Bound by Craft: The Old-World Allure of Fine Journals

Digital diaries are handy, but there is nothing quite like the luxurious feel of a pen nib gliding slowly and intentionally over a smooth page and the wonderful scent of a fine leather cover to launch bright ideas and energize plans. 

Famous innovators, adventurers and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Marco Polo, Frida Kahlo, Winston Churchill, Marie Curie, and even rock icon Courtney Love kept journals. Technical plans, speeches, letters, keepsakes—all these kept for posterity, to instruct and inspire.

Whether it’s for note-keeping or for recording one’s adventures, ink on paper will always be a cherished tradition for those who appreciate a slower pace and a more lasting space for ideas and memories. Add to that the beautiful, warm patina that premium leather covers develop over time, as a well-loved notebook becomes part of one’s history. 

Here we suggest some beautifully-crafted journals for the discerning. 

Smythson of Bond Street: Portobello Notebook with Side Closure in Mara 

Established in 1887, Smythson received its first royal commission in 1890 for the stationeries of each of Queen Victoria’s residences. They would later on receive from Queen Elizabeth II in 1964 the first of several royal warrants, the latest of which was in 2002, from the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. Vivien Leigh, Katharine Hepburn, and Grace Kelly were some of their loyal customers. Available at Smythson. $385 (Php19,899.00)

Montblanc: Notebook #149 Large Extreme 3.0 Ink Blue

Makers of fine fountain pens since 1906, the brand became known for its meticulously-crafted fountain pen nibs, and its signature white logo, inspired by the six snow-covered glaciers of the European Alps, Montblanc expanded to leather goods in 1935. Today, the brand’s fine stationery collection is completely produced in Florence, Italy. The notebook covers are made of the finest Saffiano leather and filled, of course, with high-quality fountain-pen friendly paper. Green available at Rustans. $150 (Php8,529)

Cartier: Must de Cartier Desk Diary

A stand out, but in a quiet way. Made of black calfskin, with the cover showcasing an embossed double C logo, and stainless steel corner tips. The interior is burgundy calfskin with silver “Cartier” marking. Comes with a notebook refill. Available at Cartier. $840 (Php47,760)

The Stamford Notebook Company: The Aurum Iguana Notebook

Handbound in Stamford, England, Stamford notebooks use centuries-old techniques in all aspects of production, from the printing of fountain pen-friendly paper, to the folding, sewing, trimming, case-making and casing in, and down to leather cutting, dyeing, sewing and finishing. The company was recently awarded a warrant by The Stationer’s Company, one of the City of London’s ancient liveryLiveryThe distinctive, recognizable paint scheme, colors, and markings applied to a vehicle, aircraft, or yacht. Racing liveries, such as classic Gulf blue and orange, have become iconic, and owners increasinglyGo to Livery Glossary companies that recognizes excellence in the communications content industries. The Stamford Notebook Company. $56 (Php3,193)

The Paper Republic: Grand Voyageur Leather Journal A4

For luxury with responsibility, there is The Paper Republic, an independent paper products store in Vienna, Austria, priding itself of unyielding commitment to the finest materials and old-world craftsmanship. Real vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather is sourced from family-run tanneries in Italy, and absolutely no chrome is used in the tanning process. Vachetta leather is known for its smooth texture and the beautiful patina it develops over time as it is exposed to oils and sunlight. Each journal comes with a guarantee certificate from Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale, a consortium of 18 small vegetable tanneries in Tuscany. Untreated, unbleached paper is sourced from trees that are pulped and manufactured onsite by a Swedish producer who adheres to Forest Regulation (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) of replacing trees felled.

Journals are made as ordered, with numerous options for personalization. Paper Republic. Inclusive of one 48-page notebook refill. $145 (Php8,227)