reviews — Blog — Gotham Works

I have carried and used the Prometheus Writes Ti Alpha Executive Pen for nearly six years. It happened to go missing last October, and what I thought was lost, I found nearly nine months later hanging from a thread of an old summer jacket. Boy, was I delighted. The Alpha Executive Pen was designed by California-based designer and fabricator, Jason Hui of Prometheus Lights. Like Jason, as a consumer, I have always had a desire to buy things that I know I can depend on and that I know will last. Buy once, cry once. However, even more so, I appreciate a product where it is self evident that the designer truly cares about his craft.

Jason Hui has extensive knowledge and experience in design strategy, product development, and industrial technology. Although, he is better known for his innovative work in the flashlight market, the Alpha Executive pen is a prime example of his capabilities.

This particular pen is crafted from Grade 2 Titanium and is designed to accept Mont Blanc Fineliner and Rollerball refills only. Some have reservations about this, as these refills are expensive, and don’t last as long as some other popular refills. However, as someone who is constantly writing and jotting things down, the Mont Blanc refills are just a joy to use. The Rollerball refill is as smooth as silk, and will provide crisp dark lines. The Fineliner, provides a distinctive writing experience. It features a felt tip, which can recede if too much pressure is applied, therefore, protecting the tip from being damaged.

The body of the pen is essentially three pieces not including the screw and clip. There are no springs or other internal components as the Mont Blanc refill screws directly into the housing. Given the pen is made from Titanium, it can and will soak up damage. The tumbled finish easily hides any scratches received. I have carried my pen daily since 2013. It has shared pocket space with keys, knives, and flashlights. As you can see from the photos, the pen is still in pristine condition.

As my pen is the Kickstarter version, Jason has made a few minor changes to the design since 2013. The current iteration is crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, which is stronger and more abrasion resistant than the Grade 2. The Kickstarter version is completely sterile and features no maker’s mark whatsoever. The current iteration will feature a maker's mark on the brass screw which holds the clip in place. Other than that, the design is the exactly same. In addition to Titanium, the pen can also be machined from Aluminum, Brass, or Copper.

Now, I’ll be honest, these pens are not cheap. I purchased mine through the Kickstarter campaign for $120. In six years the price for the Titanium Alpha has risen to $250. However, the copper, brass, and aluminum pens are cheaper (and in that order). These pens are machined in Jason’s shop and, therefore, are made right here in the USA. So, expect to pay a premium. This is by far the best pen I’ve ever owned. The weight, balance, and the use of Mont Blanc refills provide an extremely gratifying writing experience. If you’re looking for a new option for daily carry, I strongly recommend you hop on over to www.darksucks.com and pick one up.

The MKII Paradive Gen 3 (FAT BAR) is part of MKII’s Ready-to-Wear series of watches. In operation since 2002, MKII is a contemporary watch brand that references and reinterprets vintage military watch designs. The Paradive is a watch that pays homage to the renowned Benrus Type 1. The Benrus Type 1 & Type 2 were dive watches produced for US Special Forces and CIA operatives from the 1960’s to the 80’s, and proved to be hardwearing and capable timepieces. You can still find some examples of these watches on the market today, however, you’ll be hard pressed to find one in satisfactory condition. Given their history and limited number, these watches command a hefty price tag, often exceeding $2000.

The MKII Paradive is more than just a recreation of the timeless Benrus Type 1, it also improves upon its design. It has a larger 41.25mm bezel diameter, a double domed sapphire crystal with an anti reflective coating, SuperLumiNova BGW9, and it comes with a bead blasted 316L stainless steel casement. It has a Made in Japan SII NE15 movement. And, it comes with a screw down crown, with water resistance up to 200 meters. The “FAT BAR” designation simply means the watch accepts both 1.8mm and the heavier 2.5mm diameter spring bars. Like its predecessor, this watch is designed to take a beating. I’m very hard on my watches, so we’ll see how it holds up.

With its durability aside, what I love about this watch is the utter simplicity of it. For once, this is minimalism done right. Note the large white indices on the black dial, the plain and yet gorgeous bead blasted steel case, and the aluminum GMT bezel insert. You can also get the Paradive with an acrylic bezel, which would be truer to the original, however, I feel the aluminum bezel is far more appealing.

Although, I have only worn the watch for about a week, wearing it has been immensely satisfying. At first sight, the watch appears to be very large. However, the convex design slightly elevates the watch off the wrist, and it wears very comfortably. The crown guard also prevents the crown from pressing into your wrist which only adds to the comfort.

My watch was purchased at Worn & Wound’s WindUp Watch Fair. Luckily, I scored a deal, as my Paradive came with a tool kit, and both a rubber and nato strap included. However, the price tag of $895 is more than fair for what you get in the Paradive. Not only is it a beautiful timepiece, it comes with no shortage of history and I’ve found it to be a great conversation starter. Trust me, people will take notice. This is a watch I plan to keep in my collection, to live with and enjoy for years to come. I look forward to writing an additional review once I’ve worn it for some time.

At the fair, I also had the pleasure of trying on MKII’s new model, the Cruxible. If the Paradive doesn’t fit your style, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s modeled after the American A-11 tool watch of World War II. It’s a lovely timepiece.