OMAS Ogiva vs. Aurora 88: A Tale of Two Italian Icons
Italy has long held a revered place in the world of fine writing instruments, producing some of the most coveted pens for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among these, two stand out—not just for their heritage, but for their striking contrast in philosophy, price, and design: the OMAS Ogiva and the Aurora 88.
Though both are handcrafted in Italy, the experience each offers is distinctly different. Let’s dive into what sets these two legendary models apart—and what makes them each worthy of a place in your collection.
✒️ A Heritage of Italian Craftsmanship
Both OMAS and Aurora are historic Italian brands, with deep roots in design, precision, and innovation. The Aurora 88 dates back to 1947 and was one of the first post-war pens that truly symbolized the return of craftsmanship in Italy. The OMAS Ogiva, originally introduced in the 1920s, embodies early 20th-century elegance with its bullet-like silhouette and minimalist design.
In short:
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Aurora 88 = Post-war innovation and precision
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OMAS Ogiva = Art Deco roots and classic Italian balance
💎 Design & Aesthetic
OMAS Ogiva
Sleek, lightweight, and tapered—the Ogiva was designed for long writing sessions and effortless elegance. Its resin construction, rounded body, and gently sloping curves give it a soft, vintage presence. The piston-filling mechanism and #6 size 14k gold nib add to its function without overcomplicating the form.
It’s the kind of pen you pick up and instinctively want to write with.
Aurora 88
The Aurora 88 leans more modern in build, with slightly heavier materials and a more industrial aesthetic. It currently offers more options—such as standard and limited editions. The 88 is often praised for its built-in piston mechanism with ink window and custom-tuned Aurora nibs, which offer feedback similar to vintage nibs.
In essence:
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OMAS Ogiva = Lightweight, flowing, vintage appeal
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Aurora 88 = Bold, substantial, precision-engineered
🧪 Writing Experience
OMAS Ogiva
With its buttery 14k gold nibs, the Ogiva delivers a smooth and luxurious writing experience. It glides across paper with a touch of softness and flex, yet with slight feedback at the same time, which makes it ideal for journaling, letter writing, or any expressive, slow-paced writing ritual.
Aurora 88
Aurora’s in-house nibs are legendary for their controlled feedback, offering what some call the "pencil-on-paper" feel. This is especially popular among writers who want tactile precision in their strokes. Available in a wide range of nib sizes (and even specialty italic nibs), the 88 feels engineered—like a tool with purpose. These are available in either 14k or 18k gold, depending on the model.
TL;DR:
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Ogiva = Soft, flowing, expressive
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88 = Controlled, precise, professional
💰 Price Point
This may be where the most dramatic difference lies.
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OMAS Ogiva – Typically priced around $360–$450
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Aurora 88 – Ranges from $550–$900, depending on trim and nib
For many collectors, the Ogiva represents exceptional value—an Italian-made piston filler with a 14k nib for nearly half the price of its competitors. Meanwhile, the Aurora 88 earns its price with robust construction, in-house nib manufacturing, and a legacy of innovation.
🎥 See the Comparison in Action
Watch our full hands-on video below to see the writing samples, design comparison, and in-hand feel of both models.
🛍️ Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the OMAS Ogiva if you:
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Love vintage-inspired designs
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Prefer a soft, expressive nib feel
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Want Italian luxury at an accessible price
Choose the Aurora 88 if you:
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Prefer a firmer, feedback-rich nib
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Value technical precision and robustness
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Want an heirloom-quality tool with post-war legacy
Whichever you choose, you're writing with a piece of Italian design history—each pen a tribute to a different facet of what makes fountain pens so enduringly beloved.
🖋️ Explore Both Collections
Whether you're just entering the world of fine Italian pens or expanding an already sophisticated collection, both of these models deserve a closer look. We're proud to offer one of the widest selections of OMAS Ogiva and Aurora 88 fountain pens available in the U.S. - with models hand-selected for their nib variety, color richness, and historical appeal.
Browse online, compare nib options, and have your chosen pen shipped securely to your doorstep. Your next Italian writing masterpiece is just a click away.
OMAS Ogiva Collection
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Aurora 88 Collection
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