This isn't a pen to be locked away in a display case; you have to take it in hand, follow the instructions or, better yet, play with it, like true collectors love to do from tine to time. The pen, which occupies the ground somewhere between a jewel and a sculpture, is also a fully functional solar clock.
This is obviously a very limited edition model, made exclusively for died-in-the-wool collectors.
On the Magnum Deluxe versions, the "petite complication" is set off by a precious stone in a niche on the pen's barrel and protected by a tiny hatch that opens and closes. On the exterior of the hatch is an image of the sun, set in high relief, with the Latin phrase "sol omnia regit" - the sun controls all.
Produced in collaboration with designer Maurizio Cavazzuti, Cadran Soleil is available in micro cast solid sterling silver or solid 18-karat white, yellow, or pink gold. Each piece is individually hand crafted by specialist jewelers. The decorations and precious stones likewise vary from pen to pen, but the design in all cases centers on the tiny sundial, developed to suit the cylindrical shape of the pen, and shows the hours, the lines of latitude, the months of the year, and even the different constellations.
The two extremes of the pen, the cap top and the blind cap, show the sun and an antique map in high relief, both fully hand crafted.
With this unusual and ingenious pen, Marlen has set out to create a true work of art for your desktop that combines an ancient instrument for measuring time and a high-class writing instrument.
The case has been created to complement the pen it contains. It has a Carrara marble base, which can hold the pocket sundial gnomon upright as well as act as an elegant support for the fountain pen. The cover is mahogany.
The limited edition Cadran Soleil includes:
- 138 Prestige fountain pens in sterling silver, dark gray celluloid,
and precious stones
- 38 Deluxe fountain pens in sterling silver, 18-karat gold,
dark gray celluloid, and precious stones
- 18 Deluxe fountain pens in 18-karat yellow gold, dark gray
celluloid, and precious stones
- 8 Deluxe fountain pens in 18-karat pink gold, dark gray celluloid,
and precious stones
The Cadran Soleil is the latest version of the oldest system
for measuring time. Sundials work on the basis of the shadow
cast by the gnomon according to the position of the sun at different
times of the day and at different times of the year.
Instructions for use:
1) With the fountain pen closed, stand it vertically upright
on the cap on a flat surface.
2) Lift the gnomon so it points out at 90° from the pen's
barrel.
3) Turn the gnomon so it corresponds to the current calendar
month.
4) Point the gnomon towards the sun.
5) The sun will cast a shadow onto the pen's overlay.
6) See where the shadow finishes, and by turning the pen you
will be able to see the solar time. This gives the time from
9am to 3pm - when the sun is in the sky.
And of course, this magnificent pen with its giant two-tone
18-karat gold nib can "also" be used for writing!
Suggested Retail: starting
at $5,500.00
Reprinted from Penna Magazine
