The 5 Best Cross Pens for Every Budget

Have you been itching to get your hands on a classic Cross pen, but don’t know where to start? Whether you have a model in mind or just started looking, this post will help you find your perfect Cross pen. Not only should it perform well, it should also make you want to sit down for a writing session. Your ideal pen will reflect your personal style, from sleek and timeless to art deco and opulent.

Cross Pens are known for their dependability, longevity, and elegant designs…

We’re sharing our best Cross pens for your consideration. You’ll have all the knowledge you need to find the Cross Pen that is the best match for you. As always, we’re sparing no details-cross our hearts.

A Brief History of the Cross Company

From fountain pens to rollerball and ballpoint pens, Cross is a classic company known across the world both in the fine writing community and beyond. Founded in 1846 by Richard Cross, Cross pens still boast similar designs from those manufactured more than a century and a half ago. The company originally sold ornate gold and silver casings for wooden pencils before expanding to stylographic pens, touted as the technological ancestor of the ballpoint pen.

Alonzo Townsend, Richard’s son, shared his father’s love of fine writing instruments. He inherited the company in 1876 and sold the family business to an employee, Walter Boss, after acquiring their first US patent. Boss’ natural talent for sales shifted the Cross Company’s marketing efforts from Providence to New York, adding a larger and more varied product range. Walter’s grandsons are still key figures in the leadership of the company today.

With the success of other companies like Waterman and Parker in The Roaring Twenties, the writing market’s perception of fountain pens shifted. What was once a mere writing instrument was now a fashionable item that could reflect an individual’s personal style. Cross’ best-selling fountain pen in the 1930s was an art deco pen with black enamel detailing made from polished chrome and gold. Cross launched their first ballpoint pen in the 1950s with ‘The Century’. Its features included a 12 carat gold-filled barrel with a propel-repel twist mechanism. The Cross Century pen range is still available today!

 

Our Picks for Best Cross Pens

As an authorized seller of Cross Pens, we’d be lying if we said we haven’t formed some favorites here at Goldspot.

Now, without further ado, here are the best cross pens for your consideration!

Best Cross Pens

The Cross Century II ($50-$200)

Before they were pen manufacturers, the Cross family descended from five generations of jewelers. The modern Century II Collection features this signature style with metal finishes like polished chrome, sterling silver and gold.

The Cross Century II family evokes a feel of modern sophistication for both traditionalists and trendsetters alike. True to the graceful character of the original Classic Century, Century II has a wider profile and balanced weight for a more substantial writing experience. With classic designs and distinctive finishes, you’re sure to find a ballpoint or fountain pen that looks great at home or in the office.

In this video below, we unbox the Cross Century II Rose Gold Fountain Pen.

The Cross Bailey ($25-$70)

The elegant Cross Bailey collection delivers executive quality at exceptional value. These classically stylish ballpoint, fountain and rollerball pens boast the perfect look for corporate gifts. With deep cut engraving and rich lacquer finishes, this line offers generation-spanning appeal. The Cross Bailey family is an excellent choice for students, new professionals, and fountain pen beginners.

The Cross Calais (Entry Level) ($20-$40)

The recently updated Cross Calais collection now features fountain and rollerball pen technologies. Lightweight and sleek with a bold profile, if you’re looking for a crisp, clean look at a reasonable price, this is your pen. Any selection from this classic line is ideal for a personalized corporate gift.

The Cross Townsend ($50-$400)

Named after Alonzo Townsend himself, this is the pen to pass down to your grandchildren. Inspired by the graceful lines of 1930s art deco design, the Cross Townsend collection is the quintessential statement of style and confidence. The pen of choice for several US presidents, a Townsend is simple excellence, embodied.

The Cross Peerless ($188-$530)

The Cross Peerless 125 is the seamless fusion of two classic designs-the 1889 debut of the original Peerless pen and the introduction of the iconic Century line in 1935. By combining the best features of the two, Cross has created a collection that mirrors the custom design, innovation and attention to detail that made their brand legendary.

In Case You’re Wondering…

On your search for your perfect pen, you may be asking, “Which is better, Sheaffer or Cross?”

According to The Providence Journal, the Cross Company actually purchased Sheaffer pens in 2013. As a result, they should be comparable in quality. However, with their reputation for outstanding customer service and accountability, we recommend purchasing a Cross pen through an authorized supplier like us or directly from the Cross Pens website.

What Makes The Cross Pens Brand Special?

Stylish. Classic. Custom.

These are just some of the words that describe the Cross Pen experience.

As a global innovator, Cross has manufactured some of the world’s most widely-recognized and top-performing pens available in 140 countries. These are more than just nice pens that make a great personalized gift. When you purchase a Cross pen, you’re getting the inventive design and jewelry-quality craftsmanship that has been refined for over 170 years.

Every season comes with different personal and professional milestones to celebrate. Cross pens often become prized family possessions that are passed down through generations. Most Cross pens can be custom engraved in a variety of styles and gift-wrapped at your request. No matter the occasion, you know that you’ll be getting (or gifting) something truly one-of-a-kind.

One of the things we’re most proud of as an authorized Cross Pens retailer is their commitment to quality standards. These are exceptionally reliable fountain, rollerball and ballpoint pens that are inspected at every stage of production-at least 120 times-to ensure superior performance. Every component of every pen is their top priority. They drop-test each pen nine times for guaranteed operation after a fall and test new finishes for up to 100 hours to make sure they’re resident to color fading and corrosion.

Click here to learn more about the Cross story as a leading brand in fine writing instruments.

The Warranty that Lasts a Lifetime

When you find your perfect Cross pen, you aren’t just getting uncompromised quality and effortless ink flow. You’re getting a guarantee that your pen stays that way. Their industry-leading Lifetime Mechanical Warranty sets the Cross Pen company apart. This means that all Cross writing instruments are guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age-without question.

In the spirit of their long-lasting service, integrity and customer focus, all pens are designed to be easily refilled and reused for years to come. Under the Lifetime Mechanical Guarantee, if your pen requires service, it will be replaced with a similar or equivalent item.

Get all the details here about Cross Pens Lifetime Mechanical Warranty.

A Pen for Every Person

Whether you’re a colorful, blue gel ink type of person or you find your flow with classic black fountain pen ink, your perfect pen should be as unique as you are. Cross Pens are all about connecting people through personal style and the art of communication.

In your home, at a business function, or a celebration, there is a time and a place for every kind of Cross Pen. They make the best personalized gifts to celebrate a marriage, a graduation, a business deal or to present as a family heirloom. Heralded as “The President’s Choice” of pen, Cross pens of all styles have been used from Ronald Reagan to Joe Biden.

From the corporate businessman to the artistic entrepreneur, Cross Pens are used by the most successful and powerful people around the world. With options at all cost brackets, you’re sure to elevate your writing experience with any style you choose.

View our full collection of Cross Pens here.

We hope this detailed overview of the history, quality and craftsmanship of Cross Pens helps you find your perfect pen! If someone you know is on the hunt for a quality pen with a proven track record of performance, feel free to share this article with them.

Until next time, pen pals.

About the Author

Madeleine is a copywriter and video script whiz for creative and inventive brands. As an empathy-based marketer, every website, landing page, blog, email, and video she writes showcases her clients at their best. Some say she's a mind-reader, but she's really just an expert listener with one goal in mind: to inspire readers (and viewers) to take action. A true logophile, she's the one who (unabashedly) keeps a hard copy thesaurus on her desk. When she's not on set or crafting copy, you can find her nose in a book sipping a matcha latte.

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