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Armando Simoni Club
Bologna Extra
A model in Armando Simoni Club's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Armando Simoni Club's core range.
A solid mid-range option once someone has decided fountain pens are a habit worth investing a bit more into.
Specs
About Armando Simoni Club
Armando Simoni Club (ASC) was created by Emmanuel Caltagirone, who purchased the assets of the bankrupt Bologna pen maker OMAS in 2016, including a multi-year stock of its famous celluloids. The brand, whose first model debuted in February 2017, produces luxury fountain pens honoring OMAS founder Armando Simoni, often using original OMAS celluloid and classic designs such as faceted Arte Italiana shapes.
How to fill the Armando Simoni Club Bologna Extra
Fill it two ways: snap in a pre-filled international cartridge for convenience, or use a converter — a small plunger or twist mechanism that installs the same way a cartridge does — to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route opens up the entire world of bottled ink, which is where most of the hobby's color variety lives.
Choosing a nib size
Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure — fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing.
Keeping it clean
A quick flush with cool water every time you switch ink colors — and a full clean every 4–6 weeks of regular use — is enough to keep the nib and feed performing well. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.
Pairing inks with the Bologna Extra
Because refills are quick with a cartridge or converter, this is a good pen for rotating through several colors rather than committing to one; sample vials work especially well here.
Frequently asked questions
More from Armando Simoni Club
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Armando Simoni Club's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.