Digital Capless

Meanwhile (::1::, ::2::), what is Pilot doing besides raising prices at a spectacular pace?

The basic Pilot Capless introduced in 1998—that is, the FC model—used to cost JPY 10,000 (plus tax) and came with a steel nib, available only in F or M, with no other options. Its distribution outside Japan was also very limited.

So, how has this model changed?

Rehashing the basic Capless--JPY 16000, black trim, steel nib.

The price has increased by 60%, to JPY 16,000, which is actually not that bad compared with many other models in the Pilot lineup. Pilot has also refreshed its appearance and given it an additional name: "Digital Tech–Simple and Smart." A digital fountain pen? Ah, the genius of marketing strikes again...

These analog "digital techies" now feature black trim and matte finishes. They are available in four colors—copper, green, ash blue, and silver—plus a limited edition in purple.

The five "digital" Capless.

The mismatch between the trim and the nib, however, remains. For the first time in the history of the Capless, the steel nib is no longer gold-colored. Yet instead of making it black to match the trim, Pilot simply left it silver. In Japan, in fact, black Capless nibs are rare and generally reserved for special editions. This leaves an obvious question: which nib color would actually best complement the black trim?

More importantly, however, there are other questions:
– Is the new styling enough to justify a 60% price increase?
– Can this pen still compete with the Chinese copies of the Capless?

The market will have the final say.

Sailor “Gold from the Swiss Bank”, burgundy – Sailor Red

Bruno Taut
July 4th, 2026
etiquetas: Pilot, Capless, mercado

Jinhao 20

We have seen several Chinese manufacturers release capless fountain pens in recent years. Moonman (Majohn) introduced the A1, A2, and A3, modelled after the Pilot Capless FC (1998), the Capless FCN (1984), and the Capless LS (2019) (::1::, ::2::), respectively. Jinhao followed with its model 10, also based on the Capless FC. Lanbitou, meanwhile, produced its model 3088, a copy of the Platinum Curidas.

One model missing from this list was the Pilot Capless Décimo (model FCT, 2005). Jinhao has now filled that gap with the model 20.

Pilot Capless Décimo (top), and Jinhao 20.

At first glance, the two pens appear different. The Jinhao 20 is made largely of plastic, whereas the Décimo incorporates more metal. Their dimensions and weights, however, show how closely they correspond.

	Pilot _Décimo_	_Jinhao_ 20
Length closed (mm)	140.2	139.1
Length open (mm)	137.3	138.4
Diameter (mm)	11.9	12.2
Weight (1) (g)	20.6	19.3

(1) Dry weight with an empty cartridge.

What, then, separates these two pens, and how do they perform?

Price is the obvious starting point. After a series of increases, the Pilot Décimo now retails in Japan for JPY 28,000 before tax. For that price, one gets a metal-bodied pen fitted with a 18-karat gold nib, available in EF, F, and M according to the Japanese catalogue, although other nib grades appear from time to time. Standard models are available in several colours with silver trim, while gold trim show up on special editions.

Assorted Pilot Capless Décimo, plus a Sesenta model on the left.

The Jinhao 20, by contrast, costs about JPY 2,000. It is fitted with a steel nib, usually available in EF or F, although some reports mention an M option as well. The nib units are copies of Pilot's and can be exchanged without difficulty. They also accept Pilot cartridges. The pen is offered in a variety of colours with silver, gold, or black trim.

Jinhao 20.

Despite the difference in price, the Jinhao 20 performs well. The nib writes consistently, starts reliably, and resists drying in regular use. It may not match the Décimo in finish, but it fulfils the same role: a retractable fountain pen that works as intended.

That said, some users have reported ink collecting inside the barrel and leaking through the joint between the metal nose cone and the plastic body. This may also explain the opposite complaint: nibs drying out after storage.

Three brands with a single design. From top to bottom, Pilot, Jinhao, Moonman.

So, is the Jinhao 20 a viable alternative to the Pilot Capless Décimo?

At roughly JPY 2,000, the Jinhao 20 delivers most of what makes the Décimo appealing at less than a tenth of the price. It writes well, uses Pilot-compatible nib units and cartridges, and copies the dimensions of the original very closely.

The remaining difference, then, may be less about writing and more about uncertainty. Pilot charges JPY 28,000 for a pen; Jinhao charges JPY 2,000 and invites you to participate in a small quality-control experiment. Whether that experiment is worth conducting depends on how much you value your money, your patience, and occasionally your laundry.


My thanks to “El placer de la escritura”.

Jinhao 20 – Pilot Black

Bruno Taut
June 23rd, 2026
etiquetas: Pilot, Jinhao, capless, mercado.

A3

Things always come in threes—or so they say—and after the Moonman capless A1 and A2, the A3 was bound to appear.

As was described on previous Chronicles, the A1 is essentially a copy of the regular Pilot Capless FC first introduced in 1998, while the A2 recreated the style of the faceted Pilot Capless FCN from 1984.

From top to bottom, Moonman A1 with clip, clipless A1, and A2.

This time, the model being copied—or, if one prefers, used as inspiration—is the Pilot Capless LS from 2019. As with the previous models, the nib unit is fully compatible across the different Moonman models and with those made by Pilot. In this regard, Moonman is creating a parallel ecosystem of capless pens with interchangeable nib units across brands.

But is the A3 third time’s the charm? How does it compare with the original LS?

Moonman A3.

Visually, the A3 and LS are very similar. Needless to say, they share the same dual mechanism for extending and retracting the nib: push to extend, rotate to retract. Moonman’s version, however, feels rougher and more abrupt in the rotational action, making it less refined than the Japanese original. Still, it works.

The most striking feature of the Moonman is its peculiar clip. Positioned halfway along the body, it is difficult to imagine anyone actually clipping it to a pocket. In practice, it seems to function mainly as an oversized roll stopper. Fortunately, it can be removed by sliding it out through the nose of the pen.

As for nibs, Moonman offers only two options—EF and F—both in steel. In use, they proved correct and reliable. Whether that range is sufficient is another matter.

Dimensions:

	Moonman A3	Pilot _Capless LS_
Length closed (mm)	146	146
Length open (mm)	141	139
Diameter (mm)	13.5	13.5
Weight (1) (g)	43.3 / 40.7 (2)	40.3

(1) Dry weight with an empty cartridge. (2) Weight of the A3 without clip.

In summary, the A3 is a functional copy of the Pilot Capless LS at roughly one tenth of the price. It is less refined and offers only two nib options. Whether that is enough, the market will decide.

Moonman A3 without clip, and Pilot Capless LS.

So far, Pilot may have been shielded from a flood of copies by the lack of a distribution network capable of making these Chinese pens widely available. However, the repeated price increases—with yet another announced for this coming July—may make it easier for these pens to find their way into a stationery shop near you.

Sailor “Gold from the Swiss Bank” – Montblanc “Around the World in 80 Days”

Bruno Taut
May 15th, 2026
etiquetas: Pilot, Moonman, capless, mercado

Integral Nibs

The Parker T1 briefly described on the previous text speaks of both the material –titanium-- and of the nib geometry –the integral nib conformed out the same material- of the section. And pens with this type of nib are not that numerous in the market.

Integral nibs. From top to bottom, Hero 850, Parker 50 "Falcon", Parker T1, Pilot Murex, Pilot M90, Pilot Myu-701.

Only three companies made them—Parker, Pilot and Hero. The basic models –leaving colors and cosmetic variations aside-- can be seen on the first picture.

Chronologically, these are the pens:

– Parker T1. Made between 1970 and 1972. Only one variation was produced.

– Pilot Myu-701. Produced between 1971 and 1977 (at least). Three variations were made, with the one with white stripes being rare and very expensive in the secondary market.

– Pilot Murex. 1977-1983. Three variations: black, red, and black with a digital watch on the cap.

Three of the four regular finishes of the Parker 50.

– Parker 50 “Falcon”. Produced between 1979 and 1982. Four well documented basic finishes (matte black, matte brown, steel, gold filled), and some variations based on the gold filled model. (A. LAMBROU. Fountain Pens of the World. ISBN 0-302-00668-0. P. 201).

Hero, the two pens on top, and Paidi pens.

– Hero and Paidi pens. Hero and Paidi are sister brands under the Hero Group and shared designs. Models Hero 849 and 850 and Paidi Century used the same nib and section. These are the least documented pens of the group. Unknown number of variations. Production years are uncertain, but seem to be between late 1990s and early 2000s.

– Pilot M90. Only one finish on this limited edition made in 2008 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the company. 9000 units made.

Universal with music nib – Kingdom Note Kawaratake

Bruno Taut
March 19th, 2026
etiquetas: plumín, Pilot, Parker, Hero

Confessions of a Spanish Pen Addict. II.

In issue 76 (January 2026) of Shumi-no Bungubako (趣味の文具箱), I published the second instalment of the Confessions of a Spanish Pen Addict. On this occasion I wrote about the little-known Pilot Capless made in Brazil, a subject that has already been discussed on these pages (::1::, ::2::). For that reason --and because the relevant material is already available-- I will not be translating the original manuscript, which was written in Spanish, for... reasons.

In any case, those reasons provide a perfectly convenient excuse to release some information about these obscure pens in Spanish. English-speaking readers may refer to the previous Chronicles --linked above-- simply resort to any online translator. What we really need now is someone willing to contribute information in Portuguese and Japanese--something more substantial than the anodyne, self-censored drivel that certain pathologically timid magazines deem safe enough to publish.


La extraña Capless brasileña.

Una bitácora es, sobre todo, un mecanismo de difusión de contenidos. Pero, con el tiempo puede llegar a ser un canal de comunicación con otros aficionados. Escribir en inglés sobre el mundo estilográfico japonés, un ámbito a menudo protegido tras la muralla de su idioma, favorece esa comunicación. El resultado son consultas y comentarios enviados por aficionados a las plumas estilográficas de medio mundo. Y, a veces, las noticias son sorprendentes.

Hace unos tres años, un lector me escribió desde Brasil para contarme que tenía en su poder unas Pilot Capless fabricadas en ese país. Y hasta me envió fotos. En Tokyo consulté a los sospechosos habituales, un puñado de personas con mucha experiencia y conocimiento del universo estilográfico japonés. Entre ellos destacaba el añorado Sr. Niikura (新倉) (1942-2024), gran autoridad en Pilot. Todos reaccionamos con sorpresa y hasta escepticismo:

– Pero, ¿acaso alguna vez las Capless se fabricaron fuera de Japón? – preguntó uno de nosotros.

La Capless brasileña en su caja. Foto de Tommy Lanceley.

Trasladamos la pregunta obvia a Pilot Japón, pero la respuesta no arrojó ninguna información: Pilot no tiene registros de la producción fuera de las fronteras japonesas.

Tuvimos que esperar unos meses para poder tener alguna de esas plumas en las manos: mi lector tenía una visita pendiente a Japón y aprovechamos para organizar un pequeño encuentro alrededor de esas Capless misteriosas. Y es que en ausencia de información oficial no hay nada como leer la pluma para empezar a entender de qué hablamos.

En términos generales, tal y como se puede ver en la fotos, la Capless brasileña pertenece a la serie C-300GW comercializada incialmente en Japón a partir de 1964. Pero hay detalles en ella que la diferencian claramente del modelo japonés. El ejemplar brasileño emplea un plumín de acero, sin fecha de producción, mientras que la versión japonesa utiliza un plumín de oro de 14 quilates, acompañado del logo JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) y del año y mes de fabricación. Los anillos centrales del cuerpo son también diferentes: cóncavo el japonés, levemente convexo el brasileño.

Plumín de acero para la brasileña, de oro para la japonesa. Foto de Tommy Lanceley.

El detalle más revelador, sin embargo, reside en los grabados. En el cuerpo de la versión brasileña puede leerse “PILOT / IND. BRASILEIRA”, y en su plumín, la abreviatura “PILOT / IND. BRAS.”. Por el contrario, la Capless japonesa exhibe el habitual “MADE IN JAPAN” en ambos lugares. El origen brasileño queda, por tanto, aclarado.

La Capless brasileña en el centro. Nótense las diferencias en el anillo central. Foto de Tommy Lanceley.

Así que, efectivamente, nos encontramos con una pluma semejante pero también diferente a un modelo bien conocido en Japón. Y si bien Pilot cuenta con una factoría en São Paulo desde 1954, no sabemos si esta Capless se fabricó íntegramente en Brasil o si simplemente se ensambló en Brasil a partir de piezas enviadas desde Japón. Los grabados “IND. BRASILEIRA” y la ausencia de la marca JIS, sin embargo, apuntan a la primera hipótesis.

Por otro lado, ¿durante qué años se produjo y se vendió? ¿Se vendió exclusivamente en el mercado brasileño o llegó a otros países de América del Sur? ¿Cuántas se fabricaron? ¿En qué colores se ofreció?

En fin, muchas preguntas sin respuesta inspiradas por una humilde pluma que nadie parece conocer. Una pluma que, por otro lado, no es más que una nota al pie de página de la historia inacabada de Pilot en general y de la Capless en particular. Pero es la rareza lo que de verdad atrae al coleccionista. Ahora bien, esta Capless brasileña quedaría arrinconada en un cajón ignorada por todos si no hubiera un mínimo de información pública sobre ella.

Por ello crear y mantener canales de comunicación a través de publicaciones impresas y redes sociales es importante para coleccionistas e historiadores. Y es que hay plumas e información que no aparece en los registros oficiales de las marcas y hay mucho que la memoria colectiva de los aficionados y coleccionistas puede ofrecer.

Universal with music nib – Kingdom Note Kawaratake

Bruno Taut
November 2025 and March 10th 2026
etiquetas: Pilot, Capless, Brasil, publicaciones

The Lonesome Death of the Pilot Petit

New pens are widely advertised―and that makes sense. Makers need to recoup the investment made to develop and market them. The fanfare and drumroll are loud, designed to create a sense of anticipation in buyers.

Conversely, when a model is discontinued, its demise is silent—almost secret. The pen simply vanishes from the catalog.

Such was the case of the Pilot Petit, which disappeared from the catalog sometime in 2025.

The three generations of the Pilot Petit 1.

This family of pens was first launched in 2010 and went through three different generations. It was an inexpensive model—JPY 300 for the first iteration and JPY 200 for the rest (..2.., ..3..)— with only one nib option, F. The nib unit was shared with the nominally disposable Vpen (also known as the Pilot “Prince of Wales”), in which both F and M points were available.

All three generations—plus the additional signature pen (Petit 2) and brush pen (Petit 3) introduced in the second generation—used the same type of dedicated ink cartridge. These cartridges were specific to the series because their size prevented the use of any Pilot converter or regular cartridge—they simply did not fit inside.

Petit vs. regular Pilot cartridges.

Now, about 15 years after its debut, the Pilot Petit is no more. Pilot has phased it out, and it is hard to find any leftover stock—even in those small stationery shops that time forgot. The spare cartridges now appear as “available while stocks last,” suggesting they are no longer manufactured.

The typical presentation of the Pilot Petit spare cartridges from the second generation on. Its price, JPY 100, plus taxes.

The consequences are clear: for how long will we be able to use our Pilot Petit pens? Surely, we will treasure and refill the old cartridges, but how long will they last before cracking?

And that is the problem with creating pens that rely on unique systems—they are highly vulnerable to marketing decisions. And the Petit is gone with the cartridge.

Pilot Décimo – Pilot Black

Bruno Taut
October 7th, 2025
etiquetas: Pilot, mercado, conversor

More Chinese Capless

Chinese pen companies have certainly felt the appeal of the capless idea. More so, dare I say, than any other country manufacturing pens.

Aside of those old capless made in China in the 1990s –Lily 910 and Wuhan-Dagong—, some of the now-active pen brands in China have recreated successful models made in Japan. First was Lanbitou with its copy of the Platinum Curidas. Then, Moonman (also named Majohn) created its personal version of the current Pilot Capless model, albeit with the addition of a clipless version. And soon afterwards came the A2 model, a revision of the faceted FCN Pilot model of the 1990s.

And some months ago was is the turn of another Chinese brand—Jinhao and its model 10.

Jinhao 10.

As was the case of the Moonman, the looks and structure of the Jinhao 10 are almost identical to those of the Pilot Capless. And the most obvious difference among the three of them is the central ring, as can be seen on the picture.

From top to bottom, Pilot Capless, Jinhao 10 and Moonman A1.

In the case of the black-matte finish, the variation I got my hands on, the Jinhao is closer in color and texture to the original Japanese than the Moonman, darker and shinier.

These are the dimensions of the three pens:

	.Pilot Capless.	.Jinhao 10.	.Moonman A1.
Length closed (mm)	141	142	142
Length open (mm)	137	138	139
Max diameter (mm)	13.2	13.0	12.9
Weight, dry (g)	30.0	33.2	33.7
Ink deposit (ml)	0.9 (cart) 0.5 (CON-40)	0.9 (cart) 0.3 (conv)	0.9 (cart) 0.4 (conv)

The Jinhao nib is very similar to that of the Moonman. On both cases they are made of steel, and their geometries are apparently the same. However, the feeds show different markings on the sides of the ink channels. Jinhao's nib come as F and as EF, whereas Moonman's units are only EF.

From top to bottom, Pilot's 18 K gold nib (M), Jinhao's steel nib (F), and Moonman's A1 steel nib (EF).

The cartridge-to-nib coupling on the Jinhao is, at least on my unit, precarious and unsecured. The user might be inclined to ink it solely through the converter despite its very limited capacity to avoid unnecessary risks. Or he could try the Moonman converter—it fits and holds a greater volume of ink. And once you open that route, it is just about try and error.

So, all in all, it seems that the Jinhao is less capable and reliable that the Moonman, but their bottom line is the same—low cost capless pens with the looks of a Pilot.

Asvine V126 – Waterman's Florida Blue

Bruno Taut
January 30th, 2025
label: Pilot, Moonman, Jinhao, capless

Mr. Niikura

Today I woke up to very sad news: Mr. Niikura has passed away. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Niikura teaching at a Wagner meeting in 2010.

Yes, Mr. Pilot is no longer with us, and his generosity providing information on Pilot and on Japanese pens in general is forever gone.

I had the immense luck of sharing many pen meetings with him, and I owe him a great deal of all I know about pens. That, I think, could be said by many of whose attending those reunions, where Mr. Niikura shared his knowledge and expertise after a life working for Pilot.

You will be missed, Mr. Niikura.

Sit tibi terra levis.

Pilot Grandee Urushi – Pilot Blue

Bruno Taut
November 2nd, 2024
label: Pilot, evento

Quattro Box

Pen boxes―love them, ignore them, hate them. Boxes―thrown away or kept?

A lot can be said about them, but today I am not speaking about them in general but just about one in particular: that of the Pilot Quattro 89.

This pen, recently reviewed, implements a small size 3 nib in an unusual body, squarish in profile. This pen was certainly not an entry level model, but neither was a top luxurious unit. The price, JPY 30000, was on pair with that of the Custom 823 with a size 15 nib. So, I guess, this Quattro was for those who favored style and originality over function.

Same price--Custom 823 and Quattro 89.

And the Quattro box does reflect that. The package includes a folder with an instruction sheet specifically printed for the model, a translucent sheet with some “Engrish” ideas (“sincerity, considerate, stately, originality”), and three sheets of high quality paper together with three envelopes made of the same paper. And all of them discretely show the squarish logo of the pen model.

Note the logo on all the elements on the pic--letter paper, envelope and pen cap.

The bilingual sheet of instructions. More Engrish...

The package is certainly original and elegant without being overwhelming. However, what do those sheets of paper and envelopes add to the pen?

And, finally, how many Quattros were sold thanks to the paper and the packaging?

Lamy LX – Private Reserve Dakota Red

Bruno Taut
October 20th, 2024
etiquetas: Pilot

Quattro, Second Edition

In the year 89 of the Pilot era, that is, 2007, Pilot released the Pilot Quattro 89, this time with two t.

The Quatro (1984) and the Quattro (2007).

Nominally, this pen would be an evolution of the Quatro from 1984, but this new pen is a lot more standard within the Pilot structure of fountain pens.

On this newer model, the external shape is still squarish on profile, but the section is basically cylindrical, thus easing the grip. This mismatch results on a sharp step between section and barrel that might be uncomfortable for some users.

The nib on the Quattro is a size 3 in the Custom family of Pilot pens. This size might very well be the lest known in the lineup, but it has been implemented on half a dozen models including the Custom 98 and the Stella 90. This nib size comes in five points (EF, F, FM, M, B), albeit only F and M were available on the Quattro 89.

As for the rest, the barrel is made of wood, synthetic wood according to some, in several colors. It is long and wide enough to fit the converter CON-70.

The barrel end, engraved with the model name, is threaded for a secure posting without affecting the body. It is interesting to note how the threads, on both ends and on the cap, are measured to reach a perfect alignment of the facets on cap and barrel when closed or posted.

The dimensions of the Quattro 89 are as follows:

Length closed: 134 mm.
Length open: 116 mm.
Length posted: 173 mm.
Width: 13.5-14.0 mm.
Weight: 35.6 g (dry with converter).

This pen model was short lived―by 2011 it no longer appeared on the catalog of Pilot.

Jinhao Dadao 9019 – Sailor Ink Studio 252

Bruno Taut
October 4th, 2024
etiquetas: Pilot

Oshare Quatro

Or, in English, fashionable, stylish.

That is what the ad claims about the Pilot Quatro in 1985, a year after the release of the model.

The ad only mentions fountain pens (her) and ball pens (him). However, the whole line up including roller and mechanical pencil appears at the end.

Well, maybe the cat ate those two...

Opus 88 Koloro orange – Caran d'Ache Electric Orange

Bruno Taut
October 2nd, 2024
etiquetas: Pilot

Quatro

Now and then, pen companies try to reinvent the wheel and in their strive for originality depart from the traditional well proven cylindrical shape, and by cylindrical I mean cylindrical symmetry. Some of those unusual designs did become popular and even iconic, but non-cylindrical pens are rare.

In 1984, Pilot marketed one such unusual—a pen with a squarish profile, a square prism in essence.

Pilot's Catalog from 1984. The Quatro trio—fountain pen, ball pen and mechanical pencil. All for JPY 11000. In this case, the nib was made of steel.

Pilot's 1989 Catalog. Quatro quartets —fountain pen, ball pen, mechanical pencil, roller pen— for JPY 27000. On this case, the fountain pen sports the gold nib (individual price, JPY 10000). On the right page, a view of the possible colors and finishes of the Quatro model. There were some aditional variations.

That was the Quatro (with just a single T), and it was available as fountain pen, roller, ball pen and mechanical pencil. They came in a number of colors and finishes –up to 16 according to some sources—, but some of them were only available as fountain pen. And to add confusion to the mix, there were some minor variations along the whole lineup—the brand name, Pilot, could be engraved on the front of the cap or on the cap; the model name was printed on the clip either on cursive script or on capital letters, or being completely absent.

A small collection of Quatro pens.

The gold nib. In F, of course.

The matte black Quatro.

Two nib materials were available: steel, for JPY 5000, and 14 K gold, JPY 10000. There was only one nib point—F. And the filling system was, needless to say, through proprietary cartridges and converters.

I do not have information on when this model was discontinued. My best guess, purely speculative, is in the early 1990s. However, the name Quatro was revived in 2007 through the model Quattro 89. But that will be the topic of another Chronicle.

My thanks to Mr. Furuya and Mr. Niikura.

WiPens Toledo – Private Reserve Dakota Red

Bruno Taut
September 30th, 2024
etiquetas: Pilot