Pilot Delux - 1976 - 1980s

The Delux was conceived as the higher line of model immediately above the Custom. It was slimmer in appearance and thought more elegant and suitable with business attire. It featured all metal barrels and, generally, 18K Yellow Gold nibs.Sizes known are EF, FINE, and MEDIUM. Likely, a BROAD exists. We have not seen one. The pens shown below are from the first series of models released in the 1976. A new line of Delux pens was created in the mid-1990s and currently exists that matches the original design. Those made in the 1990s feature 14K nibs. Two are pictured below. Dates are based on nib date codes to suggest issue dates for each model. We welcome your providing additional dates to fill in the blanks and provide a complete portrait of the model.

An array of some of the Delux models available.The Delux was also used as a platform for traditional makie. Those models are not shown.

From left to right:

  • Black - Metal cap and Plastic barrel. Lacquer over cap. 1977, 1978
  • Red - Metal cap and Plastic barrel. Lacquer over cap. ¥10,000.
The above two models are the initial design that features a large gold colored sloped transition piece at the bottom of the cap. Both date from 1976.
  • Fine Fluted - R14K Gold Filled cap and barrel. ¥25,000. A model in fine barley design also exists. See below. 1976
  • Crosshatch - Sterling Silver. ¥13,000. 1979.
  • Black Overlay - Brushed Stainless Steel, Photoengraved. ¥10,000. 1977.
  • Green Lacquer - Urushi over metal cap and barrel. ¥16,000. Known in other colors, as well. 1977.
  • Striped - Red urushi over metal cap and barrel. ¥40,000. 1978.
  • Seirei-nuri - Black lacquer and gold over metal cap and barrel. ¥25,000. Known in red as well. 1977.
  • Sakura - Gold cherry blossoms and dust over metal cap and barrel. ¥25,000. 1977.
  • Triangles - Gold over black lacquer over metal barrel and cap. 1978.
  • Silver Design - Embossed pattern with clear lacquer over on metal cap and barrel. 1976. Sections come in white, red, and other colors.
  • Botan (Peony) - Hiramakie over metal cap and barrel. ¥20,000. 1980.
  • Ryu (Dragon) - Hiramakie over metal cap and barrel. ¥20,000. 1982.
  • Tsuru (Crane) - Hiramakie over metal cap and barrel. ¥20,000. 1979.
  • Ume (Plum Blossom) - Hiramakie over metal cap and barrel. Y20,000. 1979.
  • Limited Edition - Hiramakie over metal cap and barrel. 1994.
  • Black - Lacquer over metal cap and barrel. Reissue. 1995. Also known in Brown.
  • Blue - Lacquer over metal cap and barrel. ¥16,000. 1984.


The makie model below was seen on Yahoo Japan Auctions. The nib is date-coded 689.



Dragon motif. Date code on nib is 378.



Fine barley finish. Note the 14K nib.



Recent Pilot Catalogue


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