Diplomat - Aero
Diplomat - Aero - Matte Silver
I love the Diplomat Aero! It appeals to my passion for design and precision craftsmanship, and it’s a fabulous writing pen. Much like the Lamy 2000, I think the Aero’s iconic styling will remain as fresh and modern in 50 or 100 years, as it is today. It has a timeless sophistication.
Diplomat - Aero - Gorgeous, Iconic Design
Diplomat Pens - History
Founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1922, Diplomat has played a very influential role in shaping the German writing instrument landscape. With a firm foundation in fountain pen design and manufacturing, the company was the first to introduce the ballpoint pen to Germany in the early 1950’s. In 1958, they changed the German market again with the introduction of ink cartridges. To mark the company’s 90th anniversary, Diplomat released the Aero in 2012.
Diplomat - Aero with branded convertor
Design and Unboxing
The design experience begins with the packaging. A nice, sturdy box is enveloped on three sides by a sleek, yet significant aluminum shell. It has an industrial look and feel, and it’s quite sophisticated, and luxurious in its simplicity and efficiency. It transports you to the world of aircraft manufacturing. Sliding the shell lengthwise reveals the beautiful pen. To say it was inspired by the zeppelins doesn’t go far enough. This is a monument, a love letter to the design of the great German airships.
Diplomat - Aero - Nib and Cap Finial
The pen rests securely on a pillowed cushion. Underneath the cushion you’ll find a couple of ink cartridges and the warranty. Inside the pen, there’s a nice, international standard converter with the Diplomat name, “Made in Germany”, and company logo printed on the side. I’ve inked this pen many, many times and the printing hasn’t worn off at all. I’ve also seen the Aero packaged together with a bottle of Diplomat ink as a gift set.
Diplomat - Aero - Cap Finial
The Pen
When you pick up the Aero, the significance and quality of the aluminum cap and body are immediately impressive. It’s satiny smooth to the touch. There is a slight, micro-texturing on the clip and the grip section, but the cap and main body are soft, sleek, and smooth. The concave ribbing that runs along much of the length of both the cap and the body are beautiful in their precision, yet soft in feel. They mimic the appearance of the skeleton ribbing and stretched outer skin of the zeppelins.
Diplomat - Aero - Bottom Finial
This is a fairly heavy pen at around 41 g (11 g for the cap, and 30 g for the body), but it’s balanced very nicely if you use it unposted. It does post, but it isn’t completely secure, and posting makes it very back heavy. At 140 mm capped, it isn’t a small pen, but uncapped (129 mm) it isn’t as large as I expected. That said, it’s still quite comfortable in my average or larger hands. The section tapers from 12.3 mm to 10.1 mm. Don’t be concerned with the fact that the section is metal. There is an almost imperceptible texturing that makes it very secure in my grip. I don’t consider it to be slippery at all.
Diplomat - Aero - Secure Cap Snaps Beautifully
Writing Experience
The Aero uses specially tuned, Diplomat-branded Jowo nibs. Although they are available in 14K gold (which nearly doubles the price of the pen), I really don’t see the need. The stainless-steel nibs are beautifully smooth right out of the box. I’d heard a lot about how nicely Diplomat nibs write, and mine completely lived up to the reputation. I don’t know what they’re doing to consistently get such well-tuned nibs, but I hope they never stop! I think part of it is the weight and balance, and the result is an effortless, very enjoyable writer. I chose a fine nib, as they are known to be wet in flow, and to run wider than average, and I find it perfect for everyday writing.
Diplomat - Aero - Comfortable, No-Slip Section
Final Thoughts
The Aero comes in a wide range of colors. The orange first caught my eye, and I really like the citrus version, but I chose the matte silver, as I wanted something that would always be in style for my first Aero. I couldn’t be happier with the choice (although at some point, I may get something flashier for my second.)
I’ve had my Aero since the beginning of 2021. I think I paid around US$130, but like many brands, prices have risen since then. As of April, 2023, they’re now around US$180 at most major online retailers, but there are still deals to be had if you look around and time it right. Regardless of the price, I think this is a pen you’ll truly enjoy. It’s such a unique design, and so beautifully crafted. I can’t imagine parting with mine and appreciate it every time I look at my pen case. When it isn’t in use, it’s prominently displayed!
Diplomat Aero in Matte Silver