Platinum #3776 Century Chartres Blue Fountain Pen in Music Nib Review

Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen Review

This week, we're giving some love, as one of the big 3 Japanese manufacturers of fountain pens. Platinum sometimes takes the backseat to Pilot and Sailor. While it is arguable that both are stronger in terms of being fan favorites, Platinum has it place for high quality fountain pens and the Platinum 3776 Century line is proof of this.

Sailor 1911S vs Platinum 3776 Spec Comparison

The 3776 Century is Platinum's flagship model of fountain pen that has a classic, cigar-shaped profile, simple, yet elegant trim design and a 14kt gold nib. The look of the pen is close to the Sailor 1911 and serves as a basis for comparison, especially since a Sailor was reviewed quite recently.

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Sailor 1911S vs Platinum 3776 Spec Comparison
Platinum 3776
Sailor 1911S
Length (Capped)
5.43”
5.3125"
Length (Uncapped)
4.68”
4.625"
Length (Posted)
6.06”
5.875"
Section Diameter
0.41”
0.375"
Cap Max Diameter
0.61”
0.5625"
Weight
0.85 oz
0.7oz
Nib
14kt Gold
14kt Gold
Price (USD)
~$175
~$155
As you can see by the comparison chart here, the 3776 has a little bit more to offer in girth and length than the 1911S. My personal taste prefers a larger pen, especially in regards to the section diameter, for a surer grip.

The Finish of Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen


The 3776 Century "Chartres blue" takes its name from the deep, translucent blue stained glass of France's Chartres Cathedral. Designated a World Heritage site in 1979, the stained glasses are known worldwide for their beauty. Although the material is translucent, this pen is not a demonstrator. The body and cap have a high opacity, allowing only an aura of light to pass through, radiating a deep, royal blue. It isn't possible to see the ink level inside the pen's converter. You can somewhat make out the nib's silhouette inside the cap when it is closed. This characteristic is often considered when comparing the platinum 3776 vs sailor 1911, as enthusiasts debate the merits of each brand's design and functionality. Personally, I love the gold trim on blue pens. Most pen makers put silver or rhodium trim. Platinum recently released a rhodium trim version of the Chartres Blue, but I do prefer the gold, as it is more unique and beautiful. The thick cap ring with engraving, paired with a thinner ring above, creates an elegant point of interest on what would otherwise be a plain, cigar-shaped pen design. The oblong clip is also quite plain, lacking the distinctiveness and personality that other brands have utilized in their identity (Lamy Safari's wire clip, Visconti's arc clip & Pelikan's beak, for example).

Filling Up

The uses a cartridge / converter filling mechanism and is provided with both options in the box with the pen. The proprietary converter fits in deeply and snugly into the section. No surprises with this standard filling system. Drawing up ink is a breeze. Although not used for purposes of this review, the cartridge that is included with the pen is a proprietary style made by Platinum.

Writing with the Platinum Music Nib

As I mentioned previously, I had the pleasure of writing with the with a Music nib a few weeks ago. While the two-tined Sailor music nib isn't a true music nib like the 3-tined Platinum nib is, both were very similar in their output. As you would expect with a music nib, there is a thick downstroke and thinner horizontal line.The ink flows smoothly and the feed keeps up with the higher demand the music nib makes. The thick/thin line variation is good with Platinum's music nib, but the Sailor 2-tined music nib had slightly better variation and wrote slightly wetter than the Platinum nib.A neat feature of the 3776 Century is a "slip seal" cap that helps prevent an inked nib to dry out. When screwing the cap on the front end, the last quarter turn has a secure, tightened feel. More extensive testing would have to be done to see if this design would provide an advantage over your typical fountain pen cap. From the week or so I had to experience this pen, the nib always wrote immediately and without hesitation, even after being capped for hours or a day later.Overall, the writing experience is quite pleasant with Platinum's music nib. The 14kt gold isn't flexible or soft, but it still provides ample flow and coverage to keep up with the demand that a thick nib requires.

Is the Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen Worth the Investment?

The Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen, with its exquisite craftsmanship and superior writing performance, stands as a testament to Platinum's dedication to quality. Priced at a premium, the question arises: is it worth the investment? The answer lies in its unique features, such as the innovative "Slip & Seal" cap mechanism that prevents ink from drying out for up to 24 months, and the meticulously crafted 14K gold nib available in various sizes to cater to every writing style. These elements, combined with its durability and timeless design, make the Platinum 3776 Century not just a writing instrument but a lifetime companion for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Considering its longevity and the unparalleled writing experience it offers, the investment is justified for those who value craftsmanship and writing pleasure.

Who Should Buy the Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen?

The Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen is designed for individuals who appreciate the finer things in life, particularly in their writing instruments. It is an ideal choice for pen collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who demand excellence in their writing experience. Writers who spend extensive hours jotting down notes or crafting stories will find the pen's ergonomic design and smooth ink flow reduces fatigue, making it suitable for long writing sessions. Additionally, its wide range of nib sizes caters to various writing preferences, from fine detailed work to bold signatures. The pen's aesthetic appeal and functional elegance also make it a perfect gift for special occasions. In summary, the Platinum 3776 Century is best suited for those who seek a blend of style, functionality, and enduring quality in their writing tools.

Buy Your Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen at Goldspot Pens

Goldspot Pens is your premier destination for acquiring the Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen. Known for our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Goldspot offers an extensive selection of nib sizes and pen models to match your specific writing needs and preferences. Each purchase comes with the assurance of authenticity, backed by our expert customer service ready to assist you in selecting the perfect pen. Whether you are adding to your collection or choosing a gift for a discerning writer, Goldspot Pens provides a seamless shopping experience, ensuring that your Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen is a worthy addition to your writing arsenal.

A Few Final Words

Summary :
  • Writing Quality : The Platinum 14kt gold music nib writes with good flow, smoothness and always starts up right away. The size and shape of the pen's profile makes it comfortable to grip and write with for long stretches. Excellent balance with the cap posted. (grade A)
  • Aesthetic Quality : The Chartres Blue is a gorgeous, deep color that looks great paired with gold trim. Classic cigar profile is fairly unimaginative. (grade B)
  • Utility : The Platinum slip seal cap is billed to keep the nib fresher for longer, but that would be a claim that would need more testing over time. Cap posts well. Cartridge & converter are proprietary, which makes it harder to obtain replacements. (grade B+)
  • Price : ~$220 Retail. The Platinum 3776 is priced at the same tier as Pelikan Tradition m2xx, Lamy 2000, Pilot Custom 74, and Sailor 1911. Looking at the competition at this tier, the 3776 Century would be a bigger standout if it was priced lower to differentiate itself from it's relatively close analog in the Sailor 1911. (grade C+)
Final Grade : B+If this were a shootout between the 1911 and the 3776, I'd give the round to the 1911 in terms of writing quality and the craftsmanship of the design. Although the Chartres Blue resin is a stunning color, the effect is too subtle for a pen that needs to have more personality to stand out amongst the other Japanese fine writing instruments.
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