Pilot Custom 823 Transparent Fountain Pen
The Pilot Custom 823 Transparent Fountain Pen is one of the most satisfying pens in Pilot's lineup, and the transparent barrel tells you exactly why: you can watch the vacuum filling system draw ink in, and monitor the generous reservoir as it depletes. It's a pen that wears its engineering openly, pairing a clear barrel with a black resin grip section and finial for a clean, considered contrast. The 14k gold nib writes with that characteristically Japanese smoothness — responsive and slightly springy, with just enough feedback to make long writing sessions genuinely pleasurable.
The vacuum filling system is one of the Custom 823's defining features: a single pull of the blind cap plunger fills the barrel to a capacity that comfortably outlasts most other pens. The screw cap closes securely and the pen posts well for those who prefer a longer, more balanced feel in hand.
Why we love it
"This pen feels like it was made for my hand. Despite being a full-sized pen, it’s so well-balanced that even those of us with smaller hands can write comfortably for long stretches. And the clear demonstrator body? I love being able to see the ink slosh gently inside—it’s oddly calming and makes choosing your next colour that much more satisfying."
Pickup available at 25 Bellair Street
Usually ready in 4 hours
Pilot Custom 823 Transparent Fountain Pen
Medium
25 Bellair Street
25 Bellair Street
Toronto ON M5R 3L3
Canada
Why Laywine's
- Trusted since 1987 — Family-owned and run by people who genuinely love what they sell.
- Free shipping over $75 — Across Canada for all Correspondents' Club members.
- Expert advice in store — Visit us at 25 Bellair Street in Yorkville, Toronto and try pens before you buy.
- Free virtual personal shopping — Can't make it in? Book a free one-on-one appointment and get expert advice from home.
- Secure checkout — Shop with confidence.
Details
Shipping
We aim to dispatch all orders within 2 business days. You'll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking once your order is on its way.
Canada
Standard shipping Shipping rates are calculated at checkout. Correspondents' Club members receive free standard shipping via UPS when their order total, after any points redemption, is over:
- $75 for Visitors
- $50 for Members
- $25 for Residents
- any amount for Fellows
Residents and Fellows also receive free expedited shipping on orders over $100. Membership is free to join. See our Correspondents' Club Terms for how tiers work.
Same-day delivery Same-day delivery is available within 30km of 25 Bellair Street, Toronto, seven days a week. Orders placed by 11am are delivered the same day; orders placed after 11am are delivered the following day. A flat fee of $16.95 is applied automatically at checkout. Correspondents' Club members receive a $16.95 discount on same-day delivery.
Good Foot Delivery If you are within the Good Foot Delivery catchment area, you will also see this as a delivery option at checkout. Good Foot is a Toronto-based social enterprise that employs autistic and neurodivergent adults as couriers. We're proud to support their work.
United States & International
We ship via UPS Global Checkout. All duties, taxes, and import fees are calculated and paid at checkout, so there are no surprise charges on delivery.
Discounts and shipping
Promotional discount codes cannot be combined with shipping discounts, including Correspondents' Club free standard shipping, free expedited shipping, and the same-day delivery discount. If a promotional discount code is applied to your order, the code takes effect and shipping is charged at the standard rate.
This does not apply to loyalty points redemptions, which can be used together with shipping discounts. See our Terms of Service for full details.
Oversized items
Some items incur an additional flat-rate shipping fee due to their dimensions. This is applied automatically at checkout.
Questions
Get in touch at scribble@laywines.com and we'll be happy to help.
Returns & Exchanges
Returns & Refunds
EU Right of Withdrawal If you are located in the European Union, you have the right to withdraw from your order within 14 days of receiving the last item, without giving any reason. To exercise this right, start your request through your customer account at
The following items are exempt from the right of withdrawal: opened ink cartridges, pen refills, and bottled ink (sealed goods that are not suitable for return due to health or hygiene reasons once opened); personalized or custom-made items.
Standard Returns & Exchanges
We accept returns within 14 days of purchase and exchanges within 30 days, provided items are unused, in original condition, and in original packaging with proof of purchase.
Non-Returnable Items
Opened ink cartridges, pen refills, bottled ink, perishable goods, dated products, and gift cards cannot be returned.
Sale Items
Items discounted 25% or more are final sale and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, we'll notify you by email. Approved refunds are processed to your original payment method within a few business days.
Exchanges
To request an exchange, email scribble@laywines.com before sending your item to:
Laywine's 25 Bellair Street Toronto ON M5R 3L3 Canada
Return Shipping
Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. For items valued over $75, we recommend a trackable service as we cannot guarantee receipt otherwise.
Questions
Get in touch at scribble@laywines.com — we're happy to help.
Have more questions?
Our team is happy to help — whether you're looking for advice on a first fountain pen, a considered gift, or something specific you can't find online.
Book a free virtual appointment — get one-on-one advice from our team from anywhere.
Get in touch — by email, phone, or through our contact form.
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