TWSBI Vac 700R Fountain Pen - Clear with aluminium trim

A vac filler built around ink capacity

The TWSBI Vac 700R Clear is for people who enjoy the mechanism as much as the writing. The transparent body puts the vacuum filling system fully on display, from the long plunger rod to the ink chamber itself. It’s a large pen with real presence in the hand, paired with TWSBI’s smooth #6 nib and enough ink capacity to disappear into long writing sessions without constantly refilling.

What sets it apart

• Vacuum filling system with huge ink capacity and shut-off valve for travel
• Transparent barrel shows the full filling mechanism and ink level
• Updated 700R mechanism, with smoother operation than the original 700
  
• Large #6 stainless steel nib unit, for smooth writing and easy nib swaps
  
• Designed to be maintained and disassembled 

Feel in the hand

The Vac 700R is unapologetically mechanical. You feel the length of the plunger rod when filling, the weight of the ink chamber, and the slightly back-weighted balance that comes with a large vac filler. It’s the biggest pen in the TWSBI range and it feels engineered in a very deliberate way.

Who it’s for

• Writers who go through a lot of ink
• People who enjoy demonstrators for the mechanics, not just the aesthetics
• Travellers who want the shut-off valve security
• Fountain pen users moving beyond cartridge/converter systems
• Anyone who likes oversized pens with a more technical feel

Not for

• Cartridge users who want zero maintenance
• Writers who prefer small or lightweight pens
• People with petite hands
• Anyone wanting the simplest possible fountain pen experience

Practical tips

• Pull the rod out slowly and push in quickly to fill the pen
• Open the rear blind cap slightly during long writing sessions to allow ink to move past the shut-off valve

FAQs

What’s different about the Vac 700R compared to the 580?
The Vac 700R uses a vacuum filling system instead of a piston system, holds significantly more ink and has more back weight. The Vac 700R also has a larger nib, providing more reach to the page.

Is it difficult to fill?
No, but it takes a little practice at first. We recommend doing the first fill with a cup of water, to both flush the pen and get a feel for the mechanism movement.

Is it difficult to clean?
Not really. Use the mechanism to expel any remaining ink, then do a few cycles of water into the pen to rinse out the barrel.

Can the nib be swapped?
Yes, compatible nib units are available separately. They screw on and are easy to exchange.

What other non-Twsbi nibs will fit this pen?
Complete nib units of other brands are not usually swappable, but a JoWo or Bock size #6 bare nib can usually be fitted into the Vac 700R nib unit. This could include Opus 88 nibs and FPR, but be aware there might not be perfect feed contact.

Does it come with ink?
No, bottled fountain pen ink is required.

Can I use it with document or shimmer ink?
Yes, but cleaning the barrel is not as easy compared to cartridge/converter and piston filler pens. 

Why did my pen stop writing?
For long writing sessions, you need to unscrew the end cap a few rotations to enable ink to flow. If the ink starts skipping, check you have undone the end cap enough.

What’s included

• TWSBI Vac 700R Clear Fountain Pen
• Presentation case
• Wrench
• Silicone grease
• Instruction leaflet
• Free tuning option from LarryPOST

Ink pairing suggestions

• Deep saturated colours look good in the barrel
• A lot of Vac users eventually settle on a single reliable “workhorse” ink, especially from Pilot Iroshizuku or Pelikan Edelstein

Build your practice

• The Twsbi Vac20A Ink Well makes filling cleaner
• Replacement 700R nibs are useful if you like changing line width 
• Many Vac users end up pairing these with the TWSBI Precision mechanical pencils
• Works well alongside the Traveler's Co refillable notebook system

Specifications

• Brand: TWSBI
• Brand series: Vac 700R
• Launch: 2017
• Origin: Taiwan
• Nib: Stainless steel
• Nib sizes: EF, F, M, B, 1.1mm stub
• Filling system: Vac filler (2mL)
• Body: Transparent polycarbonate
• Trim: Stainless steel
• Cap: Twist
• Grip: approx. 10mm
• Diametre: approx. 17mm
• Length: approx. 146mm (capped)
• Weight: approx. 35g (capped)
• Comparable size: Pelikan M800, Pilot Custom 823

Less minimalist writing tool, more piece of working machinery.