Nautilus in Dubai???

[will77]

Afternoon all, what do you think the chances are of picking up a Nautilus 5711 / 1A or 5711 / 1R when I'm in Dubai next month? I'm on the list with my local dealer but the numbers they're getting in are so ridiculously small I'm trying to look at other options which feels very much like clutching at straws. Is the demand abroad for the Nautilus as intense as it has become in the UK? Highly bloody unlikely they'll be readily available in Dubai I'm sure but at the rate my dealer says they're receiving them currently its going to be at least 10 years before my name reaches the top of the list. The world's gone mad when the expected waiting list for a watch is 10 years plus!! Anyway, any pointers or advice would be very much welcome. Thanks.

[PJ S]

More chance of picking up a RG 5711 than SS, but as said previously ad nauseum, contact ADs outside the main cities to stand a better chance of getting one sooner.
Ensure the dealers you speak with are well aware you’re a wearer not a speculator too.

[will77]

Thanks, to be honest the Rose Gold is my preferred choice actually. Having finally decided to pull the trigger its just frustrating to hear that the chances are slim to bugger all. Certainly not a speculator and at the prices they want for a used but unworn 5711-1R I just cant justify the premiums being asked.

[matjk]

Don't forget there would be a BIG chunk of duty and VAT to pay on that watch if you

a) decided to declare it.
or
b) decide not to declare it and get busted (rare, but I bet your heart would be pounding waling past the metal tables in customs)

Just wise to keep in mind plus a visit to a Rolex dealer in mexico the duty free price was actually higher than the UK RRP. So if you did declare it you could end up paying way more than uk list (academic as you cant actually buy one)
All due to low value of the £

[alorotom]

Pffft FedEx the box and papers back and wear it through ... no need to swear it as other than the watch alone there is no evidence of a purchase

[will77]

If I was fortunate enough to find one abroad, I think I'd run the gauntlet and walk through customs wearing it. Fed Exing the box and papers ahead is a good shout though. I spoke with my AD again yesterday and they said far less on the list for a 5711/1R than the stainless and were going to try to get an ETA on the next one expected to arrive with them so I live in hope........Time will tell.

[ju10]

Just put the box in your luggage and wear it back! Most stuff is X rayed coming into the uk,if it is checked and looked at they know you have bought a watch and have your address. People go on about going through customs this end but I have never actually ever met anyone who has been stopped and had to pay the import tax. I'm not saying it doesn't happen but I wouldn't post it. You boys on here should man up and live dangerously for once! LOL

[matjk]

i'd be cacking it with that watch, 12.5% duty 20% vat , ouch, on a wonderful watch like that , they do stop people, all the time, normally for fags and booze. odds are slim but you have to ask yourself "do you feel lucky punk"

[PJ S]

^
4.5% duty, but it’s waived on single watch imports, so just VAT to contend with.

[matjk]

Would they drop it if they caught you ? I don’t know but I assume if you don’t declare stuff and get caught there has to be a downside other than just having to pay what you would have done if you declared it ! Thus far in life I have never been stopped , probably well over 100 trips overseas ! I’d risk it

[ZesPak]

alorotom said:

Pffft FedEx the box and papers back and wear it through ... no need to swear it as other than the watch alone there is no evidence of a purchase

No need for that, you can travel it with the box, just wear it.

Done it loads of times with apple gear, as long as you unpack it/open it, never had any issue.