MB & F Caran d'Ache Astrograph User manual

OWNER’S GUIDE BOOK
& INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE

MAISON DE HAUTE ÉCRITURE
Heir to over a century of precious expertise, since its creation in 1915 the Maison Caran d’Ache
has cultivated the spirit of elegance and the particular care that it devotes to the art of fine
writing. In harmony with the grand tradition of Swiss Manufactures, it passionately develops and
crafts superlative products in Geneva that match the rigorous demands of the Swiss Made label.

ASTROGRAPH
A CREATIVE ODYSSEY
Conquering space by propelling his dreams towards it, embodied in a rocket-pen: such was
the original idea behind Astrograph.
This creation was a true technical challenge, masterfully addressed by the Maison Caran d’Ache
teams inspired and supported by Maximilian Büsser’s innovative spirit.
With the development of Astrograph, Caran d’Ache and MB&F perfected an exceptional
writing instrument featuring a complex architecture, ensuring an extremely comfortable grip,
while stirring the imagination to embark on new flights of fancy.
CARAN D’ACHE + MB&F
A UNIQUE ENCOUNTER
Sharing the same creative passion for mechanical excellence, the Maison Caran d’Ache has
partnered with the youthful MB&F watchmaking company. The MB&F, Maximilian
Büsser & Friends brand is synonymous with exceptional mechanical exploits, opening up
a trailblazing path in Swiss Fine Watchmaking and kinetic art.
This common passion resulted in the idea of producing an exceptional piece, Astrograph,
paying symbolic tribute to the spirit of exploration and to the childhood dreams at the root
of technical progress.

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6
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1. Cockpit and storage tanks. 2. Chamber. The cap of the rocket-pen unscrews to release the writing instrument. 3. Auxiliary engine reservoir.
4. SAS. 5. Hold and engines. A trigger concealed in the ring of the pen enables the symmetrical opening of the three stabiliser feet.
6. Stabiliser feet. 7. Ladder. 8. Engine. 9. Astro. Astrograph is delivered with a magnetic astronaut that can be attached at will to the body of the rocket.
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THE MATERIALS
Caran d’Ache writing instruments reflect our recognised expertise in working with different
materials. Each pen produced in our Swiss workshop is carefully controlled during manufacturing.
Astrograph Limited Edition gathers very special artistic crafts such as engraving, polishing
and lacquering, which require exceptional precision and meticulous work.
1&3: The cockpit and auxiliary engine reservoir are either coated in rhodium or coated
in ruthenium depending on the finish of your Astrograph. The chequered motif is created using
an anthracite lacquer.
5&8: The engines and reactor are ruthenium-coated.
6: The stabiliser feet are sandblasted and covered in rhodium. The sides and edges are high
gloss. The shock absorber cylinders are high gloss, while their central section is satin-brushed.
7: The miniature ladder features rhodium-coated sandblasted and satin-brushed sections.
9: The astronaut is rhodium, silver-coated.
ASTROGRAPH WRITING INSTRUMENTS
The Astrograph Limited Edition is available in three versions
with different finishes:
Astrograph sandblasted matt rhodium - available in roller pen
and fountain pen, limited to 99 pieces each.
Astrograph high gloss rhodium - available in fountain pen,
limited to 99 pieces.
Astrograph anthracite ruthenium - available in fountain pen,
limited to 99 pieces.
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PRECAUTION DURING USE
Do not dismantle any part of the writing block. When you
use your Astrograph Limited Edition fountain pen for
the first time, we suggest that you write a few lines in order
to start the ink flow.
USING CARTRIDGES
Your Astrograph Limited Edition fountain pen must always
contain two cartridges fitted back to back as shown
in the diagram. Pierce the top cartridge by screwing in the
body of the pen all the way.
ASTROGRAPH FOUNTAIN PEN
As with each Caran d’Ache writing instrument, your Astrograph
Limited Edition fountain pen is the product of our long tradition
of high-quality manufacturing and creativity. It combines advanced
technology with the irreplaceable expertise of skilled craftsmen.
The pen’s nib is produced in 18-carat gold engraved with
the hexagon, symbol of Caran d’Ache hexagonal-shaped pencil.
It is polished, tested and prepared by hand, to guarantee
you matchless writing comfort.
Your Astrograph fountain pen is set with a piston pump.
Small ink cartridges can be used as well in replacement of the
piston pump.

CARE OF THE ASTROGRAPH WRITING BLOCK
If you do not use your Astrograph Limited Edition fountain pen for some time, the ink may dry
inside the writing block.
Take out the cartridges, or the ink pump - which you empty and replace in the pen block.
Immerse the whole Astrograph nib in a container of distilled water (never use detergents or any
other cleaning materials).
Turn the knurled section clockwise until the reservoir is full, then anti-clockwise to expel
the water through the writing block.
Repeat this operation until the expelled water is clear. Remove the water from the writing block
by pressing absorbent paper on the split of the nib.
If you do not plan to use your Astrograph Limited Edition fountain pen for a prolonged period,
do not refill it with ink after cleaning.
If any problem should arise, please contact Caran d’Ache after-sales service.
USING THE RESERVOIR PUMP
Unscrew the Astrograph Limited Edition fountain pen.
Turn the knurled section of the pump anti-clockwise till it
reaches the stop.
Immerse the whole nib into the ink bottle.
Turn the knurled section clockwise until the reservoir
is completely full.
Make a half turn anti-clockwise to expel a few drops of ink,
then clockwise again until it reaches the stop.
Clean off any accumulated ink by placing absorbent paper
on your nib.
Screw the writing block back into the body of the pen.
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ASTROGRAPH LAUNCH PAD
INSTRUMENT CASE
Adding to the fun, a case with a special design
representing a launch pad has been expressly
developed for the Astrograph Limited Edition.
CHANGING THE ROLLER CARTRIDGE
Roller cartridges are available in blue or black ink.
Refer to the diagram to change the cartridge.

INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE
Your Astrograph writing instrument has been manufactured to the highest standards and is
covered by an international guarantee against all material and manufacturing defects. If any defect
becomes apparent, your instrument will be repaired or exchanged for one of similar value
against presentation of this certificate duly completed by Caran d’Ache, MB&F or one of their
distributors. The guarantee does not cover normal and natural wear, accidental damage,
damage arising from improper use or shocks, or loss. Furthermore, the guarantee does not cover
ink refills, personalised decorations, or the use of components other than those recommended
by Caran d’Ache. In the event of defects, dismantling or repairs carried out by persons other than
authorised Caran d’Ache and MB&F personnel invalidates the guarantee.
CARING FOR YOUR ASTROGRAPH PEN
Your Astrograph Limited Edition deserves the gentle care appropriate for all precious objects.
ASTROGRAPH LEATHER POUCH
A special leather pouch has been developed to protect and carry your Astrograph pen with you
at all time. Insert your Astrograph pen with the ladder facing outwards to protect your
writing instrument. Leather is a living material; it can acquire a patina over time. To preserve
your Astrograph pouch, avoid prolonged exposure to bright light and keep it away from
all heat sources.

Product Date of purchase
Dealer’s stamp