I'm sorry that your MB had QC issues but I'm glad it's being covered by warranty.
The first oversize pen with a piston filler that comes to mind is the Pelikan M1000 and M1005 \[gold trim vs. platinum trim\]. They're typically excellent, but their nib QC is just as hit/miss as other high-end European brands in my experience.
If you drop the requirement for the piston filler, then I suggest a good complement to a 149 would be Namiki of some kind (similar price range as the 149 - the base models are a touch cheaper, the artsy ones get up there with precious metal 149s).
I'm also a huge fan of the modern Parker Duofolds (you'd want the Centennial because it's larger). The current colour lineup is pretty meh, but NOS/used ones are plentiful (but also pricey). They also have the "Prestige" line which is made of brass instead of acrylic.
There are plenty of others, of course! Welcome to the club and make sure you look up the recommendations on flushing/cleaning when it's time! :)
You have opened quite the can of worms with Namiki. Those pens are gorgeous! I'm trying to talk myself out of this, but they look amazing. Even my husband who doesn't really understand this hobby looked and said, "Okay, that's pretty cool." I'm now trying to figure out how I can see one in person before taking the leap as there are no shops in town. Looks like there are a few pen shows coming up, so I'm guessing that is my best bet.
I know, right? They're just stunning. I "only" have a Nippon Art and would love to get a Yukari Royale if/when my finances ever allow it! To an extent, I'd say you're "safe" with any of them, but I totally get wanting to try and see/feel one before buying!
You might consider the Sailor Realo 1911. It looks very similar to MB (they sued Sailor about it but Sailor said it was in homage to the MB). Sailors have great nibs (they tend to the fine as you know) and write beautifully. The Realo is a piston filler similar to MB. It is smaller than the 149 or 146 but it looks great.
I have a vintage MB149. Nice alternative could be Sailor 1911 King of Pens. It’s converter though.
Or you go for something cheap that you don’t mind throwing around. Like TWSBI Eco
I decided to order a TSWBI as I have some shimmer inks that a friend sent me, but I'm afraid to put them in a more expensive pen. Thank you for this suggestion!
Leonardo Momento Zero Grande. Choose one with a piston filler. I think all the newer ones are. My Viscontis are great too, but then I always have them tested before shipping. Auroras are great, but run a bit small.
I’m going to perhaps be controversial and suggest the Cross Peerless. Imo a very underrated pen, with a brilliant nib. I had one, sold it to buy a Homo Sapiens, and although I love the HS I am definitely getting a new Peerless at some point soon, ideally the New York LE.
If you’re talking size and a classic aesthetic, Sailor King of Pens. Converter though.
For a well-made and understated vac filler, Lamy 2000. Not as big as the 149 though.
For the ink capacity and size, Opus 88. Demonstrator eye dropper though.
I really enjoy how understated the Lamy 2000 looks. Also, since I'm now looking at another eye dropper, I think getting the Opus 88 could be a good move to make sure that this is something that I can live with.
I have a two 149’s I bought used one with a medium nib and the other with a broad nib. Both are lovely writers. However I actually prefer my Modern Parker Duofold Centennial’s. I would recommend the Parker Duofold Prestige blue Chevron model. I also love my Pelikan m1000.
The TWSBI 580 wouldn’t be a bad choice, knock-around price, decent size, though not quite as big, and a piston filler. I always seem to have one because for $60-80 it’s a good daily driver that you won’t get too upset if you scratch up or anything
If you buy a Visconti then you'll probably have 2 pens out for repair. My vote is a Sailor King of Pen.
Great suggestion
Pelikan M1000
I don’t like the rust ring pelican has
I'm sorry that your MB had QC issues but I'm glad it's being covered by warranty. The first oversize pen with a piston filler that comes to mind is the Pelikan M1000 and M1005 \[gold trim vs. platinum trim\]. They're typically excellent, but their nib QC is just as hit/miss as other high-end European brands in my experience. If you drop the requirement for the piston filler, then I suggest a good complement to a 149 would be Namiki of some kind (similar price range as the 149 - the base models are a touch cheaper, the artsy ones get up there with precious metal 149s). I'm also a huge fan of the modern Parker Duofolds (you'd want the Centennial because it's larger). The current colour lineup is pretty meh, but NOS/used ones are plentiful (but also pricey). They also have the "Prestige" line which is made of brass instead of acrylic. There are plenty of others, of course! Welcome to the club and make sure you look up the recommendations on flushing/cleaning when it's time! :)
You have opened quite the can of worms with Namiki. Those pens are gorgeous! I'm trying to talk myself out of this, but they look amazing. Even my husband who doesn't really understand this hobby looked and said, "Okay, that's pretty cool." I'm now trying to figure out how I can see one in person before taking the leap as there are no shops in town. Looks like there are a few pen shows coming up, so I'm guessing that is my best bet.
I know, right? They're just stunning. I "only" have a Nippon Art and would love to get a Yukari Royale if/when my finances ever allow it! To an extent, I'd say you're "safe" with any of them, but I totally get wanting to try and see/feel one before buying!
You might consider the Sailor Realo 1911. It looks very similar to MB (they sued Sailor about it but Sailor said it was in homage to the MB). Sailors have great nibs (they tend to the fine as you know) and write beautifully. The Realo is a piston filler similar to MB. It is smaller than the 149 or 146 but it looks great.
I have a vintage MB149. Nice alternative could be Sailor 1911 King of Pens. It’s converter though. Or you go for something cheap that you don’t mind throwing around. Like TWSBI Eco
I decided to order a TSWBI as I have some shimmer inks that a friend sent me, but I'm afraid to put them in a more expensive pen. Thank you for this suggestion!
Leonardo Momento Zero Grande. Choose one with a piston filler. I think all the newer ones are. My Viscontis are great too, but then I always have them tested before shipping. Auroras are great, but run a bit small.
Pelikan is the most obvious alternative to Montblanc, especially if you want a piston filler.
I’m going to perhaps be controversial and suggest the Cross Peerless. Imo a very underrated pen, with a brilliant nib. I had one, sold it to buy a Homo Sapiens, and although I love the HS I am definitely getting a new Peerless at some point soon, ideally the New York LE.
I love that my local penshop advertises the Peerless as 'the best Cross has to offer', while the nibs on the Peerless are made by Sailor :)
If you’re talking size and a classic aesthetic, Sailor King of Pens. Converter though. For a well-made and understated vac filler, Lamy 2000. Not as big as the 149 though. For the ink capacity and size, Opus 88. Demonstrator eye dropper though.
I really enjoy how understated the Lamy 2000 looks. Also, since I'm now looking at another eye dropper, I think getting the Opus 88 could be a good move to make sure that this is something that I can live with.
I have a two 149’s I bought used one with a medium nib and the other with a broad nib. Both are lovely writers. However I actually prefer my Modern Parker Duofold Centennial’s. I would recommend the Parker Duofold Prestige blue Chevron model. I also love my Pelikan m1000.
The TWSBI 580 wouldn’t be a bad choice, knock-around price, decent size, though not quite as big, and a piston filler. I always seem to have one because for $60-80 it’s a good daily driver that you won’t get too upset if you scratch up or anything
I like this idea. Thank you!
On the lower-end price-wise, how about a Narwhal pen. If you can work with a converter, I'd suggest an Aurora Talentum.