Shipping a watch from the states

[bermyandy]

Whats the duty i would pay if shipping a watch in from the states? Am i just paying the VAT, or is there more (or less) to it? Also, how do i found out the price limits?

I think (but dont know) thats its 4.5% duty, and 17.5% VAT. Is the VAT charged on the base price, or the price uplifted by the duty?

Thanks

Edited by bermyandy on Monday 23 April 11:38

[bermyandy]

to be honest, its kind of what im thinking right now

[bermyandy]

£5k for a panerai, that retails at $6k in the states. SO all in, at todays rates, basically £2k.

Probably not worth it to go the US solely for that, but was thinking of visiting friends, so in the round, not too bad

[bermyandy]

hutchingsp said:

bermyandy said:

£5k for a panerai, that retails at $6k in the states. SO all in, at todays rates, basically £2k.

Probably not worth it to go the US solely for that, but was thinking of visiting friends, so in the round, not too bad

That doesn't sound right tbh? Especially on a new model. There is a difference, but nothing like that much of a difference going off all the price lists I've seen.

Well, all i have to go on is the panerai luminor automatic i saw in watches of switzerland at the bottom of switzerland that was £5k. It was maybe a month ago, and cant remember if it had the titanium bits, so not too sure but pretty sure it was just plain steel.

The US price I got from phoning either bernie robbins of goldtinker in NY, and they quoted me $6k for the luminor marina automatic on a steel bracelet.

[bermyandy]

hutchingsp said:

bermyandy said:

The US price I got from phoning either bernie robbins of goldtinker in NY, and they quoted me $6k for the luminor marina automatic on a steel bracelet.

Have a look here and see if which one it is.

www.paneristi.com/reference/pricelists/prices2006.html

As you'll see there are price differences but nothing like £2-3k on that level of watch.

AFAIK customs will charge VAT and Duty on the total shipped price.

A small point but bear in mind that if you're considering mail order it will probably not avoid HMCE as you will want it couriered with insurance, and (I'm guessing) I would expect them to check out a parcel that has been sent UPS/Fedex with insurance upto $10k but has a label on it stating it's a "Gift" worth $30

Moral of the story from that link - its quite clear the price in watches of switzerland was about £1k over!