The Complete Guide to Cross Ballpoint Pens

Are you unsure as to which Cross ballpoint pen to buy?

In this guide, we cover every ballpoint pen that Cross makes with detailed descriptions including information about Cross ballpoint pen refills.

We also discuss are Cross pens worth the price and if you decide a Cross ballpoint pen is for you where to buy one from.

Table of Contents

1. Cross Pens Quality Guarantee

Cross Pens are a historic American company founded in 1846 in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded by Richard Cross, he believed that writing was done best with the proper tool. Cross Pens hold themselves to Richard’s strict standards to this day.

Cross Pens are inspected at least 120 times throughout the production process. They’re dropped from three feet at least nine times to make sure they can withstand many falls. Any new finish Cross develops is tested for 100 hours to ensure the color remains intact and won’t fade away with use. Each pen comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty, so any pen that requires service will be repaired free of charge.

Cross has plenty of different pens available, including fountain pens and rollerball pens, but this article will be focusing solely on Cross ballpoint pens.

2. Cross Ballpoint Pens

While the precursor to the ballpoint pen, the stylographic pen, came out in 1879, the first Cross ballpoint pen premiered in 1953, the Century Ballpoint Pen, and featured a patented design from Ellery Boss.

Now, there are nine different families of Cross ballpoint pens to choose from. Like with other Cross pens, these carry a lifetime warranty with the option of being engraved. Cross ballpoint pens are expensive, so it might be a good idea to get your name engraved so no one’s tempted to take it off your desk!

Cross Pens sell out, so this article includes the Ballpoint Pens currently available on their website as of April 2022.

3. Cross Bailey Light Ballpoint Pens

The Cross Bailey Light Ballpoint Pen is perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious pen but doesn’t want it to be too heavy. It has the same quality performance as Cross’s metal pens but is lighter because it is made with a glossy resin instead. The Bailey Light is currently available in three color resins: teal, gray, and coral. This pen is accented with chrome features, including a chrome tip, top, and clip. Each of these Bailey Lights comes with one black fine ballpoint refill.

The Bailey Light opens with a twist feature and comes in a Cross gift box. The Bailey Light weighs 0.76 ounces and is 5.28 inches long with a 0.76-inch width.

3.1. Cross Bailey Light Polished Teal Resin Ballpoint Pen

Cross Bailey Light Polished Teal Resin Ballpoint Pen

The Cross Bailey Light Polished Teal Resin Ballpoint Pen is perfect if you want a fun ballpoint pen. The bright teal color is ideal for any creative type who wants a nice pen for their desk with a pop of color.

While Cross pens are typically regarded highly, some people feel that this Bailey Light isn’t quite as strong of construction as some of the older Cross pens. It’s a lighter pen, so if you want something that feels exceptionally sturdy in your hand, you may want to go with another cross variety.

3.2. Cross Bailey Light Polished Gray Resin Ballpoint Pen

Cross Bailey Light Polished Gray Resin Ballpoint Pen

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want any extra bells and whistles in your pen, you should go with the Cross Bailey Light Polished Gray Resin Ballpoint Pen. This pen is a simple gray color, so it won’t stand out as much amidst other similarly-colored pens on your desk. However, it still has a sleek, clean design, and with a medium girth, will be easy to write with.

3.3. Cross Bailey Light Polished Coral Resin Ballpoint Pen

Cross Bailey Light Polished Coral Resin Ballpoint Pen

The Cross Bailey Light Polished Coral Resin Ballpoint Pen is just as dependable as the other Cross Bailey Light varieties and has a fun, bright pink finish. Like for all the Cross Bailey Light Ballpoint Pens, the ink flows smoothly, so you never skip and have to go back over a word when you’re writing. The coral resin is the way to go for a fun, flawless pen.

4. Cross Calais Ballpoint Pens

The Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen was inspired by art-deco and is one of the modern Cross varieties. It has an asymmetrical tapered profile, and you can currently get it in two different designs, the metallic midnight blue or the brushed rose gold and black lacquer.

This pen is heavier than the Cross Bailey Light, weighing 1.235 ounces. However, it’s a little shorter at 5.132 inches and has a width of 1.235 inches. If you want a pen that feels a little sturdier in your hand because it weighs more, something like the Calais will suit you.

4.1. Cross Calais Matte Metallic Midnight Blue Ballpoint Pen

Cross Calais Matte Metallic Midnight Blue Ballpoint Pen

The Calais Matte Metallic Midnight Blue Ballpoint Pen is an excellent option if you want a dark ballpoint pen. This pen variety has some chrome components and some plastic, but it still looks formal. However, note that because it’s made of chrome, you will see your fingerprints left on it as minor smudges. You can wipe those off with a towel, but if that bothers you, this might not be the right pen.

This pen is heavier than the Cross Bailey Light, weighing 1.235 ounces. However, it’s a little shorter at 5.132 inches and has a width of 1.235 inches. If you want a pen that feels a little sturdier in your hand because it weighs more, something like the Calais will suit you.

4.2. Cross Calais Brushed Rose Gold Plate and Black Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

Cross Calais Brushed Rose Gold Plate and Black Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

If you’re looking for a pen that matches your rose gold iPhone, this unique pen is perfect. This is a swivel pen, but the bottom portion of the barrel is rose gold plated, and the top half of the barrel is a sleek matte black. The accents match, either black or rose gold, making this a beautiful pen for your work desk or home office.

This is a heavier Cross pen at 1.265 ounces, so if you want something lighter, I’d pick a different option.

5. Cross Aventura Ballpoint Pens

The Aventura is a bold ballpoint pen with an asymmetrical design, with the top of the barrel larger than the bottom of the barrel. This pen is for people who want to make a statement. It writes smoothly and is a swivel pen.

5.1. Cross Aventura Fire Engine Red Ballpoint Pen

Cross Aventura Fire Engine Red Ballpoint Pen

There is only one Aventura Ballpoint Pen available, and that’s the Fire Engine Red. It’s a stark red resin with chrome features, making it perfect for any professional firefighter in your life or for anyone who can’t get enough of the color red. This bold red pen has a resin finish with chrome accents and comes with a medium black ballpoint refill.

6. Cross Townsend Ballpoint Pens

With a price tag of $147.00 or more (depending on the variety you select), the Cross Townsend Ballpoint Pen is a luxury item. But if you’re looking for a pen for life, the Townsend is the one to get. This pen is made of chrome and precious metals, and with the lifetime mechanical guarantee, you’ll never have to buy another pen again. It’s a black, medium ballpoint with ink that writes smoothly and quickly.

While the weight varies depending on the type you choose, its length is 5.739 inches. This pen makes a great accessory if you wear shirts with breast pockets.

6.1. Cross Townsend Medalist Ballpoint Pen

Cross Townsend Medalist Ballpoint Pen

With polished chrome and a 23KT gold barrel, the Townsend Medalist Ballpoint Pen looks and feels timeless. This pen will never go out of style. The metal makes it heavier in your hand, weighing in at 1.295 ounces, so you have a sturdy grip.

Even though it’s a fancy pen, it’s made for everyday writing. The smooth feel of the barrel and ink flow will help you write for long periods. If you want a sturdy pen for the long haul, the Townsend Medalist Ballpoint Pen is the one to get.

6.2. Cross Townsend Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen

Cross Townsend Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen

If you’re not a fan of gold, there’s still a Townsend option for you. The Townsend Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint pen is all chrome, so it has a striking silver finish. The pen has a subtle line pattern, giving it more character and enhancing the Art Deco design. Even though there’s no gold on it, the Townsend Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint Pen weighs the same at 1.295 ounces, so you get the same sturdy grip and save about 20 dollars to forgo the gold.

6.3. Cross Townsend Engraved Red Lacquer Year of the Tiger Ballpoint Pen

Cross Townsend Engraved Red Lacquer Year of the Tiger Ballpoint Pen

If you want a special gift for anyone born in the years 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, or 2022 (even if they can’t use it yet!), then this Townsend Engraved Red Lacquer Year of the Tiger Ballpoint pen is a real treat. This red lacquer is hand polished, engraved with a genuine 23KT gold tiger, and has a Swarovski gold crystal inset at the top.

This special pen is one of Cross’s finest pens and one of the most expensive. At $298.00, this pen will be precious and meaningful to a special person in your life. It comes with a decorative box and unique zodiac sleeve to keep the pen protected and is a sturdy pen at 1.285 ounces. Although it’s so beautiful, you might just want to use it as a decorative piece in your office!

7. Cross Beverly Ballpoint Pens

The Beverly Cross ballpoint pen varieties offer a peal white lacquer and black lacquer. While these pens are described as feminine, they work for any gender. The design of the clip and accents are contemporary, with tiny dots to look more modern. The Beverly has a medium girth and swivel feature, so it’s easy to write with this pen.

7.1. Cross Beverly Pearlescent White Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

Cross Beverly Pearlescent White Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

If anyone loves pearls in your life, then the Beverly Pearlescent White Lacquer Ballpoint Pen has their name on it. This pen is one of the most fashionable cross varieties, with a unique clip design and pearl lacquer. This pen is made of metal, not plastic, but there have been some issues with the lacquer coming off. However, that doesn’t happen too often, and with a thicker barrel, this pen looks nice while feeling sturdy in your hand.

7.2. Cross Beverly Black Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

Cross Beverly Black Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

If you like the design of the Beverly but don’t want a ballpoint pen that looks like a string of pearls, then the Beverly Black Lacquer Ballpoint Pen is an excellent option for you. This pen has the same modern accents but instead has a sleek black lacquer. Plus, this pen weighs in at just over an ounce, so it’s got some weight, but it’s not too heavy to carry around with you.

8. Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pens

If you’re looking for the quintessential Cross pen, look no further than that Classic Century Ballpoint Pen. The Classic Century is the longest-running Cross pen collection, with the mechanical pencil introduced in 1946 and the Classic Century Ballpoint Pen introduced in 1953. The slim barrel and cone-shaped top make the Classic Century Cross’s most requested pen.

8.1. Cross Classic Century Limited-Edition 23KT Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen

Cross Classic Century Limited Edition 23KT Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen

The Classic Century Limited-Edition 23KT Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen has a plated gold finish, promised to be made of gold with the highest purity. The pen barrel is covered in gold except for a little bit of black at the top. There are a few engraved lines down the side to give it a stylish look. If you want a pen that has been favored by people for literal generations now, this Classic Century Limited Edition is just for you.

9. Cross Century II Ballpoint Pens

The Cross Century II has a special recognition. This pen has been known as the “Pen of Presidents” since 1993. This model made history as the choice pen for both major American political parties. So, if you want a pen to make you feel like you’re sitting in the oval office, look no further! The Century II Ballpoint Pen has a small girth and weighs less than an ounce, so it’s easy to take with you on the go. It comes in sleek gunmetal gray, or in lustrous chrome with emblems for EMS or firefighters.

9.1. Cross Century II Gunmetal Gray Ballpoint Pen

Cross Century II Gunmetal Gray Ballpoint Pen

The Century II Gunmetal Gray Ballpoint Pen is dark grey with polished black features. This is perfect for anyone who wants a nice pen for their desk in a dark, neutral color. It has the same swivel feature as other Cross pens, comes with an ink refill, and has a luxury gift box. Anyone can use this no-frills pen for any writing assignment.

9.2. Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with EMS Emblem

Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with EMS Emblem

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for everyone, especially those in the medical field. If you’re looking for a gift for anyone who works in Emergency Medical Services, the Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with EMS Emblem might be what you’re looking for. It’s a sleek chrome color with a blue EMS logo on the clip. If the EMS worker in your life loves to write, then this beautiful pen will brighten their day.

9.3. Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with Fire Fighter Emblem

Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with Fire Fighter Emblem

The Century II Lustrous Chrome Ballpoint with Firefighter Emblem is the perfect gift for anyone who spends long days at the firehouse. Firefighters can be on duty for days at a time, so they deserve a writing instrument that will be easy to use. The Century II is the choice of presidents, and in these careers where people risk their lives, like firefighting, they deserve the very best pen available.

10. Cross Greenwich Ballpoint Pens

If you like Cross Pens but don’t like the price tag, the Greenwich pen will be music to your ears. The Greenwich pen only costs $9.99, making it the most affordable Cross pen. It’s got a simple design, but it doesn’t compromise on features like the easy swivel or the smooth ink. It doesn’t come with a refill like the other Cross pens, but you can always purchase those later if you need one.

The Greenwich is currently available in two colors, a grey lacquer or a chrome and evening blue lacquer.

10.1. Cross Greenwich Gray Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

Cross Greenwich Gray Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

If you’re looking for the simplest ballpoint pen Cross offers, the Greenwich Gray Lacquer Ballpoint Pen is it. This pen is quite a bit lighter than other Cross pens available, so don’t expect a heavy feel in your hand. However, it still writes well, and for the price, it’s a great deal.

10.2. Cross Greenwich Chrome & Evening Blue Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

Cross Greenwich Chrome Evening Blue Lacquer Ballpoint Pen

If you want a simple pen with more finesse, purchase the Greenwich Chrome and Evening Blue Lacquer Ballpoint Pen. The middle of the barrel is evening blue, while the top of the barrel and very end is chrome. These two colors complement each other well, giving this simple pen a stylish upgrade. Plus, it costs the same as the gray variety, so you’re not paying extra for it.

11. Cross Sauvage Ballpoint Pens

If you need a large, heavy pen, and the price is no issue, then the Sauvage is an excellent choice. Currently, this pen is only available as the 2021 Year of the Ox Special-Edition Ballpoint Pen. This pen has a large width, perfect for anyone who wants a thicker pen.

11.1. Cross Sauvage 2021 Year of the Ox Special-Edition Ballpoint Pen

Cross Sauvage 2021 Year of the Ox Special Edition Ballpoint Pen

The Year of the Ox is for anyone born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. This pen has a hand-done plum lacquer finish with the etchings of an ox. The gold in the designs is genuine 23KT gold, and it comes with a keepsake box, a zodiac sleeve, and a display stand. With the price tag of $250.00, you may want to keep it on the stand and just look at it instead of using it as a pen.

However, it comes with the Cross mechanical warranty, so if anything goes wrong with your pen while using it, they will replace it for free.

12. Cross Refills

The best part about Cross pens is that you only need to buy one, and then you’re set for life. Every Cross pen is refillable. The amount of refills on their website is a little overwhelming, so if you need help finding the right one, check out Pen Vibe’s Ultimate Guide to Cross Pen Refills. This guide lists what refills work for each type of Cross pen, plus how to put them into your pen.

13. When Will Cross Pens Come Back in Stock

The Cross website shows a lot of pens out of stock on their website. Some pens are limited in quantity, so these pens will never come back in stock. Cross has an outlet section on their website that’s the last chance for any limited edition pens or accessories.

They don’t say for certain when they restock their pens. However, Cross Pens are available on websites like Amazon or Staples. If there is something you see on the Cross website that they don’t have available, you can check elsewhere.

14. Are Cross Ballpoint Pens Worth the Price

Cross Ballpoints Pens are made to last a lifetime. If you are looking for a pen for the long haul, then Cross Pens are worth the price. Plus, with their mechanical warranty, you can get the pen replaced if it stops working.

However, if you tend to lose a lot of pens, then buying an expensive Cross pen isn’t the best option for you. It would be better for you to purchase a more inexpensive Cross pen, like the Greenwich, or just a large box of affordable pens.

15. Where to Buy Cross Ballpoint Pens

Buy CrossBallpoint Pens on Amazon

Cross Ballpoint Pens are available on their website and other online stores like Amazon and The Online Pen Company. They are also available at other office supply websites, like Staples and Office Depot.

If you want to buy Cross Pens in a brick-and-mortar store instead, they have a store finder on their website. You can search for the nearest store to you that has Cross Pens in stock within 1,000 miles of your home.

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Peter Warrior: Pen & Pencil Expert

With nearly a decade of experience in the pen industry, I successfully ran an online pen business for 9 years. My deep-rooted passion for pens and pencils led me to become a part-time blogger, where I've dedicated myself to sharing the wealth of knowledge I've amassed over the years. I'm a firm believer in the power of the written word, as echoed by Malcolm Forbes: "Putting pen to paper lights more fire than matches ever will." My expertise is not just rooted in business, but in the genuine appreciation and understanding of the art of writing instruments.

5 thoughts on “The Complete Guide to Cross Ballpoint Pens”

  1. I have two Cross ballpoints; a Classic Century and a Townsend. Unfortunately I dont like writing with either. One’s too thin, the others too thick heavy. But their main issue is the ink just doesnt flow nicely. A Parker Jotter is much nice to write with.

    Reply
  2. James, as the author mentioned in the final paragraph of the guide, Cross has a store finder on their website. You can use that to find the authorized stores nearest your location. To be certain they can help you before visiting the store, you give them a call to confirm; they almost certainly will be able to at least take a look and fix it then if it doesn’t require replacement parts. With the lifetime mechanical warranty, if it does require any replacement parts, an authorized store should be able to help you initiate the service, if not do it themselves. Just use the tool on their website and contact the store(s) that are most convenient for you.

    Reply
  3. I have a never-used Cross ballpoint pen (gray slim barrel) – ICN80063. There is no way to get the ball point to turn out the end of the barrel. Is there any place in Edmonton, Alberta that can repair this pen?

    Reply

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