Attending a pen show is an adventure in itself. You get to explore new pens, take advantage of discounts, and simply revel in the experience. It’s wise to come a little prepared to maintain perspective amidst the vast options. It was during such exploration that I opted for the OPUS 88 Jazz. Having come across positive reviews and with a tempting 15% discount, I seized the moment and purchased the pen.
In this instance, the seller is Appelboom. I’m uncertain about the standard sale package of the OPUS 88; in my experience, it included only the pen without a fancy box, additional cartridges, or ink. This seems to be a common practice at pen shows. The pen was purchased at the Dutch Pen Show in 2021 for 91 Euros, whereas the current price for the same pen is 130 Euros.
I’ve been saying for some time that I’m behind on pen reviews. Thus, I only got around to using the OPUS 88 for the first time in February 2024. To be direct, it wasn’t love at first sight. The pen and I needed time to adjust to each other. Initially, it seemed the pen had to adapt to my writing style. However, over time, I’ve grown to appreciate it and must admit that it is indeed a fantastic pen.
The fountain pen features an eyedropper filling system encased in semi-translucent resin. It is equipped with a fine stainless steel Jowo #6 nib. The ink flow can be controlled by a button located at the end of the barrel. Closing it seals the ink reservoir, allowing you to write only with the ink present in the grip section. Once the grip is empty, typically after half a page, no more ink flows. Reopening the reservoir allows the ink to flow again. While it may take some time to familiarize yourself with this mechanism, it functions flawlessly. A significant benefit of this design is the ability to use the pen under various atmospheric pressures without leakage, such as during a flight.
The pen’s overall quality is outstanding, with the resin offering a delightfully soft touch. It is ideally sized and weighted to fit comfortably in the hand. Posting the pen adds a bit of weight to the end, yet it remains comfortable to hold. The cap requires about three turns to open, which I find slightly excessive.
Now, what about the writing performance? We generally know that a fine nib tends to be scratchy. This Jowo nib is not. It writes pleasantly softly, allowing for a slight variation in line width. For testing I used Cross blue black ink. I couldn’t catch the nib or any mistake. The ink does not dry out in the nib and ensures a good constant ink flow.
In composing this review, the aesthetic really stood out to me. The deep black cap blending into the blue transparency of the barrel truly lends a jazzy touch. It’s clear that I have nothing but praise for this pen. A masterpiece? Perhaps not, but for 130 Euros, it’s a steal. Exceptional quality, a clever eyedropper filling system, and superior writing performance. And considering I snagged it for just 92 Euros, it’s earned a spot among my favorites. A savvy purchase indeed. Would I go for it again? Without a doubt!
The OPUS 88 didn’t capture my heart immediately, but it grew on me over time. Ultimately, I’ve come to recognize it as a premium fountain pen that delivers outstanding writing quality. Its eyedropper filling system operates flawlessly, offering total command over the ink flow. The pen’s body boasts a stylish design and a comfortable feel, reminiscent of a jazzy tune. It’s certainly a gem in my collection and comes with my hearty endorsement.
Platinum 3776 Laurel green
Embarking on a fountain pen hobby often begins with modest, affordable pens and gradually progresses to more prestigious pieces. Acquiring your first pen with a golden nib marks a significant milestone. For me, the Platinum 3776, with its exquisite Laurel green finish, was that cherished first ‘goldie’. It’s a true gem! Having recently filled several high-quality pens with ink, I’m eager to see how the Platinum stands up in comparison.
Peacock pens 
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