Pelikan’s Edelstein line introduced Apricot Achat this year, a light apricot color that resembles its gemstone namesake. The ink lacks shimmer and may be too light for some. I expected the ink to be just as it is but I’m rarely in it for the ink these days. Since 2015, Pelikan has paired M2xx fountain pens with their Ink Of The Year line and I’ve struggled to envision what an apricot colored pen might look like. That struggle ended today with news of the M200 Apricot Achat Special Edition fountain pen. Of the eleven pens in this series, this will be just the fourth gold accented M200. I can confidently say that nothing else in the line up matches this color, which is truly unique. The Apricot Achat is expected sometime in July. Continue reading for all the available details.
Pelikan’s promotional literature states, “Celebrate warmth, creativity, and refined elegance with the Pelikan Classic M200 Apricot Achat, a special edition fountain pen inspired by the uplifting aura of the Apricot Achat gemstone. Known for evoking joy, optimism, and soothing harmony, this delicate stone is beautifully represented in the radiant apricot hue of the M200.” Whether the color best reflects the yellow-orange of Apricot or has enough of a hint of pink to resemble Peach is up for debate. Regardless, the translucent resin is stunning, exuding warmth and comfort. Furthermore, there appears to be small white inclusions embedded within the resin that add dimension and complexity. Apricot Achat is not a shimmer ink so these inclusions do not appear to mimic the glitter effect seen in last year’s Golden Lapis. The look is very reminiscent of the actual gemstone.
As a demonstrator, the M200 Apricot Achat showcases the ink chamber. It features a white plastic piston assembly that complements the apricot resin and blends seamlessly. The trim is 24K gold-plated and includes a ring at the piston knob, a single cap band, a pelican’s beak clip, and a plated crown clip nut. Similar to the Golden Lapis, Pelikan has used the same resin for the cap top, creating a sophisticated and refined appearance. The M200 is a compact pen, measuring 4.92 inches (12.49 cm) in length and weighing 0.49 ounces (13.89 gm).
The M200 Apricot Achat will come with a gold-plated stainless steel nib in EF, F, M, or B widths. It will be available as a fountain pen only, which can be purchased alone or in a gift set that includes a bottle of Apricot Achat ink. Pricing is not yet confirmed, but available listings are at €139.34 (~$160.43) from Stilo & Stile and $187.86 from Appelboom.
No matter which pen was released this year, it had a tough act to follow with the Golden Lapis. I’m happy to say that the Apricot Achat is up to the challenge. The warm apricot color is attractive, and the small inclusions enhance the material. I believe the M200 Apricot Achat will be a unique addition to the line up and I look forward to seeing one in person. What do you think of Pelikan’s newest M200? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Thank you for sharing this news with us. I’m glad the ink is not a shimmer ink. I’m so over shimmer inks. The pen looks very nice.
I concur with that sentiment but to each their own I guess.
Pelikan can just take my money now 😂
They frequently do with mine.
Having several members of the M200/205 series, I did not think I would add yet another, but this colour is really attractive. Another addition to the collection is most likely!
They have a way of sneaking up on you like that.
I think this color is a really nice addition to the line. It’s not for me— but I must admit I really do enjoy the way the cap works with this color. It looks cozy and comfortable but also maintains a level of elegance that I feel only Pelikan can achieve.
Pelikan really does a great job with that as you so eloquently put it.
I think they do a good job on this one. I think it looks very elegant and I think that color works very well as a demonstrator. That said, I am safe this year as the color simply isn’t for me, but it’s a lovely pen!
The nice thing about these Pelikans is that they can be admired from afar for what they are, even if they aren’t to our own particular liking.
I think this will be a new addition to my flock, but like you, I believe I can live without the ink. Agree that it will likely be too light.
I feel the same. The pen is a gorgeous color, but I need my inks to be easy-to-read-dark.
I will likely pick up a bottle just to try it out but can’t see myself using it with any regularity.
Yet another M200 colour — I wish Pelikan were a little bit more creative with their new releases!
How does the new M600 suit you. I’m not sure that it ticks the creativity box so much but it is attractive in its own right.
This is making me think: is the pen the primary driver of the color or the ink? I remember Moonstone was a beautiful pen but the ink itself very weak on the paper. Golden Lapis was great (but different) in both. The Apricot Achat is a stunning pen but I worry that the ink may be weak. I look forward getting a bottle of the ink to see for myself. In the meantime, it’s 24/7 Smoky Quartz, for me.
It’s a surprisingly readable ink and looks to be quite close to the pen color.
I’ve always thought the ink was the primary driver but it is an interesting question to ponder. I guess only Pelikan knows. Smoky Quartz is a great color!
Thanks, as always, for the update. For me, the answers are simple: Pen – yes. Ink – no.
One striking thing I appreciate is that the top of the cap is not the basic black. Pelikan seems to be incorporating this feature across multiple 200-series pens recently. I wish the M205 red Toledo did so, but that was a different era. Even the all-gold modern cap on the >=400 series seems weak by comparison to color matching.
Honestly, it was the single feature that grabbed me the most because it is what has bothered me for years about these but I just accepted as the Pelikan design ethos. I hope they stick with the matching cap tops because it adds so much.