Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Pen, My Favorite Writing Instrument

Not Cross. Not Mont Blanc. Waterman. Specifically a Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint. Mine looks just like this - black and chrome. I take it along with me no matter what. It’s with my keys and watch. Just something that is taken along wherever I go. I’m a fool for pens. And watches. And notebooks.

Lewis Edson Waterman started the company in New York City in 1833.

Why is the Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint pen my pen of choice?

- It just feels right. The body is not too fat, or too skinny. Like the bear and Goldilocks’ bed - “it’s just right.”

- It looks good. I’m not vain, but who wants to tote an ugly pen. However, I do have some great looking pens that just don’t feel right or write very good. I’ve got a great looking bright red Swiss Army pen. But it’s a little too big for everyday carrying around. And it doesn’t write particularly well.

- It’s affordable. This pen won’t flatten your wallet. It’s not as cheap as a PaperMate (another favorite) or a Parker. But it’s not nearly as expensive as Mont Blanc or other esoteric/luxury pens. You can get a stainless steel version for about $25. These enamel ones will run you about $35 or so. Refills are about $4 - slightly more than PaperMate or Parker, but less than Cross.

- THE reason this is my pen of choice - it writes really well. Or good. I love the way it writes. Black ink. Blue ink. Doesn’t matter. Sometimes a pen will write really well with blue ink, or black - but not the other. I’m told there is a difference in the ink, which is why some pens write better in one color over another. I don’t know if it’s true, but from experience I can tell you that I’ve got pens that write great in black, but they don’t in blue. And I’m a black AND blue guy. I write in both colors, but I do prefer blue for some reason. I know it’s not as business-like. Maybe that’s why.

I’m saving my money for this version of the Hemisphere - classy RED. I like red and other bright colors. Why do I need multiple colors? Why do birds fly? Fish swim? Because. I just have the need.

I might need a black one with gold trim instead of chrome. To match my teeth.

Or a green one. It’s not really smaller. It’s just a smaller picture. They’re all the same size.

My pen collection is reasonably represented with Mont Blanc, Cross, Parker, PaperMate, Pilot, Swiss Army, Foray, Uniball and many more. None are as trustworthy, or perform so consistently as my Waterman Hemisphere.

You know you’re a loyal customer when you’re willing to write more than one sentence about a ballpoint pen! Either that, or you’re just a guy with no life. You decide.