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Can be had for <$2k
Sounds like you want a Rolex but have an itch to scratch today. I don’t know the resale value on Ball, but there’s that to be considered if you end up trying to sell afterwards.
I bought a Tag Heuer Link, luckily at a hoge discount, when I got my first luxury piece. I don’t necessarily regret it, but the truth is: had I bought my Explorer then and there, it would have saved me the cost of the journey past Tag and Omega. Then again, I’d have missed out on the journey.
Do what feels right. You can always change things later.
Ball watches are great and the lume is bananas. Agree with SM1, though, on the fact that you’ll save money if you don’t “settle” for the Ball - if you’re just going to look at your wrist throughout the day and think, “man, I wish this was a Rolex” then save your money.
The fact that the Ball you chose is pretty much a dead ringer for the DJ41, maybe better to wait and save... I’d choose an original design before an homage (with, I suppose, some exception going to Tudors due to their relationship with Rolex)
Also I’ll add that Rolex is a very recognized brand and while I own one of their watches, I wouldn’t want it to be my only choice. I probably won’t buy a second one from the brand. There’s something nice about wearing a watch from a company that nobody but another watch guy would recognize.
Client site work is one example. A Sinn sports watch or a JLC dress watch wouldn’t get a second glance, but when you’re a twenty-something flying in for the week wearing a Rolex and calling people into a conference room to ask “what would you say you do here,” it can make it tougher to connect with a mid-level manager who’s 10 years older, but makes just as much money as you and has a couple kids and a mortgage and an Invicta. Not a dealbreaker (obviously - I bought one) but something to consider.
Ball makes a nice entry level luxury watch, with their differentiator being the tie in to railroad history and the use of the tritium tubes. They don’t hold their value very well, so don’t plan on getting much for it when you ultimately decide to sell it to fund the Datejust. Most of us have gone through this same journey and it’s almost necessary to help you appreciate what makes a $10k watch so much different than a $1k watch.
There are a couple other entry level luxury brands that I personally would probably consider before Ball and I’d be looking for the right pre-owned example (Tudor, IWC, Grand Seiko, Omega come to mind). A pre-owned Tudor Black Bay 41 is an awesome go everywhere, do everything watch that I think would make a perfect entry point into the hobby.
Thanks for the input and really appreciate the advice
You can also get a Mont Blanc for the same price on Jomashop