The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen is a beloved modern fountain pen by the pen brand Pilot. Pilot pens have outdone themselves with this elegant Pilot 823 writing instrument. This pen comes with the largest ink reservoir available by Pilot. The Pilot Custom 823 is perfect for the office and for work from home, as well as for Pilot collectors who know the best Pilot pens.
The Pilot Corporation is a globally renowned manufacturer of high-quality writing instruments known for their craftsmanship, reliability, and ergonomic designs. It was founded in 1918 under the name Namiki Manufacturing Company Ltd. by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada. The parent company is based in Tokyo and is Japan's oldest and largest writing instrument manufacturer. The Pilot Corporation of America, established in 1972, is the third-largest manufacturer of writing instruments in the United States.
Pilot Custom 823 Pens
The Pilot Custom 823 is revered in the world of fountain pens for its elegant design and reliable performance. This pen, which has gained a cult following since its release in the year 2000, commemorates the 82nd anniversary of Pilot’s founding. Known as the only vacuum filler in the Pilot collection, it stands out for both its functionality and aesthetics. It offers exceptional performance, durability, and a classic design that stands the test of time. While the price may be a barrier for some, it’s an excellent investment worth making for both new collectors and serious pen enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
The Pilot Custom 823 sports a classic cigar-shaped design, and it's available in three stunning colors: Amber, Clear, and Smoked Gray. This pen isn’t just about looks; it’s built for functionality. The top finial is separated from the cap by a wide gold band, while the bottom finial matches its conical shape, giving the pen a balanced look. The cap features a single gold band with the Pilot brand’s triangular clip, complete with a spherical ball end—both springy and functional. The cap tapers gradually to a two-piece gold band that reads “Custom 823 Pilot Made in Japan,” demonstrating attention to detail and branding. Removing the cap reveals a beautifully crafted gold nib made of 14k gold. The section of the pen follows an hourglass shape with a flared start and ends in a gold band, ensuring a comfortable grip.
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Specifications
Finish: Clear, Smoky Grey or Amber; Resin
Cap: Clear, Smoky Grey or Amber; Resin; Screw-Cap; Gold Clip
Trim: Gold Trim
Nib: 14 karat Gold
Filling System: Vacuum
Made in: Japan
Gift Boxed - silver sateen-lined Pilot gift box with bottled blue fountain pen ink.
Available with an expertly crafted 14-karat gold nib in Fine, Medium Broad, and Signature
Mechanism and Filling System
One of the main features of the Pilot Custom 823 is its vacuum filling system. The barrel of the pen is mostly straight, featuring a threaded portion that's smooth to the touch. Utilizing a piston knob, you can retract the piston rod inside the barrel, which then breaks the shutoff valve, allowing ink to flow from the barrel into the nib and feed. The filling involves submerging the nib into the ink and pushing down the piston. This creates a low-pressure system behind the piston, and as you reach the end of the stroke, a seal breaks, equalizing the pressure, which allows ink to be drawn into the pen. This efficient filling system contributes to the pen’s balance and handling.
Comparisons and Alternatives
The Pilot Custom 823 holds its own in size and heft compared to the Sailor 1911 Large or the Platinum 3776 Century. When compared to other fountain pens like the Pilot Custom 743 or the Wing Sung 699, the differences become more pronounced. The Pilot Custom 743 is part of the 74 series and lacks a vacuum-filling system. Instead, it relies on a cartridge-converter system, which makes its body opaque compared to the translucent 823. The Wing Sung 699, on the other hand, is heavily inspired by the Pilot 823, featuring a similar smoky finish and vacuum-filling mechanism.
Writing Experience
Thanks to its 14k gold nib, the Pilot Custom 823 offers a smooth, reliable writing experience. Pilot’s gold nibs provide superior performance and are smoother than other Japanese fountain pen nibs. The nib is well-suited for a variety of writing pressures, and while it doesn't offer much flex, it handles daily writing needs effortlessly. Soft nib options or a Falcon nib are available for those interested in more line variation. The pen can hold significant ink, making it ideal for extended writing sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the history behind Pilot Pen Company?
Pilot Pen Company, renowned for its innovation in creating quality writing instruments, was founded in 1918 by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada in Tokyo. It is Japan's largest pen manufacturer, competing globally with brands like Pentel Co., Mitsubishi Pencil Co., and American Paper Mate. Known for its emphasis on research and development, Pilot has been a leading manufacturer and marketer in the United States since 1972, establishing itself as the third-largest writing instrument company in the country.
Subsidiary Locations
Pilot has subsidiaries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil, Russia, and Australia. The company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, Japan, and around the world, operating under strict quality control standards.
Products and Innovations
Pilot offers a diverse range of products, including pens, highlighters, markers, mechanical pencils, and fountain pens, with G2, Precise V5/V7, Dr. Grip, and EasyTouch among its top-selling brands. Pilot is also known for its eco-friendly B2P pen series, made primarily from recycled components.
2. What are the distinctive features of the Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen?
The Pilot Custom 823 is a luxurious writing instrument known for its large translucent resin body, 14k gold nib, and unique vacuum filler. It’s a non-flashy, workhorse pen designed for an excellent and reliable writing experience, making it suitable for long writing sessions and travel.
Design and Aesthetics
It features an understated design available in two colors: transparent “Smoke” and “Amber,” both complemented with gold trim. The pen’s balanced body can be used posted or unposted, offering versatility to different users.
Nib and Writing Experience
The Custom 823 features a larger No. 15 14kt yellow gold nib, ensuring a smooth, top-notch writing experience. Pilot’s meticulous quality control guarantees the reliability and excellence of the nib, allowing the pen to “disappear” in your hand as you write, without any distractions or finickiness.
3. How does the filling mechanism of the Pilot Custom 823 work?
The Pilot Custom 823 utilizes a vacuum filling system, a then-unique mechanism known for its massive ink capacity, making it ideal for those who prefer not to refill often. This high-capacity filling system is particularly beneficial for extensive writing sessions, ensuring a continuous ink flow without the worry of running out of ink.
Usage and Maintenance
For longer writing sessions, users need to slightly open the blind cap to release the safety valve and allow a consistent ink flow. This pen is ideal for users who do not change inks frequently, as overworking the filling system by frequent ink changing can stress the gaskets over time.
Safety and Convenience
The shut-off valve in the vacuum filler seals the ink into the barrel to prevent leakage, making the pen safe to carry during travel. The Pilot Custom 823’s convenience, reliability, and safety make it a preferred choice for everyday writing.
5. How does the design of the Pilot Custom 823 contribute to its functionality?
The design of the Pilot Custom 823 is characterized by its understated elegance and high functionality. Its translucent resin body is not only aesthetically pleasing but also allows users to monitor ink levels conveniently. The balanced body can be used both posted and unposted, accommodating different writing preferences. The pen’s design, coupled with its vacuum filling system and gold nib, ensures a luxurious and reliable writing experience, reflecting Pilot’s dedication to combining aesthetics with functionality to meet the diverse needs of its users.
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