Over the years, one of my favorite everyday ballpoints, for both desk and “on the go” writing, has been the Caran d’Ache 849. Not only does it feature a smooth ballpoint refill that lasts pretty much forever (they don’t call it “Goliath” for nothing), but the hexagonal sides of the pen remind me of gripping a woodcase pencil. I’ll always have a soft spot for the 849, as it was one of the first products I decided to carry myself, and I keep the pens in stock in multiple finishes, ranging from the standard $20 849 all the way up to special and limited edition finishes such as the Claim Your Style pens and Nespresso collaborations. Best of all, if you prefer a .7mm mechanical pencil, a clutch pencil, a fountain pen, or (coming soon) a rollerball, you have an option in the same classic 849 format!

Caran d’Ache 849 “Black Code” Ballpoint. If I had to pick a signature pen for the shop (well, apart from my own signature pen that I did with Sunderland), it would be this masterpiece in matte black. Whenever anyone recommends a subtle write-anywhere “work pen,” or just a writing instrument that’s more understated, it’s this one.
Caran d’Ache Claim Your Style 2021 (Edition 3). In the past, the Claim Your Style pens have been kind of loud, with their multicolor mixing and matching in offbeat shades. This year’s releases takes it down a notch, maybe targeting a different group of enthusiasts? The “Night Blue” and “Moss Green” versions are subtle designs on par with the Black Code.
Caran d’Ache 849 Original, Brut Rosé, and Gold Bar. From the same 849 “Pop Line” series as the Black Code, these finishes are a bit more fun, yet still sophisticated. Brut Rosé has a hard time staying in stock, and the Original adds an industrial feel. “Gold Bar” is one of the sleeper hits of the lineup, IMHO.
Caran d’Ache 849 “Totally Swiss” Edition. If you want the full Caran d’Ache experience, you need at least one writing instrument in the company’s signature “Swiss Cross” finish. In addition to the 849 ballpoint, you can choose the mechanical pencil, or a less expensive 888 Infinite pen/pencil set!
Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pen. The latest entry into the 849 lineup is the Caran d’Ache cartridge-converter fountain pen, a convenient cartridge-converter, snap-cap pen that comes in a wide array of different finishes. Of course, you can pair this pen with all of the colors of Caran d’Ache Chromatics inks.

Shown here - the Caran d’Ache x Nespresso collaborations, including the recently released Fixpencil (far right) and the Swiss Wood pencils (far left).

Don’t Stop There - We Carry More from Caran d’Ache In the Curated Shop!

Caran d’Ache Fixpencil. The iconic Fixpencil has been described as the first truly modern mechanical pencil. While it’s technically a clutch pencil, it was developed for writing, not necessarily sketching, due to wartime materials shortages. This year, for the first time Caran d’Ache released their annual Nespresso collaboration in the Fixpencil format!
Caran d’Ache Ecridor Racing. While it shares the format of the 849, the Ecridor is Caran d’Ache’s luxury ballpoint/mechanical pencil, and this past year they released it in a matte black finish with a red racing stripe. I have one mechanical pencil left, which comes as part of a set with a Caran d’Ache leather sleeve.
Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Pencils. To me, the Swiss Wood represents the pinnacle of the woodcase pencil writing experience. Made from Swiss beech or pine, they now come in a Nespresso collaboration edition.
Crayons de La Maison de Caran d’Ache Luxury Pencil Set. I just realized that I still have a handful of sets of the most recent release, Edition No. 9, made in conjunction with Geneva perfume-maker Mizensir. These gorgeous pencils are lightly scented with the “Spirit of the Alps”. (I can confirm it’s quite pleasant and not overwhelming at all!)
Caran d’Ache Eco Ballpoints. These high-end office supplies have been the sleeper hit of the summer, as people stock up to go back to work.

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