Wingback Mechanical Pen Review
A long-term look at Wingback’s precision-engineered writing tool.
Wingback has made a name for itself with wallets and leather goods, but the brand’s reach goes far beyond pocket carry. Among its growing range of everyday items sits the Wingback Mechanical Pen, a solid, precision-machined writing tool that promises durability, style, and a unique writing experience. After four years of daily use, here’s how it stacks up.
While I’ve had the chance to review much of Wingback’s wallet range, the London-based brand is far from limited to leather goods. Their catalogue extends into an eclectic mix of items, from stationery to bags, and in this case, the focus is on the Wingback Mechanical Pen. When I first received this pen back in 2021, I had little idea of what separated a good pen from a bad one, let alone any experience with one carrying such a high price tag. Fast forward four years, and it has been a near-daily companion. In this review, I’ll be breaking down my long-term experience to help you decide whether the Wingback Mechanical Pen is truly worth your time and money.
About the Brand: Wingback
Wingback is a British design brand founded in 2014 by Alasdair MacLaine. The inspiration for the company arose from a simple frustration: after losing his wallet, MacLaine decided to craft a replacement himself using leather salvaged from an old wingback armchair. This resourceful project – turning discarded leather into a new wallet – set the tone for Wingback’s mission to create durable, heirloom-quality accessories. The first Wingback product, a slim leather card holder, launched on Kickstarter in 2014 and wildly exceeded its goal (raising about ten times the target funding). Buoyed by that success, MacLaine left his engineering job at Dyson to grow Wingback as an independent design studio.
My Experience with the Wingback Pen
Sophisticated and elegant. Those were the first two words that came to mind when I first got my hands on the Wingback Mechanical Pen. It’s a beautifully designed object in its own right, with a finely machined grip section and a twist mechanism that’s surprisingly addictive to fidget with.
The pen is available in three finishes: the more affordable stainless steel version (the one I own), a striking brass model that develops a rich patina over time, and the premium titanium option, which offers greater durability while remaining much lighter.
Speaking of weight, the steel version isn’t exactly light. Over time, I’ve grown used to it, but whenever I hand it to someone else, their first reaction is almost always some variation of: “Wow, this is a heavy pen.” And they’re not wrong. On my scale, the steel Wingback Pen weighs in at a solid 48 grams. To put that into perspective, most everyday pens are far lighter, often less than half that weight. The brass edition tips the scale at an even denser 52 grams, while the titanium drops considerably to just 31 grams.
Does the weight bother me? Not in the slightest. In fact, I enjoy it. The added heft makes the pen feel balanced in hand, almost as if the weight itself assists with smoother writing and reduces the need for added pressure. It also contributes to that sense of quality and premium craftsmanship. Ultimately, this is one of those details that comes down to personal preference, but for me, the extra grams are a feature, not a flaw.
The mechanism works with a simple twist action. Rotating clockwise extends the nib for writing, while a counterclockwise turn retracts it. Continue turning counterclockwise and the top of the pen releases, allowing access to the ink cartridge inside. The Wingback Pen is designed to take the Fisher Space Pen® PR4 pressurised cartridge. Having used Fisher refills before, I’ve never had any complaints about their quality or longevity, and this one is no exception. The ink flows smoothly and consistently, making it a pleasure to write with.
There is, however, one limitation worth noting. Since the Wingback Pen is built exclusively around Fisher cartridges, your choice of tip sizes is restricted. The finest option available is 0.9mm, which suits me well but may not satisfy those who prefer finer or extra-fine lines.
If you’re into customisation, Wingback offers some nice touches that reinforce the brand’s handcrafted approach. For an additional £10 (around $14), you can have up to 35 characters laser-engraved along the barrel, giving your pen a personal touch. For another £40, Wingback sells a matching pen and pencil holder - an elegant way to store the pen on your desk.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Mechanical Pen isn’t the only writing tool in Wingback’s lineup. They’ve since expanded into a mechanical pencil and even a fountain pen, catering to those who prefer different writing experiences but still want the same level of machining and design quality.
Final Verdict: Is the Wingback Pen Worth the Money?
So, what are my honest thoughts on the Wingback Mechanical Pen? I’ll be upfront - I’m no pen expert. But after years of daily use, I can confidently say I love this pen. Its design and finish are exceptional, the weight suits my preferences perfectly, and it’s both satisfying to use and beautiful to look at.
The sticking point for most people will inevitably be the price. Starting at £150 ($203) for the steel and brass versions, and rising to £225 ($300) for the titanium model, this is far from a casual purchase. Whether it’s worth it ultimately depends on how much you value craftsmanship and whether you’re comfortable spending that kind of money on a writing tool.
For me, it has earned its place as an essential part of my everyday carry. If you’re curious to learn more, or to explore Wingback’s full range of products, you can find all the details on their official website.