Whether you need to acquire more pens for your office or want to find a unique gift for an employee, consider buying Waterman pens and pencils. Waterman features a large selection of pen types, as well as mechanical pencils and collector's sets. If you do not know much about pens and pencils in general, it is easy to get confused when browsing Waterman products. Increase your confidence in the world of writing instruments by getting to know some of the Waterman pens and pencils basics. These key terms will help you get started in your search for the perfect pen or pencil.

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Fountain pen

The fountain pen style is hundreds of years old, and is what Waterman is best known for. Waterman fountain pens include a nib from which fluid ink flows, and are often accented in silver or gold.

I recommend: Learn a little about both fountain pens and Waterman at Pendemonium.

Ball point pen

Waterman also offers ball point pens, which feature thicker ink than some other pen types. Those who prefer to write slowly prefer a ball point pen.

I recommend: Paradise Pen describes how a ball point pen works.

Roller ball pen

Another Waterman pen type is the roller ball, which features ink that flows rather fast. Such a pen is perfect for writing quickly.

I recommend: PenFAQ defines roller ball pens.

Mechanical pencil

Waterman carries a mechanical pencil, which resembles a pen with its plastic exterior. However, instead of ink, the tip is made of lead. Waterman mechanical pencils also include erasers under the lid, and are often accented with silver or gold.

I recommend: Get the definition of a mechanical pencil at wiseGEEK before buying a Waterman pencil.

Fountain pen converter

A fountain pen converter can be inserted into a pen in place of an ink cartridge. It is filled with bottled ink, and though it is not as easy as replacing a cartridge, using a converter allows Waterman pen owners access to myriad colors.

I recommend: JetPens.com not only defines a fountain pen converter, but includes directions on how to use one for any fountain pen, such as a Waterman pen.

Nib

The nib is where the ink flows from a Waterman fountain pen. Waterman offers a large selection of nibs, including your choice of precious metals.

I recommend: Read all about Waterman nibs at RichardsPens.com.

Waterman pens - fountain pens, rollerball pens and pencils - are encased in fine metal and are available in many stylish versions with differently designed nibs and rings. First manufactured by New York’s Waterman Pen Company in the 1880s, they are used by businesspeople for their classy look and the fluid way they handle. If you are looking for Waterman pen suppliers, contact office or specialty stores. A Waterman fountain pen costs more, but lasts longer than the pens you buy at the drugstore.

You can find Waterman pen distributors easily in large downtown areas or in shopping malls with stationary or office supply stores. Rural customers may need to rely on Internet sites to buy Waterman pens and pencils. When buying Waterman pencils and related products, consider:

1. Take a look at the various Waterman pen lines, including the Philéas line of fountain pens and rollerball pens, with a wide gold-plated steel nib and black crown. Other distinctive Waterman pens and pencils are the Audace, the Charleston and the Harmonie.

2. Some people collect discontinued versions of Waterman pens, as they consider them works of art..

3. Some high-end Waterman pen distributors charge higher prices for the product depending on availability and retail environment.

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Look at Waterman pens and pencils for sale in office supply stores

If you need a Waterman pen or cartridge refill, and have no style line preference, a large office supply chain will fulfill your needs for a world-class writing instrument.

I recommend: Buy Waterman pens and refills from Office Depot, but keep in mind they only offer the most basic styles. Buy refills from your local Staples. Small local office supply stores may carry a wider selection of Waterman pencils and pens.

Purchase Waterman pens and pencils from a local art store or business accessory store

Since Waterman pens are valued as a specialty business item, like business card holders and expensive watches, and not mere office supplies, many high-end retailers and luggage stores carry them.

I recommend: Browse the selection of Waterman pens at Altman Luggage as you prepare for your next business trip or meeting. Order Waterman pens and pencils from The Art Store for a wide selection of colors, fiber pens and mechanical pencils for drafting and art projects as well as business.

Contact Waterman pen suppliers directly

The best selection of Waterman pens is online. Even the best-stocked retailer has to call in special orders for more expensive pens like the Serenite Fountain pen. Save time by ordering direct from web merchants.

I recommend: View Waterman pencils and pens online by going to their website at Waterman.com. Check out Colorado Pen Direct for a wide online selection from a pen expert.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try out several styles before coming to a final decision. Waterman pens come in many different ink colors and styles within each line, including mechanical pencils, fiber, roller ball, fountain and ball point pens.

Waterman pens and pencils are well-known in the business world for the class they bring to the office. Whether you want to give such writing instruments as gifts or simply want the pleasure of writing with one, it is good to know what you can expect to pay. Getting acquainted with Waterman pens and pencils pricing and costs is beneficial when it comes to creating a budget, as many are quite costly.

When you start researching where to buy Waterman pens, compare prices between several Waterman Pens suppliers. Before purchasing Waterman pens and pencils, consider the following:

1. Find the price of mechanical pencils from the Waterman pen suppliers that sell them.
2. Learn the cost of Waterman ballpoint pens before you buy.
   
3. Research the typical cost of fountain pens from Waterman pen distributors.
   

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Buy Waterman pencils after you compare prices

If you prefer pencils over pens, Waterman has a good selection of mechanical pencils. Many pen suppliers carry Waterman mechanical pencils, and they range in price from $65 for a basic mechanical pencil to $150 for one with gold or silver trim.

I recommend: Expect to spend $65 to $150 on a Waterman pencil at PenBoutique.com. Swisher Pens sells Waterman pencils for around $120.

Research pricing on a Waterman ballpoint pen prior to purchasing one

If you like the smooth feel of ballpoint pens as you write, consider purchasing a few from Waterman. Many people like the comfort of ballpoint pens, and they tend to cost less than some other types of Waterman pens. The typical price range for Waterman ballpoint pens is $30 for a basic ballpoint pen to $375 for a pen with interesting colors, patterns or gold or silver trim.

I recommend: Purchase a Waterman ballpoint pen from Colorado Pen Direct for $75 to $375. Next Day Office Supplies sells a few Waterman Hemisphere retractable ballpoint pens for $30 to $51.

Know the pricing of fountain pens before you contact a Waterman pen supplier

Waterman is known for its excellent fountain pens, so of course the company has a large variety. Determine exactly what you want in a pen before you shop for Waterman fountain pens, as that will help you narrow down the probable price. Most pen suppliers sell Waterman fountain pens for anywhere from $75 to $1100. The higher price applies to pens with intricate patterns, interesting shapes or gold nibs. However, if you want a pen covered with solid gold or silver, expect to pay a few thousand dollars per pen.

I recommend: PenPlace.com sells one type of Waterman fountain pen for $250 to $300. Fahrney's Pens sells a wide range of Waterman fountain pens for an equally wide range in price, from $75 to $1100. Some special edition pens cost between $2500 and $3000.

Every office needs plenty of writing instruments, and Waterman pens and pencils are quality writing instruments with styles to meet every business need. Waterman pens and pencils are available in a diverse range of types and styles to please every customer or employee. Once you find out what makes each style unique, you will be on your way to selecting the best Waterman pens and pencils for your office.

First learn about the types of writing instruments available for purchase, and then you can concentrate on where to buy Waterman pens and pencils in your preferred styles. Consider the following types of Waterman writing tools:

1. Add class and ease of writing to your office with a Waterman fountain pen.
2. Receive durability and convenience with a Waterman ballpoint pen.
3. Fill your office with Waterman mechanical pencils.
   

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Find fountain pens from Waterman pen distributors

If comfort while writing is important to you, consider adding Waterman fountain pens to your office environment. Not only do Waterman fountain pens look good, but even those who suffer from arthritis can write easily with fountain pens. Waterman pen suppliers usually carry several types of fountain pens, from disposable pens to those with gold accents. Decide what kind is best for your office, and enjoy the experience of writing with a Waterman fountain pen.

I recommend: Office Depot carries the Waterman Phileas Fountain Pen, which is just one of many fountain pen styles by this company. Consider the Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen, which can be found at Pen Station Gift Shop. Made2Shop.com carries several Waterman fountain pen types and styles.

Purchase ballpoint pens from a Waterman pen supplier

If you use pens often, a Waterman ballpoint pen might suit you best. Ballpoint pens are known for their fast-drying ink and reliability. Though they require more effort to write with, as users must press down on paper to write, they are unlikely to leak. They are often less expensive than fountain pens, allowing you to purchase several for your office. If you want a convenient and affordable pen, consider Waterman ballpoint pens.

I recommend: Keenzo carries the retractable Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Pen. Next Day Office Supplies offers several styles of retractable Waterman pens.

Consider buying Waterman pencils for your office

If you prefer to write with pencils, but would like something more elegant than a regular wooden writing tool, purchase Waterman mechanical pencils. Just like Waterman pens, these types of pencils are both refillable and durable. Waterman pencils allow you the smooth feel of writing with a pen with none of the permanence. Like ballpoint pens, the affordable price of Waterman pencils allows you to buy several at a time.

I recommend: You can buy Waterman pencils and refills at Fahrney's Pens. PencilLovers also carries a selection of Waterman mechanical pencils, so you can choose between a few weights, styles and features.