Empirical Writing Machine N°0
Empirical Writing Machine N°0
Meet The WM-0
A lighter writing instrument, built for motion and agility to everyday thought.
Writing isn’t lost—it’s just waiting to be experienced more deeply than we ever have.
0 → Symbolises origin, simplicity & foundational thought.
Design Philosophy
Where WM-1 was made to anchor your writing, WM-0 is made to move with it. This isn’t a scaled-down model—it’s a pen with its own identity. We designed the WM-0 from the ground up, developing a fully custom form factor through multiple iterations. Every contour was refined to reduce weight while preserving the visual and tactile presence of a serious writing tool. The result is a pen that feels light in the hand, but never insubstantial. It’s not a lesser pen. It’s a different rhythm—built for thinkers in motion.
Designed For Agility
The WM-0 features a custom lightweight frame, designed for fluidity and ease of movement. Its fountainhead—modelled after the Kaweco Sport—delivers ink with precision and speed, making it ideal for capturing thoughts as they come. Whether journaling, note-taking, or thinking on the move, WM-0 is built to go with you. It’s weightless and deliberate.
Refined Essentials
No embellishments. Just clean, reliable materials designed to do the job well. Built with the same design ethos featuring brass and Ebony black wood as the WM-1—clear lines, functional elegance, and balanced feel—WM-0 brings that philosophy into a more minimal form.
Value Driven
Great tools shouldn’t be reserved for the elite. The WM-0 was created to offer the essence of Empirical design at a more accessible price—without compromising on intention, precision, or experience.
What is WM-0 made of?
WM-0 is constructed from a reinforced aluminium alloy core and finished with natural balsa wood. The aluminium provides ligthness, strength and stability, while the balsa offers a unique lightness and warmth in hand. Both materials are left uncoated to age naturally with use.
How is WM-0 built?
WM-0 is a reimagined writing tool rebuilt from the foundation of an industrial pen form. Its proportions, weight, and materials were completely reworked to achieve incredible lightness. The aluminium provides internal reinforcement, while the balsa shell offers tactility and comfort. The result is a pen that feels soft in hand, yet structurally solid—light enough for everyday carry, but serious enough to belong in the Empirical series.
How is WM-0 different from WM-1?
WM-0 is beautiful but incredibly light. It is lighter, more compact sibling to WM-1. While WM-1 is grounded, heavy, and built for slow, reflective writing, WM-0 is designed for agility and everyday use. It’s balanced and precise—ideal for those who write often and move quickly, but still value presence in the tools they use.
The WM-1 features a cylindrical form factor ideal for its weight distribution and due to the incredible light weight of the WM-0 we chose a cigar tapered form factor as the base.
Why balsa wood?
Balsa is extremely lightweight but offers a unique texture and warmth. In WM-0, it’s paired with a reinforced aluminium core that gives it durability without compromising feel. The softness of the balsa makes writing feel light and fluid—while the internal structure keeps it stable and strong.
Is it refillable? What refills does it take?
Yes. WM-0 uses a standard siphon type fountain pen ink filling system. It will accept most commercial inks. It will come already filled with Melvin Poh's favorite black ink the Iroshizuku Take-Sumi.
Will the materials age over time?
Yes. The aluminium may develop light wear and the balsa wood will deepen in tone with use. This is intentional—each pen becomes more personal as it’s used.
Is it suitable for long writing sessions?
It depends on your preferences. The WM-0 is incredibly light. Some people prefer a weighted pen, they may opt for the WM-1.
Does it work for left-handed users?
Yes. WM-0 is ambidextrous, with a cylindrical form suitable for both left- and right-handed writers.
Is WM-0 a good everyday pen?
Absolutely. WM-0 was created for daily use—light, durable, and refined. It's a pen you’ll actually want to use, over and over again.