Platinum #3776 Century Carnelian
Per the Platinum website: “The original #3776 series was designed by the late writing expert Haruo Umeda, known as “Mr. Fountain Pen,” along with the design team at Platinum Pen Company. Their aim was simple- to create the ideal fountain pen.” The #3776 was introduced in 1978 and sold over 150,000 pens in just six months. The #3776 is a tribute to the height in meters of Mt. Fuji, which is the highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan. Platinum has many production models of the #3776 but from time to time they release limited editions pens in special materials that are always a hit. The good folks at Luxury Brands graciously lent me a #3776 Century Carnelian with a music nib to test and review. Thanks go out to them and if you are interested in getting one of these for your very own, you can find out more at Luxury Brands.
Packaging: The box has an outer black card stock cover, with a cutout in the center which shows “Platinum Japan 1919” which is imprinted in silver on the inside box. One end of the outer cover is open which allows the black inner box to be removed. The Platinum logo and “Platinum Japan 1919” are embossed in silver on the inside of the lid as well, matching the outer lid. The pen rests on a soft grey pillow and is held in place with a ribbon. Underneath the pen pillow is a warranty card, cartridge, and user guide.
First Thoughts: The material is beautiful! The silver accents match perfectly with the material.
Design: This is a version of the flagship #3776 Century, which has a classic cigar shape. The cap finial is rounded and sits atop a silver clip ring and clip. The clip has a simple step pattern and is a rounded teardrop shape at the clip end. The cap gradually widens until it reaches a silver cap band that is engraved “Platinum Made in Japan,” “#3776 Century.” The bottom finial matches the cap finial and sits atop a silver barrel band. The barrel gradually widens until it reaches a slight step down at the cap threads and another silver ring which is part of the section. The grip section tapers slightly before reaching a flared finger stop behind the nib. The pen is made from a beautiful sparkling red semi-translucent material that pairs perfectly with the silver accents. I tried to capture the material from multiple angles to capture all of the sparkling beauty.
Nib Performance: This sample came with 14K Platinum’s music nib. It is Rhodium coated and matches the accents. I dip tested the nib for the review and it wrote beautifully. It laid down beautiful wet and bold lines. This is only the third music nib I have used, but it was the smoothest one and had a bit of bounce as well
Filling System: Platinum uses proprietary cartridges and converters
Value: The MSRP is $240 USD but retails for around $192 USD.
Overall: This is a truly beautiful pen and I fell it is a great value at this price. The material is stunning, the nib and finish are a great balance and match the material perfectly. The sparkle in the material catches the light as you write with it and it looks like it is on fire. This would be a perfect everyday pen or even for a special occasion.
Specs:
Name: Platinum #3776 Century Carnelian
Design: Classic cigar shape
Length: 140mm (5.5in)
Posted: 159mm (6.3in)
Diameter: 13mm (0.5in)
Weight: 20g (0.7oz)
Nib: 14kt gold
Filling System: Proprietary Cartridge/Converter
Pros: Beautiful material, Slip and Seal cap, wonderful and responsive nib
Cons: Proprietary filling system
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