lapis is the fourth model to incorporate a shimmer effect within the resin, the others being the M205 Star Ruby (2019), the M205 Moonstone (2020), and the M200 Golden Beryl (2021). Keep reading to discover more about this stunning pen.

An M205 Star Ruby (2019, top) and an M200 Golden Lapis (2024, bottom). Note the difference in trim color owing to the use of chromium vs gold plating

Appearance & Design (10/10) – Mixing a beautiful blue hue with a subtle shimmer is a recipe for success

The M200 Golden Beryl can be bought individually or in a gift set. When purchased alone, it comes in Pelikan’s standard G30 packaging, featuring a rectangular box with a magnetic closure and a faux leather sleeve. The gift set includes the fountain pen and matching ink. Both options offer a simple yet elegant presentation that suggests quality and makes for a nice gift. Once opened, the striking azure blue of the barrel and cap catches your eye. This rich color looks to be a blend of cyan and blue, wonderfully enhanced by its shimmering effect. The shimmer is very noticeable but not distracting and blends well with the overall aesthetic.

Although this is a demonstrator, it may appear almost opaque in low light. In brighter settings, the internals, including the ink chamber, become visible. The black plastic piston assembly blends into the design, allowing the resin to stand out. The same resin that comprises the barrel and cap is also used for the cap top, a new feature for this line and a great addition. The cohesive design ensures that all elements match the pen’s style, without any distractions. The gold-plated trim coordinates with the blue resin beautifully. That trim includes a crown-clip nut, a single trim ring at the piston knob, a single cap band, and a beak-shaped clip. Lastly, there’s a gold-plated stainless steel nib stamped with the company’s logo and nib width. While its appearance is plain, the nib fits the style of this model perfectly.

Click an image to view the gallery

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Construction & Quality (10/10) – Solid construction throughout means baked in reliability

Pelikan’s Classic series started with the M481 in the early 1980s, originally positioned as a more affordable piston-filling option compared to the Souverän M400. The main differences between the lines are a slightly less polished finish, which doesn’t affect usability, and the overall design. The Classic series features a lot more variety. However, decades of price increases has largely erased much of the economic advantage that the M2xx once offered. All of the pen’s components fit well together, and the piston knob is snug and without play when retracted. The cap stays put yet can be easily removed with a 3/4 turn for quick access. I rarely experience pens uncapping in my pocket with this design. The Golden Lapis posts securely, a feature that I appreciate. If not posted, be cautious of the step where the piston knob meets the barrel, as the size difference between the two components might feel uncomfortable depending on where the pen rest in your hand. While well-constructed, these models are smaller and lighter, making them susceptible to damage if dropped from a height. Like most M200s, the Golden Lapis can serve reliably as an everyday pen if well cared for.

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Weight & Dimensions (9/10) – It’s a small pen that will not appeal to large pen lovers

If you prefer larger pens, the Golden Lapis may not suit you. It’s similar in size to the Souverän M400 and significantly smaller than the M800 or M1000, but its compact size makes it easy to carry. When posted, it has a nice length and balance. Its lightweight design prevents hand fatigue during long writing sessions, making it a great option for some, though not everyone will enjoy it. The M200’s official dimensions include a capped length of 4.92 in (12.49 cm), a posted length of 5.71 in (14.50 cm), and a diameter of 0.46 in (1.16 cm). It weighs a paltry 0.49 oz (13.89 gm). If you like smaller pens, this one is well worth considering.

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Nib & Performance (9/10) – With a plain design and subtle spring, the stainless steel nib is all business

The Golden Lapis has a gold-plated stainless steel nib available in EF, F, M, or B widths. The nibs are lightly decorated, springy, and enjoyable to write with. You can swap the gold nib from an M400 since they share a collar size, and many sellers offer this service for a fee. I bought mine with a broad nib, aiming to use its namesake ink for the best shimmering effect possible. My nib came flawless, with aligned tines and no other afflictions. It writes smoothly and reliably, with no hard starts or skipping. Overall, this has been my experience with Pelikan nibs, though your experience may differ. For a broad nib, the line looks more like a medium width to me. Pelikan’s nibs are wet writers, laying down a generous line of ink. That behavior can be tamed with the use of drier inks if preferred. The downstrokes and cross strokes are uniform and lacking variation. Pelikan’s nib assemblies are excellent at keeping the feed from drying out, so the pen is almost always ready to use, an often overlooked attribute.

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Filling System & Maintenance (10/10) – A piston filler that is easy to fill and very low maintenance

The M200 Golden Lapis fills via piston, utilizing the same differential mechanism that propelled Pelikan to success in the fountain pen world. Turning the piston knob left extends the piston, while reversing it draws ink into the chamber. When full, it will hold roughly 1.20mL of ink and can fill with a single cycle of the piston. The transparent barrel lets you see the ink level, but any stains that might arise will also be visible. Pelikan’s piston fillers are generally low maintenance. Besides cleaning, little other maintenance is needed. After years of use, the piston may become stiff, which can be fixed by removing the nib and applying a tiny drop of silicone grease inside the barrel. The piston assembly is snap fit to the barrel and is not meant to be removed, something that is rarely ever necessary anyways. Overall, the M200 is a low maintenance model that is easy to fill and use.

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Cost & Value (9/10) – Finding a 2020 price in 2024 is no easy feat but it definitely ups the value proposition

Pelikans have steadily increased in price over the years, but the M200 Golden Lapis’ price remains steady compared to last year. It has a US MSRP of $250 and sells for around $200 domestically, similar to the prices of 2020’s Moonstone and 2023’s Rose Quartz. In Europe, the Golden Lapis is priced at €121 (~$129.74), excluding VAT. Whether this pen justifies the price is up to you, but its attractive design makes it worth considering.

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Conclusion – The Golden Lapis may be the first model of the line to get close to aesthetic perfection

M200 Golden Lapis: 57/60 or 95%

The M200 Golden Lapis is the first model in the series to achieve a truly cohesive design. All of its trim elements are plated, and the cap top is made from the same material as the barrel. These thoughtful choices, combined with a rich blue hue, creates a stunning look. The golden sparkles in the material add a subtle shimmer, making it lively while also disguising its nature as a demonstrator, potentially even appealing to those who usually dislike such pens. The shimmer is ever-present but subtle, making this pen suitable for use in any setting. Of all the models released so far, it may be that this one most closely resembles its namesake. While I liked last year’s Rose Quartz very much, this one easily surpasses it. If you haven’t tried this line yet, this is a great model to start with.

Colors as varied as the gemstones they represent. Left to right: M205 Amethyst (2015), M205 Aquamarine (2016), M200 Smoky Quartz (2017), M205 Olivine (2018), M205 Star Ruby (2019), M205 Moonstone (2020), M200 Golden Beryl (2021), M205 Apatite (2022), M205 Rose Quartz (2023), and the M200 Golden Lapis (2024)

PROS

• A near perfect aesthetic that should set the standard for future models
• Solid construction paired with ease of use make this a low maintenance option
• A feed that resists drying out means the pen is (almost) always ready to write
• A demonstrator that isn’t so obvious which may give it a broader appeal

CONS

• The small size and light weight will be the biggest detractor for most
• A demonstrator means any stains acquired have the potential to mar this one’s beauty
• The price is still rather high for a pen equipped with a stainless steel nib

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A Look At The Pelikan M200 Golden Lapis

Pelikan M200 Golden Lapis Writing Sample

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*The pen utilized for this review is my own from my personal collection and therefore the opinions expressed are also mine and free of any undue influence.