Jinhao Century 100 vs X159 Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Premium Chinese Fountain Pens for 2026
Jun 25, 2026
Jinhao Century 100 vs X159 Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Premium Chinese Fountain Pens for 2026
If you've been exploring the world of fountain pens without wanting to spend a fortune, Jinhao has long been the brand that delivers exceptional quality at an accessible price point. In 2026, two of their most talked-about models — the Jinhao Century 100 Classic and the Jinhao X159 Acrylic — continue to dominate the conversation among UK pen enthusiasts. But which one is right for you? In this in-depth review, we compare both pens across design, nib performance, writing experience, and overall value.
Jinhao Century 100 Classic Fountain Pen — Timeless Elegance Redefined
The Jinhao Century 100 Classic Fountain Pen with Converter is a pen that punches well above its weight class. Priced at just £18.00, it offers a writing experience that rivals pens costing three to four times as much. The Century 100 draws clear inspiration from the iconic Montblanc 149 — a bold, cigar-shaped silhouette that commands attention on any desk.
Design and Build Quality
The Century 100 features a substantial resin body available in a range of rich, jewel-toned colours. The gold-tone trim adds a touch of luxury, while the clip is sturdy and functional. At approximately 14.5cm capped and 16.5cm posted, this is a full-sized pen that feels authoritative in the hand. The weight is perfectly balanced — substantial without being fatiguing during long writing sessions.
The cap screws on securely with two full rotations, providing an airtight seal that prevents the nib from drying out even after extended periods of non-use. The converter included in the set allows you to use bottled ink, opening up a world of colour possibilities beyond standard cartridges.
Nib Performance
The steel nib on the Century 100 is where this pen truly shines. Available in Fine, Medium, and Broad options, the nib delivers a smooth, consistent line with excellent ink flow. There's a subtle spring to the nib that gives a satisfying feedback without being scratchy. For everyday writing — whether journaling, note-taking, or correspondence — the Century 100 performs admirably.
Ink flow is well-regulated, meaning you won't experience the frustrating hard starts or blobbing that can plague cheaper fountain pens. The pen writes immediately upon touching paper, making it ideal for quick note-taking in meetings or lectures.
Who Is the Century 100 For?
The Jinhao Century 100 is perfect for writers who appreciate classic aesthetics and want a reliable daily writer that looks impressive on a desk or in a meeting. It's also an excellent gift — the presentation is far more premium than the price suggests. Whether you're a seasoned fountain pen collector or a newcomer looking to upgrade from ballpoints, the Century 100 delivers.
Price: £18.00 — Buy the Jinhao Century 100 at TTPEN UK
Jinhao X159 Acrylic Fountain Pen — Bold, Modern, and Expressive
If the Century 100 is the classic gentleman's pen, the Jinhao X159 Acrylic Fountain Pen is its more expressive, contemporary sibling. At £13.00, it's even more accessible, yet it doesn't compromise on the features that matter most to fountain pen enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
The X159 is immediately striking. Its acrylic body comes in a dazzling array of swirled, marbled, and translucent patterns — no two pens look exactly alike, which gives each one a unique character. The pen is larger than average, with a broad, flat-topped cap that gives it a distinctly modern, architectural silhouette.
The acrylic material is lightweight yet durable, and the finish is polished to a high gloss. The gold-tone trim complements the vibrant body colours beautifully. The clip is functional and spring-loaded, making it easy to attach to a notebook or shirt pocket.
Nib Performance
The X159 features a #6 steel nib that is smooth and well-tuned straight from the box. The nib is slightly more flexible than the Century 100's, giving a subtle line variation that calligraphers and expressive writers will appreciate. Ink flow is generous — perhaps slightly wetter than the Century 100 — which makes it particularly enjoyable on quality paper.
The pen accepts standard international cartridges or a converter (sold separately), giving you flexibility in your ink choices. The large barrel also means the pen can hold a significant amount of ink when used with a converter, reducing the frequency of refills.
Who Is the X159 For?
The X159 is ideal for writers who want to express their personality through their tools. The vibrant acrylic patterns make it a conversation starter, and the generous nib makes it a joy to write with. It's also an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different inks, as the wet flow showcases shading and sheen beautifully.
Price: £13.00 — Buy the Jinhao X159 at TTPEN UK
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Jinhao Century 100 | Jinhao X159 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £18.00 | £13.00 |
| Body Material | Resin | Acrylic |
| Nib Size | #5 Steel | #6 Steel |
| Ink System | Converter included | Cartridge/Converter |
| Best For | Classic elegance, gifting | Expressive writing, ink showcasing |
Which Jinhao Should You Choose?
Both pens represent extraordinary value for UK fountain pen enthusiasts. If you're drawn to classic, understated elegance and want a pen that looks at home in a boardroom or on a leather-topped desk, the Jinhao Century 100 is your pen. Its converter-included setup means you're ready to write with bottled ink from day one.
If you prefer bold, expressive aesthetics and want a pen that showcases your personality, the Jinhao X159 is the more exciting choice. Its larger nib and wetter flow make it particularly enjoyable for those who love to experiment with different inks and papers.
The good news? At these prices, there's no reason you can't own both. Many UK pen enthusiasts keep the Century 100 as their desk pen and the X159 as their carry-everywhere companion.
Where to Buy Jinhao Fountain Pens in the UK
Both pens are available with fast UK delivery from TTPEN UK, your dedicated source for premium writing instruments. Browse our full collection of fountain pens, and discover why thousands of UK writers trust TTPEN for their stationery needs.
- Jinhao Century 100 Classic Fountain Pen with Converter — £18.00
- Jinhao X159 Acrylic Fountain Pen — £13.00
Whether you're treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a writer in your life, TTPEN UK offers a curated selection of the world's finest writing instruments at prices that make premium stationery accessible to everyone.
Final Verdict
The Jinhao Century 100 and X159 are two of the best value fountain pens available in the UK market today. Both deliver a writing experience that belies their modest price tags, and both are worthy additions to any pen collection. The Century 100 earns our recommendation for its classic design and converter-ready setup, while the X159 wins hearts with its stunning acrylic patterns and expressive nib.
Whichever you choose, you'll be joining a growing community of UK writers who have discovered that exceptional fountain pen writing doesn't have to cost a fortune. Visit TTPEN UK today and find your perfect writing companion.
