80 NAP ALATT A FÖLD KÖRÜL: MONTBLANC LUXUS ÍRÓSZEREK JULES VERNE REGÉNYE NYOMÁN
Phileas Fogg’s journey, which began last year at Montblanc, continues. Following the chapters of Jules Verne’s world-famous novel, this time the voyage goes from Mumbai, India, all the way to Yokohama, Japan. In the previous chapters, the journey started in London and reached India in 18 days. The second part of the collection, released this year, once again draws bold inspiration from the cultures of the countries visited along the way and from the thrilling twists of the adventure novel.
The moment of the wager in a period illustration
Phileas Fogg is essentially a homebody whose only pastime is playing card games at the nearby Reform Club. Speaking during the “rubbers,” or games, is forbidden, but even the short breaks are enough for the London gentlemen to make a wager worth £20,000.
We are right after the Industrial Revolution, with steam locomotives and steamships already in use. Railway and shipping schedules are available in print. Fogg, who plans his life with mathematical precision, accepts the challenge of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days. His entire fortune is at stake.
World map with the route drawn in
The distance between Mumbai – known at the time as Bombay – and Yokohama can now be covered by plane in about 12 hours, but in the late 19th century, it took 25 days. Phileas Fogg and his valet arrive in India by ship, intending to continue their journey by train. However, an 80-kilometer section toward Allahabad – today Prayagraj – had not yet been completed, so they purchase an elephant instead. Cutting through the jungle, they encounter a widow-burning ceremony, where they save a beautiful Hindu woman from a fiery death. Mrs. Aouda later becomes Phileas Fogg’s wife. Their route to Japan is further complicated by a detective who mistakes the impeccable London gentleman for a wanted bank robber…
Based on the second part of the novel, Montblanc has created a range of writing instruments in four different designs.
Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Resin
Around the World in 80 Days Classique ballpoint pen MB128475
The Resin edition is made from dark anthracite-colored synthetic precious resin, inspired by the unexpected encounter with the Hindu princess. The cap features an engraved elephant design, referencing the adventures of the Indian leg of the journey. In the Hungarian edition, the war elephant named Kiuni is purchased by Mr. Fogg for the equivalent of two thousand pounds sterling to continue their journey without delay.
Around the World in 80 Days Classique fountain pen MB128472
The fountain pen features a hot air balloon engraving on its solid gold nib. Although this type of aircraft does not appear in the novel itself, it is featured on many of the book’s covers and in the 1956 film adaptation. Moreover, in Jules Verne’s first novel—the one that brought him worldwide fame—the passengers spend five weeks traveling in a hot air balloon.
Fountain pen with engraved gold nib
The nib is engraved with both the departure date from Mumbai and the arrival date in Yokohama.
The red diamond on the clip refers to the whist card game played with French playing cards at the Reform Club. The golden cap’s engraving of the number (80) recalls the novel’s title, while the jewelry and heart motifs on the other end of the pen evoke both the card game and the romantic thread that runs throughout the story.
Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Doué
Around the World in 80 Days Doué Classique ballpoint pen MB128483
The term “doué” refers to the combination of two different materials used for the barrel and the cap. In this case, Montblanc designers chose a black-to-brown gradient precious resin barrel paired with a gold-coated cap. The cap features the now-familiar elephant motif and the red diamond symbol.
Around the World in 80 Days Doué Classique fountain pen MB128471
As always, the nib of the fountain pen is made of solid gold to ensure the necessary flexibility.
Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Solitaire
Around the World in 80 Days Solitaire LeGrand fountain pen MB128485
Each piece in the Solitaire edition is crafted with an ebony wood finish, hand-engraved with Indian and Japanese symbols of good fortune. On an elongated, shield-shaped plaque with a decorated edge — known as a cartouche — we once again see Kiuni, the Indian elephant.
Around the World in 80 Days Solitaire LeGrand rollerball pen MB128486
Rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain pen versions were created in various sizes.
Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days Limited Edition 811
Limited to 811 pieces
The wooden grip section is adorned with Au750 / 18k solid gold decorative elements depicting five characteristic coins of the Chinese Qing dynasty. In this part of the adventure, the protagonists travel through the Indian jungle on a majestic elephant, which is portrayed on the solid gold cartouche set into the Ag 925 silver cap. The Montblanc emblem, symbolizing the glaciers of the Mont Blanc mountain, is crafted from white mother-of-pearl.
The cap and barrel feature engraved patterns representing lucky symbols. The clip bears a red-lacquered diamond card suit symbol. The top of the cap is embossed with the travel distances—(25) from Mumbai to Yokohama and (80) in total. The writing instrument is finished with a hand-crafted 18-karat gold nib adorned with a ruby and Princess Aouda’s jewelry motif. Only 811 pieces were produced.
