purchasing a watch online from America

[Futureologist]

Aside from the potential risk of being asked to pay import duty on a purchase, has anyone else sourced and obtained a watch from the states and had it posted to the UK?

Im after a TAG F1 (CAH1110 - BA0850), and reluctant to pay UK prices, but after some browsing I found the same watch for under £500 in the states.

There must be an obvious flaw in what seems like a potential simple transaction?

Anyone got any experiences or recommend a US based TAG authorised dealer?

Edited by Futureologist on Tuesday 23 March 07:53

[Four Cofffee]

I can't help on the US side but have you tried the tag outlet at York or the smaller one at Bicester? They sell at about two thirds of RRP.

[alexmckie]

Hi there, I bought a watch from World of watches a few years ago price included vat and import duty (21% on top of purchase price + shipping) Delivered in 5 days. Job done..... Exchange rate was 2 to 1 though back then.

Still must save a few quid now though....

[Jovial Joe]

Yes is the short answer.
I bought a Zenith at a massive discount just after Christmas from http://www.thewatchery.com/ like yourself I was very reticent about the whole process,especially as it involved a grey dealer and a not inconsiderable sum of money.
The whole thing was completely painless,ordered the watch at around 10am (our time) by 5pm same day,tracking showed watch was in UK,delivered by midday the following day.All present and correct and a very happy recipient.
The only glitch was that there had been a mix up with who was paying the courier fees and I got charged twice,I sent off an email in the vain hope of a refund and got one with no query and an apology 48hrs later.
Unfortunately you most probably will get stuffed for import duty and VAT so add another 19/20% to the cost.
Best regards

Edited to add they do sell some Tag as well.

Edited by Jovial Joe on Tuesday 23 March 20:54