Key Dates.

1906. Three visionary associates decide to produce fountain pens with a built-in reservoir. The foundations of the future Montblanc are laid. 1908. SIMPLO Filler Pen Co is created and launches the first upmarket pen: Red and Black. 1909. Launch of the first technically tested pen under the registered trademark of Montblanc, which will now adorn every writing instrument produced by the company. 1913. Birth of the six-pointed star, symbolising the brand. 1924. Launch of the legendary ""Meisterstück"". 1929. Mont Blanc's height, 4 810, is engraved on every nib. 1977. Alfred Dunhill Ltd becomes the majority shareholder in Montblanc. 1983. Creation of the Meisterstück Solitaire collection - the version in gold, solid silver or vermeil. 1985. Montblanc taken over by the Richemont group, the world's number two in luxury goods. 1987. Montblanc decides to support culture, literature, ballet and music, and branches into leather goods. 1992. Creation of the ""Montblanc de la culture"" award and the first limited edition paying tribute to a recognised writer. 1994. Montblanc enters the Guinness Book of Records with a diamond-studded ""Meisterstück"", the world's most expensive pen. 1997. Launch of the first ""Meisterstück"" watch collection and the first glasses collection. 2003. Montblanc launches a new generation of writing instruments and watches with the ""StarWalker"" and ""TimeWalker"". 2005. Launch of the first collection of Montblanc women's jewellery.