Century II Ballpoint Pen - Image 1
Cross

Century II Ballpoint Pen

Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team

Why we picked it

Solid brass body - feels like a real tool, not a marketing pen

Warranty: Lifetime mechanical warranty from CrossMade in: China

The Cross Century II is the long, slim ballpoint pen American executives have used in boardrooms since 1982, same shape, same balance, same lifetime mechanical warranty. The body is solid brass with chrome / gold / lacquer finishes; the click is a smooth twist (not a button click), and the pen sits on a desk in the iconic Cross silhouette: long, slim, with a single claw clip. Cross's lifetime warranty is the BIFL story, they'll repair or replace any Century II for the life of the original owner, no questions asked, no proof of purchase required. r/PenAddict and r/EDC threads frequently surface Cross Century II as the upgrade from disposable pens that's still serviceable 40 years later. Refills are widely available from any office supply.

Lifetime mechanical warranty from Cross Made in China

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Community & Review Summary

4.5/ 5

1,011 Amazon reviews

0%

r/BuyItForLife satisfaction

0

Total mentions (0 positive)

N/A

Amazon category rank

Price History

May 12, 2026: $103.14Jun 19, 2026: $103.14
Jun 25Jun 26

We began tracking this price on May 12, 2026. The chart fills in as more prices are recorded; see CamelCamelCamel below for older history.

View full price history on CamelCamelCamel

Pros & Cons from Reviews

Pros

  • +Solid brass body - feels like a real tool, not a marketing pen
  • +Cross's full lifetime mechanical warranty (rare in the industry)
  • +Cross-standard refill is widely available everywhere
  • +Twist-click is quieter than button mechanisms
  • +Slim profile fits in shirt pockets without bulk
  • +1982-era pens still serviced by Cross - proven 40+ year service life

Cons

  • -Slim grip is too thin for users with arthritis or hand fatigue
  • -Premium price vs other refillable executive pens
  • -Cross-standard refill is proprietary (not Parker-compatible)
  • -Lacquered finishes can chip if dropped on tile

Independent Video Reviews

Hands-on reviews from independent channels (not the manufacturer), covering what they like and what they do not.

Cross, The Pen of Presidents! Cross Century II Ballpoint Review by Every Day Bishop

Warranty & Returns

Warranty

Lifetime mechanical warranty from Cross

Return Policy

Most items are returnable within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. Some categories have shorter return windows.

Read full return policy