Narwhal Original Plus Lovina and Matria: Two Limited Edition Fountain Pens Worth a Look

Introduction

Narwhal’s Original Plus line has quietly become one of the more interesting ways to get a vacuum-filling fountain pen without spending serious money. The two newest additions, the Lovina and the Matria, are limited editions of 500 units each, named after famous beaches: Lovina in Bali, Indonesia, and Matira on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The black Lovina proved popular enough that it has already sold out on the Narwhal site, though both models have remained available from a number of retailers.

At a price of $55, both pens sit firmly in entry-level territory while offering features usually found at higher price points. Here is how they actually hold up.

Two Limited Editions, One Design

The Lovina is the black model and the Matria is the white one, but underneath the color choice they are effectively the same pen. Both are made from acrylic resin, with an opaque cap, piston knob, and section, and a transparent barrel that lets you watch the piston mechanism work. The trim on both is a warm rose gold, and it pairs surprisingly well with either color.

The cap carries an inlaid metal circle at its top, transitioning into the standard Narwhal clip the brand has used across several models for some time. At the end of the cap sits a band stamped with the company’s previous spelling of its name, a leftover from the brand’s ongoing rebrand transition. The cap band is slightly tapered, which minimizes the step down to the barrel, and the cap twists off in just under two rotations.

One detail worth appreciating: the rose gold finish is not limited to the exterior trim. The interior metal parts of the piston mechanism carry the same color, which makes the whole pen feel more cohesive when you look through the transparent barrel.

Filling System and Ink Capacity

This is where the Original Plus line earns its keep. Both pens use a dual-reservoir vacuum filler, similar in concept to the system on the Pilot Custom 823. You pull the piston back, insert the nib into bottled ink, then depress the piston. You hear and feel a click as the vacuum seal breaks, and ink is drawn up into the barrel.

The dual-reservoir part matters in daily use. When the piston knob is twisted fully down, the main chamber is sealed off from the section, so only the ink housed in the section is used while writing. When that runs dry, you simply crack the piston to admit more ink, or leave it partially open during long writing sessions to maintain a more even ink flow. It is one of the more satisfying filling systems available at any price, and having it on a $55 pen is genuinely good value.

Nib and Writing Performance

Under the cap sits a number six size stainless steel nib with a rose gold coating, made in-house by Narwhal. It is available in fine, medium, and broad, plus a 1.1mm stub, and the size stamping is placed on the left side of the nib, which saves you from guessing what you are writing with.

In practice, the in-house steel nibs have been consistently pleasant. The writing experience is not buttery smooth, and you should not expect much line variation from the stainless steel medium nib tested here, but there is only a hair of feedback, sitting on the smoother side of what feedback usually means. Ink flow is decent on the medium, reverse writing is slightly sharp but gets the job done, and the feed keeps up without trouble during fast writing. The nib stamping itself, with a diving narwhal and water below, is also one of the sharper designs in this price class.

Everyday Use and Handling

The section begins with a flare, angles up slightly before the threads, and offers a comfortable length that accommodates a variety of grip styles. The pen is plenty long enough to use unposted, which is the recommended way to use it: the cap does post securely, but not very deeply, and posting extends the overall length an inordinate amount.

The barrel appears straight but tapers down by about half a millimeter from end to end, ending in a rounded piston knob. Paired with the large translucent barrel section, the pen is comfortable for extended sessions, and the dual-reservoir system means fewer interruptions during those sessions.

Packaging and Availability

The presentation box is a new style for Narwhal, with a planetary motif on top and a drawer that slides open. Inside you get a use and care guide and a faux leather pen pouch that feels comparable to the pouches included with some considerably more expensive European pens.

Both the Lovina and the Matria are limited editions of 500 units. The Lovina has already sold out on Narwhal’s own site, but both models remain available from various retailers while stock lasts. If either design appeals to you, it is worth acting reasonably quickly given how fast this edition has been moving.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want the classic, understated look, the black Lovina is the safer pick, and its popularity suggests many buyers agree. If you prefer something lighter and brighter, the white Matria offers the same hardware with a cleaner aesthetic, and its transparent barrel makes the piston mechanism and rose gold interior parts especially visible. Both share the same nib options and filling system, so the choice is mostly aesthetic. Either way, you get a dual-reservoir vacuum filler, an in-house steel nib in four sizes, and a solid acrylic build for $55, which is a strong package for an entry-level pen or for anyone expanding a lower-cost collection.

Conclusion

The Narwhal Original Plus Lovina and Matria deliver a genuine vacuum-filling system, cohesive rose gold detailing, and comfortable handling at a very reasonable price. As limited editions of 500 units that are selling quickly, they are worth considering sooner rather than later if the beach-named designs speak to you.