Montegrappa launches 40 Limited Edition pens

Montegrappa, a world leader in ultra-luxury writing instruments, will pay homage to the 40th anniversary of the ‘Spirit of the Union’ of the UAE by producing UAE National Day Limited Edition pens.

“To celebrate a special anniversary and look back through time and remember our history, is a great source of pride. The UAE has so much to be proud of and we are delighted to contribute towards this year’s celebration of the country’s heritage with a creation from our own history and craftsmanship,” said Giuseppe Aquila, CEO of Montegrappa Italia at a press conference held at the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai on Monday.  

The Montegrappa UAE National Day Limited Edition pen collection includes 1971 fountain pens and 1971 roller balls in Sterling silver which represents the year of formation of the United Arab Emirates.

In special recognition of this special 40th anniversary, Montegrappa has made a further 40 sets of roller ball pens with matching cufflinks in Sterling silver. Each of these 40 pieces is dedicated to one of the years since the independence of the UAE.

As an additional very exclusive limitation, Montegrappa has also made seven unique pieces of Fountain Pen, one for each of the Emirates, each one of which will bear the engraving of that Emirate.

“It is an honour for us to make a special pen for the UAE and to be part of such an occasion. Our aim is to offer the people of the UAE a beautiful piece of writing jewellery as a symbol of respect and recognition, and to pay tribute to the incredible achievements of this country over the last 40 years.”

“This celebration of the ‘Spirit of the Union’ is a strong directive from His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai. To make this celebration of 40th anniversary an honourable one, I think you (Montegrappa) have contributed with a lot of appreciation in this occasion,” said Dr Ahmed Al Banna, Member of Judicial Rent Committee - Government of Dubai and Board Member in the Arab Union for International Exhibitions & Conferences.

“I’m proud that Montegrappa Italy plan to introduce one of its major collection on the occasion of 40th celebration of UAE National Day. It is a very nice and good gesture from one side and a commitment from Montegrappa in our market,” he said.

“There are a couple of international companies who have introduced special items or brand in terms of their product for the celebration of UAE National Day such as BMW and Toyota Landcruiser. It’s a commitment to UAE market and it’s also a marketing scheme that helps them introduce products into the market and also market their product widely in the UAE market and region as a whole,” added Dr Al Banna.

Montegrappa enjoys a special relationship with the UAE, operating its regional subsidiary for the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent from the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

“Montegrappa is approaching its centenary and we thought the association of history with this great nation would be very fitting,” said Aquila.

Asked about their association with UAE, he said: “It’s extremely important because we chose this country not just for the local market but also as hub for all the neighbouring countries. For us it was like a way of paying homage to a country which is hosting us,” he said.

Managing Director of Montegrappa Middle East Charles Nahhas said this was the first time ever they were allowed to change the trademark 1912 emblem to accommodate the 1971 edition, the founding year of the UAE.

“It is a gift to the UAE as a tribute and respect for UAE for the special occasion. There are 40 pens and cufflinks sets, one for each year,” he said.

“It is quite exquisitely crafted with modern and old technology. It allows us to have flag colours combined with old technique and 18 carat gold,” he added.

The 1971 editions will go on sale in Al Sayegh Jewellery stores in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and in Rivoli stores in Dubai and Northern Emirates from November 16 and are also available in the Montegrappa boutique in Meydan Hotel.

The roller ball 1971 limited edition will be available at a recommended retail price of Dh5,950, and the fountain pen 1971 limited edition will be available at a recommended retail price of Dh7,650.

On a personal note, Aquila was happy to be back in Dubai and participating in this celebration.

“I feel very close to this country and I’m always amazed any time I come here because of the incredible beauty of this place and incredible changes,” he said.

“When actually we thought of the possibility of changing the logo to accommodate the date of 1971 which we have never done before, we felt really privileged and honoured to do this,” he added.

Sany Nahhas, also a director of Montegrappa Italia, said: “Hope this pen creation will be memorable and historic occasion for many years to come.”

Asked whom they were targeting, Charles said: “Obvious target is Emiratis, the people who are celebrating. But it’s really for anyone who loves this country, not necessarily Emiratis. For anyone who appreciates life in UAE and many benefits from living here. I found a lot of people excited by it especially many who have lived in UAE for a long time.”
 
“We under-produced this pen. Demand is going to be much greater than limited number we have. You should agree with me it is a very beautiful pen and very colourful. I would write with such a pen,” said Sanny.

“Not only UAE nationals are grateful to this country. The UAE has become a country for a lot of different nationalities specially Arab nationals. We’ve created a home for everyone. UAE is a multinational city. Therefore a lot of those people who live in the UAE to us are UAE nationals. They’ve been living sometimes even longer than UAE nationals. I know people who have lived in UAE for even longer than I have lived,” said Dr Al Banna.

There also plans to sell the product online, details of which would be announced in a week.

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