The Wordsmith

I’ve been a fountain pen enthusiast for many years now, and my collection has grown to include a variety of models from Indian artisans like Ranga and Kanwrite to international brands. Among them, the Waterman Carène has held a special place since I acquired it. It is an old pen that I got from a friend. Now, after using this old pen for roughly six months, it’s time for a detailed review.

This pen has accompanied me through countless journal entries, blog drafts, and even some novel outlining sessions. I’ll cover its design, colors, nib smoothness, ink flow, and other key aspects like build quality, comfort, and durability.

Design and Build Quality

The Waterman Carène stands out with its yacht-inspired design, which evokes the sleek lines of a boat’s hull. The barrel tapers elegantly into an integrated nib section and creates a streamlined profile that’s both modern and timeless. The pen is made primarily from metal with a lacquered finish. It feels substantial without being cumbersome. Over the years, the lacquer has held up remarkably well. However, this is subject to use. Mine, since it is a second-hand pen, has come with scratches. The clip is spring-loaded, firm, and functional.

In terms of build, it’s solid as a rock. The converter fits snugly, and the overall fit-and-finish displays premium craftsmanship. The pen is made in France. The brass barrel has double O-rings to hold off any ink pilferage. Not that that happens in mine. Mine is a lot cleaner.

However, from a balanced view, the metal construction adds weight (around 34 grams capped), which could feel heavy for extended writing sessions if you’re used to lighter pens. Another observation, which weighs (no puns intended) in favor of how I would like to use this pen (yes, specifically this pen) is regarding weight management. Then pen, when posted, becomes even more convenient to use. I normally like to use my pens unposted. But not this one. This one, I prefer, posted; such is its weight management.

Colors and Aesthetics

Waterman offers the Carène in a range of stunning colors, from the classic Black Sea (a deep black lacquer with gold trim) to more vibrant options like Marine Amber (shimmering gold flecks in amber resin) and special editions such as L’Essence du Bleu (navy blue with wave-engraved palladium cap). Mine is the Carène Deluxe Fountain Pen with Black Lacquer GT.

Issues observed

Within the last six months that I have spent with this pen, here is what I have observed:

• When the pen’s barrel is threaded in, it does not align with the nib. Even though mine is a second-hand purchase, the attention to detail at this price point is expected. So, it is definitely a miss.
• The cap contains a liner, so the ink does not dry out. However, I have still had a hard-start issue, irrespective of the ink. Again, at this price point, it is certainly a let-down.
• The inlaid nib has soft edges that run into the section. And this interaction draws up ink up to the pen’s section. It isn’t something for me to bother, but those whom I had lent the pen in the past have all had inky fingers.
• And, the breather hole, which should have been a bit deeper, sits right opposite the end of the inlaid nib. This means that you have to dip the pen deeper to suck up ink. It also might contribute to inky fingers for those who hold the pen closer to the nib.

Overcall, these are design flaws that should have been observed and addressed beforehand. Or, I might have been a bit unlucky to receive such a piece.

Nib Smoothness and Writing Experience

The heart of any fountain pen is its nib, and the Carène’s 18k gold nib is a standout. Mine, I think, is a Fine-Medium that effortlessly glides across paper. There’s a slight springiness to it, providing subtle line variation without being flexy. Reviewers commonly describe it as “buttery” or “moderately wet,” and I agree.

In long-term use, the nib has maintained its smoothness with no hard starts or scratchiness, even after periods of disuse. Some users report it feeling almost like a factory stub, which I agree with, because it adds an extra bit of character to my handwriting.

Pros and Cons

To sum up from multiple angles:

Pros:

• Exceptional design.
• Smooth, responsive 18k gold nib with consistent flow.
• Comfortable for extended writing.
• Good value in the mid-tier luxury segment.

Cons:

• Heavier weight might not suit everyone.
• Potential for minor filling leaks and inky fingers if not handled carefully.
• Price could feel steep compared to artisan pens.

Conclusion

The Waterman Carène has proven itself as a reliable companion in my writing journey. It’s my go-to pen for office use. If you’re seeking a blend of French elegance, practical performance, and long-lasting quality, I highly recommend it—much like I did with my Ranga Abhimanyu.