Pilot Custom 823 Smoke Fountain Pen

Pilot Custom 823 – Smoke Fountain Pen

Launched in the year 2000 as a modern interpretation of the Custom collection, the Pilot Custom 823 – Smoke embodies the perfect balance between elegance and tradition. Its smoke-gray translucent resin body allows you to admire the inner workings of a writing instrument built to last.

Concept and Design

This pen is designed for those who experience writing as a thoughtful and continuous act. The smoke-colored transparent body, combined with dark metallic trim, offers not only beauty but functionality: it allows full control over the ink level. The large 14-karat gold nib provides a smooth and character-rich writing experience.

Functionality and Filling System

The Custom 823 features a vacuum filling system that draws a generous amount of ink (approx. 2.2 ml) in just one motion. To fill it, unscrew the tail cap completely, pull back the plunger, immerse the nib in ink, and press down the plunger firmly. The vacuum is broken at the end of the stroke, allowing the ink to fill the reservoir quickly and efficiently.  Piston fillers have a blind cap at the end of the barrel which should be screwed down to close off ink flow, making it a superb pen to travel with.

To write, simply unscrew the tail cap slightly to allow ink to flow to the nib. Once finished, we recommend closing the cap completely again—this seals the valve and ensures total safety. This feature makes the Custom 823 an ideal companion for carrying in your shirt pocket or while traveling by air, as it fully prevents leaks.

For more thorough maintenance, the cleaning wrench for Pilot 823 is also available in our store. It allows safe disassembly of the filling system and makes deep internal cleaning easy and reliable.

Package Contents

The pen comes in an elegant case, along with official Pilot documentation. Additionally, this piece includes free shipping from our store in Spain, as part of our commitment to the best service.

Technical Specifications

• Body material: Smoke-gray translucent acrylic resin
• Nib: 14k gold, size #15
• Filling system: Vacuum filler
• Ink capacity: Approx. 2.2 ml
• Closed length: 149 mm
• Posted length: 164 mm
• Maximum diameter: 15.7 mm
• Weight: 29.6 g
• Made in Japan

Brand History and Philosophy

Pilot was founded in Japan in 1918 by two naval engineers, Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada, who created a fountain pen resistant to sea conditions for use aboard merchant vessels. This gave rise to the first PILOT pen and a brand that honors the sea and the idea of guidance, taking its name from the flagship of a fleet—the “pilot” ship that leads others safely.

Over a century later, Pilot remains faithful to five founding principles that shape its philosophy:

• Sansha Teiritsu (三者鼎立) – Balance between manufacturer, retailer, and user.
• Ukiwa Seishin – Shared joys and sorrows: a principle of solidarity.
• Nankan Toppa (難関突破) – Overcoming difficulties with resilience and determination.
• Ichinichi Ishiin – Step-by-step progress, every single day.
• Sishei Shinken – A sincere and committed approach: nothing is impossible when done wholeheartedly.

Pilot continues to combine cutting-edge precision with artisanal sensibility to offer writing instruments that are durable, meaningful, and made to last.

"Writing is the reflection of the soul; with the Pilot Custom 823, every word comes to life."