As I have written in my review of the Aurora 88 (which is already 1.5 years ago – wow, time flies!), Italian pens often fall through my review grid – likely as a bit of a result of selection bias.

So here you go, having me work against those biases and broadening the spectrum and perspective with this review of the Aurora Optima.

The Optima is a pen design that had caught my eye and interest a long time ago. One often sees pen enthusiasts across Instagram owning and displaying one (or even more). In fact, subjectively I would say that there is even a bit of a pattern: they who own one likely own a few additional models in different finishes.

So it seems that the Optima is a bit of a favourite in the pen community. And I get it. It comes in a wonderful 1930s design, a wide array of attractive finishes and (even very uncommon) nib sizes, it has the famous – Sailor resembling – nib feedback when writing, and, speaking of Sailor, resembles the very popular ProGear quite a bit in the flat top design as well as overall measurements.

Even more reason to have a closer look at this, beyond the selection biases 🙂 .

Before we hop into the review, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Appelboompennen for supporting the review of this pen. You can also buy the Aurora Optima in their webshop (no affiliate – just a friendly pointer).

Check out the video-review below, which is as always preceded by some quick facts. Again, I hope the review is helpful and that you enjoy watching it!

Quick Facts

Aurora Optima – Black CT (Chrome Trim) (available in a number of different colors and finishes)
Resin barrel
Piston-filler (with reserve ink reservoir)
Ink window
Available 14k gold-nib options (rhodium plated): Extra Fine (EF), Fine (F), Medium (M), Broad (B), Double Broad (BB), Oblique Medium (OM), Oblique Broad (OB), Stub (S), Italic Broad (IB), Goccia (CE, CF, CM)
Price: ca. 395 €