Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, reveals one of Switzerland’s most beautiful secrets

Kuala Lumpur – May 2009. With the launch of the “Secret Journey” Limited Edition, the famous Maison de Haute Ecriture takes collectors back in time to the shores of Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) during the last three centuries.

The secret involves technical expertise, an understanding of what makes something truly special, and the knowledge of how to create it. It’s a secret shared by all those who succeed in developing something unique. Caran d’Ache is a legitimate member of this select group: its products are creative masterpieces of artistry and technique. They are the brand’s chief assets.

To match this bold approach, the company has found its inspiration by the Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). For the first time it has dedicated a trilogy of unique writing instruments to three major authors who have been secret guests on its shores. In praise of Switzerland and the timeless beauty of the lake, the “Secret Journey” Limited Editions describe the lake shore, seen from three towns in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

But the real journey starts where the secrets are hidden. The “Secret Journey” Limited Editions are technical marvels containing a discreet mechanism that reveals quotations from the writers, together with a precious stone carefully selected to reflect a special characteristic of the author concerned. On the body and cap of the writing instruments, subtly presented old maps will lead anyone who loves rare and valuable objects into the very heart of history.

In May 2009, the 300 fountain pens and 150 roller pens of  “Secret Journey I” will be the first instruments in this Limited Edition to be unveiled. Travelling back to the 18th century on the northern shore of the lake, we discover the city of Lausanne in the company of Voltaire.

One of the most famous personalities of his century, this celebrated man of letters was a symbol of his era, and the enjoyable time he spent in Lausanne is immortalised in a quotation ingeniously concealed on the body of the pen. Also hidden away is a diamond, symbolising the principles defended by Voltaire during the Age of Enlightment. It indicates the city of Lausanne on an 18th century map of Lac Léman executed in fine engravings and subtle images in black lacquer on the silver-plated, platinum-coated body of the pen.

For collectors of exceptional objects, 30 special boxes of the “Secret Journey” trilogy will also be available in the May of 2009.  These rare pieces will enable their highly privileged owners to possess the most beautiful thoughts of the three authors, together with their inkwells and illustrated cards from the period, as well as a luxurious three-pen travel case to take with them wherever they go.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Secret Journey I

The “Secret Journey I” writing instruments – 300 fountain pens and 150 roller pens − are entirely manufactured in the company’s Geneva workshops.

Silver-plated and coated with platinum, they are dazzling incarnations of Caran d’Ache expertise.

Platinum, a precious grey-white metal, ensures that the pen retains its sheen over the years. This noble metal, highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation as well as scratching and tarnishing, is widely used in jewellery and is ideal for protecting Caran d’Ache writing instruments.

Parts of the pen are subtly engraved, both on the surface and in depth, then delicately enhanced with black lacquer to pick out the details of the plains, rivers and famous mountain landscapes.

A Top Wesselton VVS diamond of 0.06 carats, marking the city of Lausanne, crowns the body of the pen which also contains the words spoken by Voltaire. Until the special mechanism is operated manually, the secret phrase is covered by the famous engraved pattern from the world of watchmaking: “Côtes de Genève”.

The silver-plated tip of the fountain pen and roller pen is coated in platinum and personalised by a guillochage that is repeated on the piston pump. The pump is crowned with a diamond of 0.03 carats. The “Secret Journey 1” fountain pen can also be used with Caran d’Ache cartridges.

Carefully designed to match the writing instruments, the 18-carat gold nibs are coated in platinum and finely engraved with the points of the compass. They are available in three widths: Fine, Medium and Large.

The roller pen uses a roller point cartridge.

Lastly, the ring is stamped with the Caran d’Ache master craftsman’s mark. Each writing instrument is individually numbered: 1 to 300 for the fountain pens and 1 to 150 for the roller pens.

These exclusive pieces are presented in a sumptuous black lacquer box carrying a representation of the Lausanne region. The fountain pen case includes a superb inkwell: a raw glass bottle with a silver-plated cap engraved with the Caran d’Ache monogram. It contains Blue Night ink, one of the “Colours of the Earth” collection created by Caran d’Ache, specially chosen for this marvellous Limited Edition.

The “Secret Journey” Limited Edition will be available from May 2009 in shops that specialise in top-of-the-line fine writing instruments.

The trilogy

The trilogy of “Secret Journey” Limited Editions will be available in 30 exclusive pre-launch editions. The fountain pens “Secret Journey I” “Secret Journey II” and  “Secret Journey III”, including their inkwells and their respective cards, will be presented in a stunning three-pen box in black lacquer with a lid varnished with a map of the entire Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Together, these works of art will enchant the most demanding collectors.

The “Secret Journey” Limited Edition trilogy will be available from May 2009 in shops that specialise in top-of-the-line fine writing instruments.

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