OMAS
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Luxury writing instruments |
| Founded | 1 January 1925 in Bologna, Italy |
| Founder | Armando Simoni |
| Defunct | January 1, 2016 |
| Fate | Ceased operations in 2016; relaunched in 2023 |
| Headquarters | Bologna , Italy |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Armando Simoni (founder) |
| Products | Fountain pens, inks, luxury accessories |
| Parent | LVMH (2000–2007), Hengdeli Holdings (2007–2011), O-Luxe (2011–2015) |
| Website | omas |
OMAS (Officina Meccanica Armando Simoni) is a prestigious Italian producer of luxury writing instruments, originally founded in 1925, ceasing operations in 2016, and subsequently relaunched in 2023. The brand is distinguished for its superior fountain pens, inks, and associated luxury accessories, all crafted within its manufacturing facility located in Bologna.
History
Established by Armando Simoni in Bologna, OMAS engineered its own specialized machinery and tooling to manufacture fountain pens. Its portfolio featured the upscale faceted "Arte Italiana" collection alongside numerous limited edition releases. Among its noteworthy innovations were the 1920s "doctor's pen," which incorporated a clinical thermometer, the dual-nibbed Itala model, and the 1940s 361 pen equipped with a multifunctional nib. The last significant breakthrough was the 1996 introduction of the 360 fountain pen, recognized for its triangular barrel designed to improve ergonomic grip and writing comfort.
The Paragon model, characterized by its 12-faceted design, represented the largest standard production pen, followed by the Milord as the second largest. The product lineup saw its final update in 2005 when the Milord adopted the size previously exclusive to the Paragon. OMAS maintained a tradition of issuing limited editions inspired by their classic designs.
In 2000, OMAS became part of LVMH’s portfolio as their exclusive writing instrument brand. Subsequently, in 2007, Hong Kong-based Hengdeli Holdings acquired a 90% share with intentions to grow luxury offerings across Asia via OMAS. Despite these efforts, financial losses persisted, leading to a sale to Chinese company O-Luxe in 2011.
Operations ceased under O-Luxe’s ownership in November 2015, followed by voluntary liquidation in January 2016, marking the end of OMAS’s activities. The Turners Workshop Ltd purchased the remaining stocks of acrylics, ebonite, and casein materials after closure.
External links
- Manufacturing companies based in Bologna
- Fountain pen and ink manufacturers
- LVMH brands
- Manufacturing companies established in 1925
- Italian brands
- Design companies established in 1925
- Manufacturing companies disestablished in 2016
- Italian companies disestablished in 2016
- Italian companies established in 1925