fbpx

SUMMARY
Geneva, October 2016 – The Maison Caran d’Ache and the horological laboratory, MB&F, have combined their expertise for a unique creative odyssey: the Astrograph writing instrument.

[wpvideo MqG5AHHT]

Projecting his dreams of conquering space onto a writing instrument was the original idea of the founder of MB&F, Maximilian Büsser. The creative and technical forces within Caran d’Ache enthusiastically embraced this new adventure, which proved to be both thrilling and complex. The result is the Astrograph writing instrument, a product of the over ow- ing creativity of its designers. An artistic union that took root among the common values held dear by both Maisons: limitless creativity, respect for traditions, impeccable quality and Swiss Made.

Astrograph_3Versions copy

THE START OF THE ADVENTURE
The Astrograph adventure began four years earlier when Maximilian Büsser revealed his idea to Caran d’Ache’s creative teams: to let his childhood dreams of traveling in space unfold in a writing instrument. His meeting with Caran d’Ache paved the way for this idea, as poetic as it was as technically challenging, to become a reality. Explorers at heart, Caran d’Ache’s teams drew upon their imagination and technical ingenuity to construct an actual rocket – in reality an exceptional writing instrument that is extremely comfortable in the hand. Astrograph reminds us that we all hide a childhood dream in our heart.

Astrograph_CloseUp_JetEngine copy

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Developing Astrograph was truly challenging. Four years of gestation and discussions were necessary to perfect the technical concept. The result of this collaboration is the futuristically designed body of an instrument that comprises a multitude of innovative features among a total of 99 components: a “detent” system of vertical stabilization, launch- pad box, magnetic figurine… It took a whole year to develop the final model. It takes more than 500 manual operations to produce each writing instrument, genuine proof of an adventure.

Astrograph_Ruthenium_Astronaut copy

The innovative design of the Astrograph, together with the many challenges that were overcome throughout the development of each of its component parts, have led to the creation of the most complex writing instrument ever made in the Caran d’Ache workshops.

Astrograph_Set copy

ABOARD THE ASTROGRAPH
The slim, curved body of the Astrograph, is immediately reminiscent of the outline of a space rocket. Its fluid design is accentuated by a chequered pattern, enhanced with Anthracite lacquer – a particularly delicate process carried out by craftsmen and a specialty of Caran d’Ache. The proportions have been designed to ensure that the whole body is perfectly balanced so that it rests perfectly in the hand.

Astrograph_Set_Profile copy

The structure is articulated by an ingenious mechanism inspired by penknives: a miniature lever – the entry door to the rocket, concealed in the ring of the pen – activates the simultaneous and symmetrical lowering of three stabilizer legs. These, just like the miniature ladder than runs alongside the “thruster engines” have parts that are sandblasted, satin finished and rhodium-plated. Once the stabilizer legs have been deployed, it is possible to stand Astrograph up, vertically, ready for take-off.
The Astrograph rocket also comes with a miniature figurine of an astronaut. Rhodium-plated and magnetized, it will attach to any part of the body of the instrument, ready to “climb on board”.

Just for fun, a presentation box in the form of a launch pad has been specially devised for Astrograph. This writing instrument may be placed in a vertical position, pointing towards the stars: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… We have lift-off!

The instrument unscrews to reveal a fountain pen inside the fuselage. The fountain pen is “launched” from its “base” to join the hand that will write the rest of the story, setting down on paper dreams of space, speed, and conquest. At this point, Astrograph ‘s tactile dimension takes on its full significance here: touch it, feel the smooth run of the screw thread when you undo the cap and the way the rhodium-plated 18-carat gold nib glides across the paper…

Astrograph is available in three finishes: high-gloss rhodium, sandblasted matt rhodium or anthracite ruthenium. These limited editions are aimed at those who love unusual objets d’art – and at those who have managed to keep hold of an essential part of their childhood dreams.

Astrograph

Related Posts

3 Responses