Montegrappa Makes Baselworld Debut

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Montegrappa, Italy's most revered manufacturer of fine writing instruments, today announced the company's inaugural appearance at Baselworld, the world's largest and most important event in the watch and jewelry sector which is held annually in Basel, Switzerland. Montegrappa's luxury pen collections have been the choice of industry connoisseurs and literary giants such as Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos since 1912 and the company is pleased to expand its legacy with the introduction of wristwatches and cuff links in addition to new luxury pen collections which will be premiered during the event.

Montegrappa's NeroUno collection began with pens that were designed with an eye to the company's peerless reputation for classic writing instruments.  A natural extension to the iconic NeroUno line, Montegrappa collaborated with the finest Swiss watchmakers to create a line of timepieces which respects the brand's core elements, while acknowledging the role of the modern watch.

Every NeroUno watch is fitted with a luxurious wide leather strap with crocodile pattern, engaged by a deployant clasp, and includes either a Ronda 6004 quartz movement or a Swiss automatic mechanical movement. Montegrappa chose to use two of the world's most successful and dependable movements for the automatic versions of the timepieces: the chronograph version will be fitted with the Valjoux 7750, the most popular automatic chronograph movement ever produced, while the automatic will be powered by the equally revered ETA-2824.

The automatic watches feature a classic design characterized by Montegrappa's traditional Greek fret engraved on the side of the case and decorating the dial as well as the sportier designed "Skeleton Date" where the date disk is visible through a clear window. Both the Quartz and Skeleton Date models feature gun metal versions.

Water resistant up to 40 meters, the watches also include a faceted black gemstone mounted in the crown, symbolizing "NeroUno" for both its color and form. The Montegrappa NeroUno timepieces will be offered in stainless steel or with a 5n rose gold PVD finish and both versions will be available with black or silver dials. The chronograph version will be available with dials in underwater blue, aqua green and racing yellow in addition to black and silver. The time is indicated by elongated nickel hands that point to slim indices instead of numerals, while the date is visible through a window at either 3 o'clock or 4 o'clock depending on the model.

The newest addition to the prestigious NeroUno line is the Parola collection of entry level pens. The Parola range of writing instruments has been broadened to appeal to a wider audience, resulting in a pen that is an ideal gift for the graduate about to begin his or her career. Attractively priced, Parola is an appropriate selection for corporate clients as well as the student; serving perfectly as an "everyday" pen, as well as a gift to be cherished.

Parola's minimalistic look and the eye-catching color range were created to appeal to all tastes. Formed of resin and accented with polished metal details, Parola will be offered as a fountain pen, roller ball, twist-action ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil in black, white, red and yellow.

For more information about Montegrappa and to preview the company's new luxury offerings, please contact Amanda Bialek at [email protected] or (310) 854-8151. Attendees to Baselworld may also visit the Montegrappa booth located in Hall 4.1 (Hall of Inspirations), Booth #A19.

Editor's note:  High resolution images are available upon request.

About Montegrappa

Since 1912, Montegrappa has been manufacturing high-quality writing instruments in the same historic building in Bassano del Grappa, North East Italy.  Please visit www.montegrappa.com to learn more about Montegrappa's hand-crafted fine pens and authorized U.S. retailer locations.

SOURCE Montegrappa