Nib & NotchPens judged notch by notch
Cross Century II Fountain PenMetal-Body Classics

Cross

Cross Century II Fountain Pen

The Cross Century II remains a dependable, classically styled fountain pen that punches above its price point for build quality and everyday reliability.

4.3
Notch score9/10 notches
  • Slim professional design
  • Smooth stainless steel nib
  • Lifetime mechanical warranty
Nib Material
Stainless steel
Nib Widths Available
Fine, Medium, Broad
Filling System
Cartridge/Converter
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01Verdict

The Cross Century II remains a dependable, classically styled fountain pen that punches above its price point for build quality and everyday reliability. While the nib lacks flex or extensive customization, its smooth stainless steel tip and slender, professional design make it an excellent choice for note-taking, signing documents, or gifting to someone stepping into fountain pens for the first time.

4.3Cross Century IIMetal-Body Classics · 9/10 notches

02Specs & build

Nib MaterialStainless steel
Nib Widths AvailableFine, Medium, Broad
Filling SystemCartridge/Converter
Body MaterialBrass with lacquer or chrome finish
Length (capped)5.4 inches (13.7 cm)

Build notes

  • Slim, tapered brass body with iconic Cross silhouette
  • Available in chrome, lustrous black lacquer, and medalist finishes
  • Stainless steel nib in Fine, Medium, or Broad width
  • Cartridge/converter filling system included
  • Presented in a Cross gift box, backed by limited lifetime mechanical warranty

03Pros & cons

What we liked

  • Elegant, slim profile fits easily in a pocket or bag
  • Smooth, reliable stainless steel nib for everyday writing
  • Consistent ink flow with minimal skipping once broken in
  • Classic, professional look suitable for office or gifting
  • Easy cartridge/converter swap for ink color changes

What could be better

  • Slim barrel may feel small for those preferring oversized pens
  • Stock nib is fairly firm with little line variation
  • Cap posting slightly lengthens balance point, some find it back-heavy
  • No fine-tuning options like interchangeable nib units

04Full review

The Cross Century II stands as a refined evolution of one of the most recognizable silhouettes in American pen making, taking the slender, tapered profile that defined the original Century line and adding a slightly fuller barrel that sits more comfortably in the hand during extended writing sessions. Crafted with the same attention to proportion that made its predecessor an icon, this fountain pen retains the elegant conical ends and polished, seamless brass construction beneath its lacquer or chrome finishes, giving it a weight and balance that feels substantial without becoming tiresome to hold. The upgraded clip and appointments carry the Cross name with quiet confidence, appealing to writers who want a pen that reads as professional and understated rather than flashy.

At the heart of the writing experience is a stainless steel nib, available in fine and medium widths, engineered to deliver a smooth, consistent ink flow from the very first stroke. The nib is fitted to a cartridge-converter filling system, giving users the flexibility to draw ink from Cross's proprietary cartridges for convenience or to fill directly from a bottle of their favorite fountain pen ink using the included converter, opening the door to a wider palette of colors and formulations for those who enjoy experimenting with different inks. The tipping is precise enough to glide across most papers without catching, making it a forgiving choice for people transitioning from ballpoint or rollerball pens into the world of fountain pen writing.

Beyond its mechanical qualities, the Cross Century II functions as an accessible entry point into calligraphy and everyday fine writing, striking a balance between heirloom-quality construction and practical usability. It arrives in a presentation box suited for gifting, making it a popular choice for graduations, promotions, and other milestones where a lasting writing instrument feels appropriate. Whether used for journaling, correspondence, or signing important documents, this pen offers the kind of dependable performance and classic aesthetic that has kept the Century name relevant across generations of Cross pens, appealing equally to seasoned fountain pen collectors and newcomers seeking their first quality writing instrument.

05Owner notes

Short notes from owners, lightly edited for length.

Great everyday pen

Bought the chrome version for work and it's been flawless. The nib is smooth right out of the box and the slim design fits my hand well.

MTMarcus T.

Classic look, solid performance

Love the black lacquer finish—looks very professional. The only downside is I wish the nib had a bit more flex, but for daily writing it's excellent.

PSPriya S.

Good starter fountain pen

This was my first real fountain pen and it didn't disappoint. Easy to fill with a converter, writes consistently, and the size is comfortable for long notes.

DKDavid K.

Nice but slightly small for me

The build quality is great and the pen looks elegant, but I personally prefer a thicker barrel. Still, the writing experience is smooth and reliable.

ERElena R.

Perfect gift

Got this for my father's retirement and he loves it. The gift box presentation was a nice touch and the pen itself writes beautifully.

JOJames O.