Visconti Fine Writing Instruments and Timepieces

Located in beautiful Florence, Italy, Visconti hand-crafts each writing instrument to demonstrate the highest level of artistry and beauty. Each creation is a true masterpiece, reflecting Visconti’s passion for history, art, science, literature, and human culture. Each year, Visconti debuts new and exciting writing systems as an expression of their endless search for the finest materials and cutting-edge technological innovations. The pens cease to be simple writing instruments, and instead, act as canvases on which new artistic expressions are painted and deep emotions are communicated. Visconti is one of the leading brands of fine writing instruments in the world today.

TIMEPIECES

The name of Visconti has been synonymous with writing implements of unparalleled historical and technological sophistication for the past twenty-five years. To mark its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2013, Visconti took on board the human resources, the know-how and the traditional tools of Florentine watch-making to begin making its own luxury timepieces. A new area has been set aside in Visconti’s historic Medici villa for the sole purpose of manufacturing top-of-the-range watches featuring the same creative and innovative vein that customers look for in all of the company’s products.

LIMITED EDITION PENS

Visconti’s Limited Edition writing instruments express the perfect synthesis between tradition and innovation. Limited to a certain number of pieces, each collectible creation distinguishes itself through use of special techniques, individual artwork, and a theme that conveys an emotional story.

REGULAR EDITION PENS

The regular editions strongly communicate Visconti’s brand identity through everyday writing instruments. Visconti plays with different colors, patterns, and shapes to fashion exemplary pieces that complement each and every person’s taste and style.

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Basic Materials

Acrylics

In the early 1950s, plastic was in its golden age. Thermoplastics such as polyester, ABS, PVC and Plexiglas (that are shaped through the injection of melted material) were frequently used to mass produce a variety of items at low cost. There are many different kinds of plastics categorized according to their infrangibility, flexibility, and resistance to light and wearing.

Acrylics are among the best resins for fountain pen production, and are especially appreciated for their bright colors. Recently, acrylics have been used to produce mottled and spotted effects similar to those found in celluloid, with impressive results. Instead of using the common injection molding method, Visconti turns the material to create the pen bodies.

Antique Ivory

Some years ago, two large antique ivory tusks were offered to Visconti. Each was more than 1 meter in length and over 20 kilos in weight. This material was purchased during World War II, with authenticity paperwork confirming its country of origin. In accordance with present international regulations and under the control of Cites authority, Visconti received authorization to use this material.

After careful investigation and tests the first pens were produced and one piece was donated to Pen World Magazine for their 10th anniversary. The main issue with working with ivory is that it can be easily stained by ink and can break if exposed to heat or humidity. Visconti has resolved these issues by applying a fine coating on the ivory and by working on its tolerance. Visconti has used most of its stock for the “Taj Mahal” and some small pieces for the “Leopardi”.

Bachelite

From 1900 until 1960, bachelite was the most widely used material in mass production. It has now been substituted by injection molded plastics. To create a pen with this material, Visconti utilizes the press-molding process. In powder form, the material is pressed into a mold at 150 degrees. The combination of pressure and heat causes the material to harden.

Bachelite’s strongest property, still unsurpassed, is its resistance to heat and low electrical conductivity. Since 1900, bachelite has been commonly used in everyday objects such as telephones, radios, electrical devices, house wares, and even jewelry. Visconti offers one model in bachelite, the “Montecarlo”.

Celluloid

Celluloid was invented by the Hyatt brothers in 1864 and is made from cotton, alcohol, and camphor. Depending on the thickness, it can take from four to eight months to transform celluloid into a workable material. The drying process is one of the most important steps.

Celluloid is fashioned by two main processes: wrapping or turning from solid rods. When wrapping, a 2/3 millimeter sheet of celluloid is cut in long strips and rolled around a rod or pulled through a cone. The resulting tube is then glued at the seam and dried for 20 days. The advantage of this method is that the color is constant throughout the pen, and no material is wasted. On the other hand, the seam may be visible in certain colors. When a pen is turned from a solid rod, a larger variety of shapes is possible, but only a limited number of patterns are available, and 80% of the material is wasted.

Celluloid possesses some interesting properties. It is easy to color, allowing many colors and designs. It partially absorbs moisture from your hands for a smooth and comfortable writing experience. Finally, it is a fairly resilient material, making it an excellent choice for making pens.

While it has many advantages, there are some drawbacks. During manufacturing, the material can be easily flammable and will soften at only 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to light may cause abnormal drying, making the material more fragile, as is the case with some vintage pens. Visconti recommends that these pens be stored in a dark, ventilated space at no more than 77 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ebonite

The oldest material used to make fountain pens is ebonite, which was invented by Charles Goodyear.
It is composed of rubber vulcanized with sulfur. Unfortunately, not many artisans are left, and most of them have little knowledge of the process used to make the colors of those early pens.

In six years of experience working with ebonite, Visconti noticed that the quality of this material is variable. Today it is no longer used for fine objects but used in technical devices. There no longer exist examples of the fine pens created many years ago. Colors today are opaque. Colorants used in the past such as iron oxide, have been discovered to be cancerous and therefore, are no longer in use. Pens made in ebonite become opaque because of the sulfur’s tendency to rise to the surface. If exposed to sunlight, the color tends to fade.

Titanium

After World War II, the creation of missiles and supersonic airplanes led to the search for metals with special features. The alloys and metals commonly used did not resist the high temperatures of the jet engines and the friction of the air at high speeds. Titanium alloys, which are lighter than steel and much more resistant, have helped to overcome these challenges. In addition, titanium is resistant to the corrosion of many acids and salt water.

Volcanic Lava

In 2010, Visconti introduced a collection of writing instruments made with a revolutionary material – basaltic lava from Mount Etna. Over 50% of pure basaltic lava has been mixed with a patented resin formula to create a material that is virtually unbreakable, flameproof, and slightly hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from your hand.

Claudio Mazzi

Claudio Mazzi started airbrush painting in 1985. He paints objects for private collectors and large companies. Mazzi is also known for his illustrations produced for Maserati, Ducati Motors, Colnago / Ferrari bicycle, Malaguti scooters, and Citroen Italia. Mazzi has worked in conjunction with Visconti to create a number of limited edition writing instruments that demonstrate the precision and artistry of his craft.

Airbrush is the name of the instrument which Claudio Mazzi uses to paint Visconti pens. It is a small spray gun, which seems more like a pen than like a traditional paintbrush. This instrument has a magic quality: it draws and paints without directly touching the surface of the object. Its typical characteristics are the three-dimensionality and the glossy softness of the subjects.

Do It Better

We Do It Better

Visconti has set itself apart from other pen companies with a variety of innovations that they have developed throughout the years. There is not a single component of the pen that has not been improved upon. Visconti pens stand alone, not only for their technical solutions, but also for the quality of each writing instrument.

My Pen System

Patented in 2004, this simple and ingenious system allows you to customize the pen with your initials, favorite natural stone, or zodiac sign.

Clip

Patented in 2003, the Visconti clip hooks the pen to the pocket without wrinkling or damaging your clothing. The shape represents a bridge, an international symbol of friendship and diplomacy.

Hook Safe Lock

Patented in 2006, Visconti developed this most revolutionary system to lock the pen in the cap. This completely prevents the possibility of your pen accidentally unscrewing in your pocket, but is just as easy to use as the common screw system.

Visconti Hook Safe Lock

Double Reservoir Power Filler

Patented in 1998, this is undoubtedly the most advanced filling system every developed in fountain pen history. It allows you to fill a fountain pen with the equivalent of up to 10 cartridges of ink, and thanks to the two reservoirs, completely prevents ink from leaking during air travel.

Power Filler

Introduced in 1993, the power filler allows you to fill a fountain pen with one hand, while holding the bottle of ink in the other.

Triple Channel Feed

Designed in 1992, the triple channel feed allows for the perfect balance of air and ink flowing through the nib for an exceptional writing experience.

23 Karat Palladium Nib

Visconti is the first company to make nibs from 23 karat Palladium. This advanced technology ensures smooth writing with excellent flexibility and memory.

Squaring the Circle

Patented in 2004, the squaring the circle design was inspired by Leonard o Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. The fusion of the two shapes is ergonomically perfect allowing the fingers to comfortably grip the rounded corners, and prevents the pen from rolling when placed on a flat surface.

Desk Inkwell

Patented in 1992, it allows one to use the entire amount of ink in the bottle without the need to move the bottle from a vertical position.

Traveling Inkwell

Patented in 1997, the traveling inkwell allows for easy filling in any location or situation. Its compact size is perfect for a person on the go.

Filling Stations

Double Reservoir Power Filler

The Double Reservoir Power Filler is ideal for a frequent traveler. Many people have had problems with their fountain pens leaking during air travel. Visconti’s engineers have solved this time old dilemma with this patented filling system.

The barrel is divided into two sections, one smaller and one larger, which are separated by a cut-off valve. This allows a very small amount of ink to be used from the reservoir and uses the larger reservoir as a back-up. When the ink in the smaller reservoir runs out, the valve can be moved back a few millimeters using the blind cap, thereby transferring the ink from the larger reservoir to the smaller. When it is full, the blind cap can be screwed back in place, sealing off the valve.

Power Filler
The Power Filler functions similarly to the Double Reservoir Power Filler, but has only one reservoir instead of two. The power filler is easy to use, and the titanium piston rod is completely resistant to ink corrosion.

Piston Filler
The piston filler is one of the oldest techniques used to fill fountain pens. Originally developed from German brands and from the U.S. Conklin “Nozac”, it consists of a piston activated from a non-ending screw under the blind cap or directly connected to the blind cap.

Push and Pull Touchdown

The Push & Pull Touchdown filling system is easy to operate. It requires the user to pull the filling piston out of the pen, turn counter clockwise to expel ink out, and turn the piston clockwise to draw up ink. Then, one pushes the piston back into the pen, and it’s ready to write.

Converter

This system consists of a refillable cartridge with a small piston mechanism. The converter can be removed and substituted by a disposable cartridge.

Cartridge
This system consists of a disposable reservoir called a cartridge. Easy and fast, it is the simplest way to fill a fountain pen. Visconti uses international cartridges available in many colors in one standard size.

Rollerball
A rollerball is a ballpoint-tipped refill with special ink that allows for smooth writing. Normally, rollerballs require a cap to prevent the ink from drying out. Visconti uses a “safety” refill that allows the pen to be uncapped for a length of time without drying out. Rollerball refills are available in 0.7 medium point in a variety of colors.

Ballpoint
In all of its ballpens, Visconti uses Parker size refills for easy replacement. Refills are available in 0.5 fine point, 0.7 medium point, and 1.0 broad point in a variety of colors in either standard or gel.