Any experiences of.....

[SimonMaidenhead]

Buying from flea bay? Especially expensive time pieces from the States. There's a few that look like they might be worth a punt at the moment.
Has anyone bought this way, and if so what are (if any) the implications as far as import duty on a used watch.

[bry1975]

You can certainly get some bargains from the states but you need to firstly buy the seller before buying the watch, also need to allow for customs and postage fees which can be expensive and also bare in the mind the watch could get lost in the post.

[Adrian W]

If the sender puts any value on the package UK customs will stiff you and the carrier will charge a handling fee. So make sure it's worth it

[andy tims]

I have bought comparatively expensive watches off eBay, but doubt I would again - too many fakes, frankens & scammers for my liking.

As for the duty implications, you MIGHT get lucky, but assume VAT + circa £30.00 on top of what you'd pay & ask yourself if it's still a good price.

[LukeBird]

I bought my Tudor Submariner on eBay from the States and I've bought a Seamaster Pro from there as well (although a UK seller).
I certainly wouldn't be put off by buying from there, just do your 'normal' checks on the watch and buy the buyer!

[SimonMaidenhead]

Many thanks for all the responses so far. I gather I'd have to pay VAT and an import duty even though it's second hand. May be a bit "bling" for many peoples taste but for some weird reason I quite like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Any idea what a good price would be?

[LukeBird]

Bloody hell, a 'bit' bling; you weren't kidding!
No idea on value, but there was a mint 18K recently on TZ for £8500 or so, that was a 2006 AFAIR and had full B&Ps.
I can't see a MOP dial being worth anymore to be honest, the market must be very small for one!

[andy tims]

[ShadownINja]

If you have plans to sell it on, I would cancel them. Thing is, how do you know it isn't a fake?