Rollerball New Purchase - Vendor Advice/info, Specifically Montblanc

[jpohl402]

Hi all,
I'm decently well versed on the different types of pens. Don't have any specific questions about brand, features, etc - more about the WHERE....
I would like to purchase another Rollerball. Not necessarily brand specific, but something very high quality, with Montblanc being the top choice.

I visited a dealer, to look at several different brands & variations. I looked at a Lamy (very nice) but was *only* about $64, and certainly didn't have the presence/weight/etc of a Montblanc. Now, all the Montblanc Rollerballs I liked were like $600-$1000. Lol. They're good, and I like them, but they're not THAT good!!! With that said, I do however again prefer their design, the logo, etc.

So, my question for you nice folks is:
any recommendations on a good vendor?? Also, I'm not dead set on new -- I'm more than open to a used one. And of course, I assume once someone buys new and it's then "used", the value drops to $200-$300. Happy to pay that price for a very gently used & great shape, $600-$1000 new-price pen.

I'm scared of Ebay and Amazon due to probably fakes/counterfeits. I just read some postings on this very forum about Amazon purchases with NO serial number, etc etc. Not something I want to deal with. I also know that Montblanc ARE definitely faked a lot. I certainly want a genuine, authentic product.

My best prospect: Is there a Sales section on this forum? It appears there is, though it wasn't very clear (to me) to navigate? I would hope it's sorted by section - Fountain, Roller, Ball point, Ink & refills (or similar)?? Please point me in that direction.... Much appreciated!
Are there vendors here that stock & sell used pens? Similar to DavidSW or Takuya on RolexForums?? That would be awesome.

Finally - any recommendations of a different Great brand with wonderful design & functionality (similar to MB) and high quality, without the astronomical, ridiculous price tag??
Ok guys, many thanks in advance!!! Cheers :)

[DickBrowne]

Two thoughts - if you're set on a Mont Blanc, the Pix is a good, inexpensive model, if it definitely doesn't need to be MB, I'd look at the Diplomat Excellence A or A2 - I have an A2 fountain pen and it is a really good weight and size (for me, at least). I'll be adding a rollerball or ballpoint to it in the near future.

[junglejim]

Note that the OP has also cross-posted to the Montblanc forum. (Some answers there!)

[Kulprit]

The only rollerball I own—for those rare circumstances when a fountain pen won’t do—is a Waterman Expert Deluxe in Blue. I’m quite familiar with the MB rollerballs and I much prefer the Waterman. The lacquered brass and rhodium plate feels weighty and both looks and feels more luxurious in the hand.

If you’re quite set on a MB, the good news for you is that they’re considerably less expensive used, much more so than you estimated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chrissy]

Note that the OP has also cross-posted to the Montblanc forum. (Some answers there!)

I thought I had posted a reply to this and that it had disappeared. :(

[jpohl402]

Thank you all so much, for the amazing feedback & your suggestions! I appreciate your time, and will certainly look into these options. Also surprised the used MB are less than I had mentioned. Thanks!

[alexwi]

The Aurora Ipsilon Deluxe would be a good candidate regarding weight and handling, the only problem is that it looks too much like a Montblanc without the logo - I don't think that that's something you'd like.

Regarding presence, if you want something uncommon but with a lot of presence, I'd go for an old generation Parker Premier. I just got the fountain pen version in Chinese Lacquer and I'm overly impressed by it.

alex