Jewellery & Watch News
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” that was Muhammad Ali’s motto. It helped secure him three major victories in 1964, 1974 and 1978. To mark the success and legacy left behind by one of the world’s greatest athletes, Montblanc has released a trio of exquisite writing instruments that tell the story of his life and the indelible mark he left on mankind.
Muhammad Ali was a courageous, determined, and disciplined athlete who became an inspirational role model to millions. The three-time heavyweight champion has influenced the lives of many young sporting individuals but was also an advocate for civil rights. No better collection of writing instruments could articulate the legendary moments of the life of this iconic figure of the 20th century better than Swiss manufacturer, Montblanc. The brand’s beautiful luxury items include meticulous timepieces and stunning lifestyle products that epitomise refinement in a wholly unique way. The company welcomes to its collection the “Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition”, the “Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition 1942” and the “Great Character Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98” pens. Each one represents one of his three major victories and highlights the different milestones of his life.
In the design of each pen, his famous motto has been translated into the design of the pointed cone, representing the bee part of his motto. The butterfly reference decorates the cap. The clip, however, features a decoration denoting a belt akin to what the champion wore during his victories.
The Montblanc Great Characters Mohammed Ali Special Edition
The new Montblanc Great Characters Mohammed Ali Special Edition writing instrument features some memorable references within its design. Each one tips its hat to the charisma of the world-famous heavyweight boxing champion and the landmarks of his career.
The cone has four engraved lines that denote the four ropes surrounding the boxing ring. The cap of the pen is also shaped like a punch bag. A closer look at the matte black precious resin barrel reveals a textured surface akin to the bandages worn under the gloves of the boxer. The words “I Shook Up The World” have been engraved onto the cap following the legend’s defeat of Sonny Liston. Where the white resin Montblanc emblem is located on the cap top, the number “1” sits. It refers to the first world title of his career. In addition to all this, a skeletonised clip is inspired by Muhammad Ali’s title belt he wore and features the engraved letters “ALI” above a laurel wreath.
The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98
The Great Character Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98 writing instrument from Montblanc is adorned with the engraving of a pair of hanging boxing gloves upon a gold inlay. A stunning blue guilloche lacquering winds around the cap, creating a textured look that is similar to the bandages worn to protect Ali’s hand. This feature is accompanied by a punchbag-shaped design. His third win, marked as number “3”, is celebrated by a gold cast Montblanc emblem on the cap top. The pen also features a victory belt-inspired yellow gold-coated clip adorned with a diamond and a cap decorated with a laurel wreath.
The triumphant win is marked in this writing instrument with the engraved inscription “The Greatest”. A total of 98 limited edition pieces point to the year 1998 when the champion was named a “Messenger of Peace” in the US. The cap is also adorned with the image of a dove, denoting the symbol of peace. An engraved image of Muhammad Ali, surrounded by six stars can be admired, intricately inscribed on the gold nib of the pen.
The barrel features a printed underlay of a colour block boxing figure that takes inspiration from the dynamic design of the Muhammad Ali Cultural Centre, which was opened by the iconic boxer in 2005. It depicts his vitality and spirit through coloured windows on the side of the building. A white gold skeletonised overlay on the barrel finishes the decorative nod perfectly. Two blue lines on the cone reference Ali’s third win in 1978. This accompanies the engraved lettering “New Orleans 1978 New York 1998” to mark both important years adequately.
The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition 1942.
This writing instrument from Montblanc represents the year of the athlete’s birth. Its yellow gold-coated bandage decoration is a standout feature and is represented in this design as four green lines on the cone. The coat that Ali wore during his “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in Zaire serves as the main inspiration for this design. It is represented in the black and white lacquered design combined with gold intarsia on the cap. The yellow gold cap ring bears the victory pose Ali resumed upon defeating George Foreman.
In the same way as before, this pen is marked with the number “2” to represent his second victory. Montblanc pays reference to two famous matches – his second defeat in 1974 and his famous 14-round fight with Joe Frazier. Both matches are memorialised on the cone of the watch with the inscription “KINSHASA 1974 QUESON CITY 1975”. The victory belt-inspired skeletonised clip is also inscribed with the “ALI” lettering.
To finish the entire experience, the three-part assortment of writing instruments by Montblanc is accompanied by the brand's Notebook #146, crafted from black Saffiano leather. The surface of the notebook is designed with a special silhouette of Muhammad Ali’s iconic victory pose.
If you’d like to take a look at these special sets of writing instruments, you can do that here, or call and speak to a member of our C W Sellors sales team today on 01335 453453.
