Astrograph
Caran d'Ache x MB&F
Overview
Caran d'Ache and MB&F have combined their expertise for a unique creative odyssey: the Astrograph writing instrument.
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, product of the overflowing 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.
About the collaboration
The Astrograph adventure began when Maximilian Büsser revealed his idea to Caran d'Ache's creative teams: to let his childhood dreams of travelling 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.
Innovative Features
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 stabilisation, 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.
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.
CARAN D'ACHE
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 speciality 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.
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 stabiliser 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 stabiliser 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 magnetised, it will attach to any part of the body of the instrument, ready to "climb on board".
This writing instrument is fitted with an ink pump, but may also be used with cartridges.
The pen nib is made from rhodium-plated 18-carat gold, available in size M.
Other nib sizes available upon request.
This writing instrument is fitted with a Caran d’Ache roller pen cartridge.
The rocket-shaped pen body is rhodium-plated and either highly polished or sandblasted matt, or plated in ruthenium anthracite. The chequered pattern is made from anthracite lacquer.
The base of the "engine" is plated with ruthenium. The stabiliser legs, the joints and miniature ladder are polished, sandblasted, satin-finished and rhodium-plated. The sides and edges are highly polished.
Inspiration
The Astrograph adventure began when Maximilian Büsser revealed his idea to Caran d'Ache's creative teams: to let his childhood dreams of travelling in space unfold in a writing instrument.
His meeting with Caran d'Ache paved the way for this idea, as poetic as it was 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.
