Platinum
Top Selling Platinum Fountain Pens
About the Platinum Brand
Platinum has been crafting Japanese writing instruments since 1919 (founded by Shunichi Nakata) and is loved for its fine nibs, maki-e art, and smart cap tech that helps keep ink from drying out when left capped—perfect if you don’t write every day. From the budget-friendly Preppy and everyday Procyon to the gold-nib #3776 Century and premium Izumo-tamenuri / Iro Urushi options, you can shop the full range
Platinum has been making fine writing instruments for over 90 years. Founded in 1919 by Shunichi Nakata, this Japanese pen company is well respected for its fine nibs and maki-e art pens. The company was originally named Nakaya seisakusho which means manufacturer but renamed to Platinum Fountain Pen Co along with its logo which became a motif of earth.
After WWII, the company changed its name from Platinum Fountain Pen Company to Platinum Industry Company, only to change the name back to Platinum Fountain Pen Company in 1962.
Platinum fountain pens are designed not to dry out when they are left capped over long periods of time. Platinum pens also create the cartridge-style fountain pen.
Most Platinum pens come with a 1-year warranty. Warranty information is included with each Platinum pen. For details on a specific Platinum pen, feel free to ask.
Platinum Pens FAQs
Where are Platinum pens made?
Platinum is a Japanese pen brand; Pen Chalet lists Platinum’s country of origin as Japan.
When was Platinum founded, and who founded it?
Pen Chalet states Platinum was founded in 1919 by Shunichi Nakata.
What is Platinum’s “Slip & Seal” mechanism?
Slip & Seal is Platinum’s cap mechanism designed to help prevent ink from drying out inside the pen when capped for long periods.
Do Platinum fountain pens dry out if I don’t use them often?
Platinum is known for cap designs intended to resist drying when pens are left capped; results can still vary by ink and storage conditions.
What are the most popular Platinum pen models?
Common favorites include the Preppy, Plaisir, Procyon, and the #3776 Century, plus premium lines like Izumo-tamenuri and Iro Urushi (availability varies).
What is the Platinum #3776 Century?
The #3776 Century is a flagship Platinum fountain pen line offered with gold nib options and multiple finishes/colors at Pen Chalet.
Is the Platinum Procyon good for everyday use?
Yes—Pen Chalet highlights Procyon pens for balance and easy ink flow, with a stainless steel nib and Slip & Seal cap design on many versions.
Do Platinum pens use proprietary cartridges?
Many Platinum fountain pens use proprietary cartridges (for example, Preppy and Procyon listings specify “Cartridge Type: Proprietary”).
Can I use bottled ink with a Platinum pen?
Yes—use a compatible Platinum converter on cartridge/converter models, or check the product page for supported filling systems.
Do Platinum pens come with a converter?
It depends on the model/edition—some listings note converters are sold separately, and some packaging details vary by release.
Does Platinum make maki-e or artistic finishes?
Yes, Platinum is respected for maki-e art pens, and Pen Chalet also carries limited “Maki-e Procyon” models.
Pen Chalet is an Authorized Dealer of Platinum pens and writing instruments.
Country: Japan
Customer Reviews
Makes using the Platinum Preppy easy and convenient. Grab a preppy a few packs of your favorite inks and you can travel anywhere with a reliable combo.
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Love the Preppy! Great for anyone from beginner to advanced. Simple, easy to use, and always ready even if I don’t pick it up for a while. Nothing fancy, think of it as the Bic ballpoint of fountain pens. Reliable and functional.
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I’ve decided to re-enter the life of quality writing instruments selected this pen to get started. I did a lot of research before the purchase, and I believe it paid off. The quality is great, love the color, and it has me excited to do more personal writings. My next purchase will be a fine as this was a medium. Also, I am truly happy with purchasing through this company!
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One of my favorite pigmented inks, good black. Proprietary cartridges for Platinum products and other brands that accept this fit.
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Solid converter and well worth upgrading my 2 Preppy Wa pens with. Being able to complement your pen with silver or gold options is a nice touch.
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I always try and get a converter if the pen does not come with one so I can utilize the bottled inks I have.
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This is a great pen to throw in my pocket because l am not afraid of losing it but also because it works so well!
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I've admired this pen for some time now. When Pen Chalet put it on sale, I snagged it faster than a duck picking-off a June Bug, and I'm glad that I did! The pen is lighter in weight than what I anticipated, but that makes for a more pleasant writing experience. (I'm an author) I tend to prefer EF point nibs, but it wasn't available for this model. However, the Fine nib works wonderfully and smoothly. I'm quite pleased. The pen set includes a bottle of unnamed Platinum ink, however I can tell you that it's identical to Diamine's Tyrian Purple. I just happened to have another pen inked with that. I compared the two writing samples side-by-side so I know they're the same. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Platinum's next pen in their "My Favorite Things" series!
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These little pens are just wonderful!! I love the designs and they write so so nicely and for the price you cannot beat them. I have several
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Grabbed the blue carp waterfalls the minute I saw it and glad I did. So pretty with the silver accents. Eyedroppered with Van Dieman's Twilight Zone from their Sea collection and it's perfect. You can't go wrong with a Preppy :)
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I did not have a single pen inked with black ink before I bought this ink. I thought that black ink was boring. Even before I started using fountain pens I never used black ink because it was boring. This ink is NOT boring. It is STRIKING. It is shockingly, amazingly, eye-catchingly black. Even when I scan my notes made for work with this ink, it is eye-catching even on a scanned PDF. The power of this ultra black ink transcends even a scanner. It is also AMAZINGLY smooth to write with. I love this ink.
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I love writing with a Procyon pen. I now have 4 of them in different colors. They are my "work" pens. I use a variety of permanent inks with a converter. All of mine are (F) nibs. The one that is inked with Platinum Chou-Kuro ink may be the smoothest writing Japanese fine steel nib + ink combo I've discovered yet.
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This is Awesome fountain pen write smooth and very good. Highly recommend.
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These are possibly the best value you can get for your money in the price range. If you need a pen you're not afraid to lose, but still has stellar performance, you need this one.
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I got this Platinum Mixable and loved it so much that I got it in 3 colors, Leaf Green, Silky Purple and Earth Brown. Because these inks are mixable, you actually can create an wide range of fountain pen ink colors with these few colors as a base. Not all inks are mixable. If you crave variety, mixable inks are a great option. PSA: Do not try to mix inks that are not classified as mixable. Save your ink recipes and swatch them so that it’s easy to recreate colors that you love and want to make over and over again.
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So happy that I got this converter for my Platinum Preppy Wa Maki-e 2nd edition fountain pen. That pen came with a free & prefilled ink cartridge, which is nice, however I’m usually so excited to add bottle ink in a color that I’m super excited about versus an unknown, mystery color. I love getting extra converters too so that way, if I am cleaning one, there’s another ready to go!
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I’m totally amazed with how smoothly this fine nib writes. It comes in a fun color, is super lightweight and has a handy clip, which makes it easier to attach inside bags, totes and even to the cover of your planner or notebook. It’s very affordable and a good choice if you are searching for an everyday pen to carry around with you in your bag.
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I have not used a fountain pen in over 40 years. It has been a real treat to rediscover my love of fountain pens. Love that I can use before or after watercoloring. No bleeding if I give it a second to bond with the Tomoe paper. I have been using almost daily since it arrived and have not had to change the ink cartridge or clean it. Looks to be an easy process. Love the long handle which makes it easy to find in my pen cup.
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I love this throw back old school desk stand. I have lots of vintage Esterbrook desk pens, and it looks classy on my desk.
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Just what you’d expect from a Procyon - great performance and nice finish. The design is really pretty. I gave one as a gift!
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Excellent pen! The fine nib is closer to extra fine (which I like) and it writes first time, every time no matter the ink. I have four of them and they are all a delight to use.
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This is a must buy for all artist. It’s a workhorse for the pencil bag. A sketchbook must have, a waterproof pen- once dry can have water color wash over it and can write on the top of many other dried mixed mediums! I won’t be without mine!
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These ink cartridges have a good amount of ink and don’t dry out in the carbon ink fountain pen they are intended for. Since I started using these 4 years ago, I am never out of them- this is a product I keep on hand at all times. It’s so useful to my art practice.
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Whether you’re adding to your collection or purchasing your first writing instrument, Platinum offers options that appeal to writers.
At Pen Chalet, we offer a curated selection of Platinum Pens. Our collection includes options for most writers. You’ll also find compatible ink, refills, and accessories to complete your writing experience.
Explore our full range of Pens writing instruments and discover why they remain a popular choice among pen enthusiasts.
Complete your writing experience with high-quality fountain pen ink, premium notebooks, and pen accessories designed to pair perfectly with your Platinum Pens.
