Montegrappa, the oldest Italian manufacturer of traditional luxury writing instruments, will showcase its new range of limited edition pens and accessories at the ongoing Jewellery Arabia 2010 in Bahrain.

The 19th Middle East international jewellery and watch exhibition opened today (October 26), and will run until October 30.

The highlight of the exhibit is the launch of the “Tribute to Muhammad Ali” Limited Edition pen, also nominated for the “Best Historical Icon” award at The Premier Middle East Watches, Jewellery & Pens Awards taking place on October 26.

The “Tribute to Muhammad Ali” limited edition pen pays tribute to the boxing legend and the design of the pen reflects elements of Muhammad Ali’s career as a professional boxer and celebrity boxer. The pen will be unveiled to the public and the media during the exhibition and will be available for purchase across the region.

“Muhammad Ali is one of the most influential personalities in the 20th century because he revolutionized sports and boxing on so many levels.  Creating a pen dedicated to one of the world’s greatest living legends is indeed a great honour for us,” said Charles Nahhas, managing director of Montegrappa Middle East.

The limited edition pen also addresses key elements of Muhammad Ali's life. 1942 is the year of his birth. He fought 61 fights. He won 56. His wins by knockout numbered 37. Guided by these figures, Montegrappa will issue 1942 fountain pens and 1942 roller balls in resin with sterling silver trims, 61 fountain pens with solid gold trims and 56 roller balls with solid gold trims.

Also available will be an exclusive “knock-out” edition, gold-trimmed and set with diamonds in the cap’s end-piece. Only 37 in total will be produced with the client selecting either a fountain pen or roller ball. Each solid gold version will bear a number corresponding to a specific opponent and fight, the pen engraved with the fighter’s name, as well as the date and location of the event.

In addition to the Muhammad Ali limited edition, Montegrappa will also be showcasing the Alfa Romeo 100 year anniversary limited edition, the St. Andrews links collection of limited edition pens for golf lovers, as well as the new line of Nero Uno Crystal writing instruments along with matching accessories and watches.

"This is the second year Montegrappa is exhibiting with its own stand. Last year was the beginning of the re-launch of the brand in the region and our presence at the exhibition strengthened the brand’s relationships in the trade,” Nahhas said.

“Although the global economic crisis had affected the number of visitors to the exhibition last year, it was a good platform for the brand and culminated in the establishment of our Middle East subsidiary, Montegrappa Middle East FZCO, now based in Dubai,” he added.

"Having a local headquarters for the Middle East region allows us to develop our brand towards the demands of the local markets and puts us in closer touch with the Arab consumers,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service