Montblanc 146 vs 149 Comparison - Photo Review

by Galen Leather March 30, 2025

Montblanc 146 -149 Comparison - Photo Review

Here's a quick photo comparison of the two must-have models in fountain pen addiction. Montblanc Meisterstück 146 LeGrand  and the flagship model of the company MB 149.

If you are familar with Pelikans, the 149 is about the size of the Pelikan M-1000 and the 146 is about the size of the M-800. The MB's are a little smaller, but they seem smaller than they are because of their streamlined bullet shape.

My first thought was to suggest the 146, which is for many people the perfect size--not small by any metric. But when you write that you want a "nice, big MB," it sounds like you might be looking for something extra-substantial. The 149 fits that bill.

Here's the detailed pictures.

BODY

montblanc 146

CAPS

montblanc 146 cap

montblanc 149 cap

Montblanc NIBS Comparison

montblanc 146 nib

montblanc 149 nib

CAP POSTED

montblanc 146 posted

Montblanc 149 vs 146 Dimensions & Specifications


Montblanc 149

Montblanc 146

Nib Material


18K Gold

14K Gold
 

Nib Widths

EF, F, F, M, B,

BB, OB, OBB



EF, F, F, M, B,

BB, OB, OBB


Nibs Replaceable
Yes No

Piston Filler

Yes

Yes

Ink View Window


Yes

Yes


Screw Top

Yes

Yes

Ink Capacity

2.1ml

1.4ml

Length (Capped)

144mm

142mm

Length (Posted)

161mm

146mm

Pen Weight

32g

25.4g

FAQs About Montblanc 146 vs 149 Fountain Pens

What is the difference between the Montblanc 146 and 149?

The Montblanc 149 is larger, heavier, and has a thicker 18K gold nib, while the 146 is more compact and features a 14K gold nib. The 149 also has a higher ink capacity (2.1ml vs 1.4ml), making it ideal for long writing sessions, whereas the 146 is often preferred for daily carry due to its more manageable size.

Which Montblanc pen is better for smaller hands?

The Montblanc 146 is slightly shorter (142mm capped) and lighter (25.4g) than the 149, making it a more comfortable choice for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a pen that feels more balanced during everyday use.

Does the Montblanc 149 have a replaceable nib?

Yes, the Montblanc 149 features a modular nib unit that can be removed and replaced. This makes it easier to customize or service. In contrast, the 146’s nib is not designed to be easily swapped out and usually requires professional assistance for changes.

Is the Montblanc 149 too large for everyday writing?

While the Montblanc 149 is often seen as a collector’s or statement pen due to its size and weight (32g), many users do enjoy writing with it daily. However, those who prefer lighter or slimmer pens may find the 146 more suitable for frequent use.

Do both pens have ink view windows?

Yes, both the Montblanc 146 and 149 feature ink view windows, allowing you to easily check your ink levels before writing. This is especially helpful given their piston-filling mechanisms and large capacities.

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Galen Leather
Galen Leather

Author


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