Buying a watch in NYC to bring back to UK

[DN77]

I'm off to NYC next month and feeling in a bit of a 'YOLO' type mood. Call it a midlife crisis or whatever, but I like the idea of buying something from 47th Street to bring home.

Firstly, for someone who wouldn't know a genuine timepiece from a decent replica, what should I be looking out for? Are they all reputable dealers or do I need to be wary?

Secondly, what happens if I buy a watch with box and papers? Do I put them in my hold luggage on the way back and hope for the best or ship them back separately to be on the safe side?

Lastly, can I actually expect to make any savings as opposed to going to Hatton Garden?

Excuse my ignorance, but I'm still very new to the watch collecting game.

[g4ry13]

Any particular brand or watch you had your eye on?

The exchange rate isn't exactly favourable at the moment. Personally speaking, I wouldn't be bothered about what to do with the box and papers. Hand luggage or in the hold is fine. I'd probably put the box in the suitcase so I don't have to carry it around in my hand luggage and the receipt in my hand luggage. It's not like we're talking about smuggling narcotics.

[DN77]

g4ry13 said:

Any particular brand or watch you had your eye on?

The exchange rate isn't exactly favourable at the moment. Personally speaking, I wouldn't be bothered about what to do with the box and papers. Hand luggage or in the hold is fine. I'd probably put the box in the suitcase so I don't have to carry it around in my hand luggage and the receipt in my hand luggage. It's not like we're talking about smuggling narcotics.

I'd probably be looking at a low end Rolex or a half decent Omega. I have no issue chancing the box and papers in hold luggage, I don't look that criminal that they'd ever want to stop me at customs...

It's more a case of whether I'd get more for my money and whether I need to be wary of anything in that area. I guess I like the idea of going and buying something, but if there's a good chance it won't be genuine or it doesn't make any financial sense, I won't bother.

[Panamax]

g4ry13 said:

The exchange rate isn't exactly favourable at the moment.

The $ exchange rate is the best it's been for years!

[Mr Pointy]

DN77 said:

I'd probably be looking at a low end Rolex or a half decent Omega. I have no issue chancing the box and papers in hold luggage, I don't look that criminal that they'd ever want to stop me at customs...

Are you planning on paying by credit card? Getting picked up & having to fork out 20% VAT would sting.

[g4ry13]

Panamax said:

g4ry13 said:

The exchange rate isn't exactly favourable at the moment.

The $ exchange rate is the best it's been for years!

Well the last decade has been pretty bad. It was $1.42/£1 in 2021.

It's slightly less bad now which is why it may appear good. Although in historical terms it's not.

Either way, from what i've heard about 47th Street it's largely a load of snakes.

[DN77]

Mr Pointy said:

Are you planning on paying by credit card? Getting picked up & having to fork out 20% VAT would sting.

Yes. But does it matter, surely if I got pulled up I'd be stung for the VAT anyway?

[DN77]

g4ry13 said:

Either way, from what i've heard about 47th Street it's largely a load of snakes.

And this is basically the crux of my question. How much can I trust what I buy?

[Maxym]

I’d be wary of trying to save a few quick bucks via NYC. If you’re looking for a nice watch at a decent price I would explore safer possibilities over here, especially as you’re ‘new’ to the watch collecting game.

There are bucks to be saved in various ways but there aren’t wheezes aplenty. HTH!

[g4ry13]

Maxym said:

I d be wary of trying to save a few quick bucks via NYC. If you re looking for a nice watch at a decent price I would explore safer possibilities over here, especially as you re new to the watch collecting game.

There are bucks to be saved in various ways but there aren t wheezes aplenty. HTH!

Just to add, if you buy a watch and have a problem then unless you're in NYC regularly it's going to be a hassle going back to the store. At least if you buy something here then you can show up and potentially get some assistance.

[a_dreamer]

DN77 said:

And this is basically the crux of my question. How much can I trust what I buy?

If you don't know what you are looking for, you run the risk of being had off by some snakes

My suggestion would be to know what you want, do the research and know what to look out for and be very focussed on the idea you walk away.

Best of luck though. Hope it works out for you

[Cupid-stunt]

Go there, have a look, some bants.

Just do not buy a watch there.
I doubt it will be much cheaper than here. You potentially face additional charges when you come back to the UK. There will be little / no chance of getting it rectified if there is an issue when you are this side of the Atlantic.

Moses
Vookum
Yasha

There as some YT folk that you might want to see ... but buy a watch from .... not so sure.

[Abc321]

I follow Vookum on Instagram and he seems a really good guy. No messing about and very direct.

Can't vouch for his stuff but doubt he has that following with hooky gear.

I go at Christmas and will be going to see what he has!!

[Trevor555]

DN77 said:

I'm off to NYC next month and feeling in a bit of a 'YOLO' type mood. Call it a midlife crisis or whatever, but I like the idea of buying something from 47th Street to bring home.

Firstly, for someone who wouldn't know a genuine timepiece from a decent replica, what should I be looking out for? Are they all reputable dealers or do I need to be wary?

Secondly, what happens if I buy a watch with box and papers? Do I put them in my hold luggage on the way back and hope for the best or ship them back separately to be on the safe side?

Lastly, can I actually expect to make any savings as opposed to going to Hatton Garden?

Excuse my ignorance, but I'm still very new to the watch collecting game.

Bicester Village is worth a visit for some decent prices, UK..

Also, know anyone with a blue light card?

I just got 20% discount on a new Oris.

[Jamescrs]

Cupid-stunt said:

Go there, have a look, some bants.

Just do not buy a watch there.
I doubt it will be much cheaper than here. You potentially face additional charges when you come back to the UK. There will be little / no chance of getting it rectified if there is an issue when you are this side of the Atlantic.

Moses
Vookum
Yasha

There as some YT folk that you might want to see ... but buy a watch from .... not so sure.

I've watched all their stuff on Social Media, i'd probably go to one of those over the lesser known people on the same street because they probably have a lot more to lose by selling anything that's not 100% right. Vookum or Yasha would be my first choices, Moses is a bit too loud and in your face for my liking personally.

[g4ry13]

Abc321 said:

I follow Vookum on Instagram and he seems a really good guy. No messing about and very direct.

Can't vouch for his stuff but doubt he has that following with hooky gear.

I go at Christmas and will be going to see what he has!!

I've had him pop up on my YouTube before with his scripted deals and lowballing sellers and trying to 'flip' it for a big profit.

He's also suggested a few dodgy things in videos before. Seems more like a YouTube / Instagram celeb than someone i'd want to fork out a load of cash to for a watch.

[NDA]

Will the US tariffs on (new) Swiss watches negate any currency saving?

[a_dreamer]

g4ry13 said:

I've had him pop up on my YouTube before with his scripted deals and lowballing sellers and trying to 'flip' it for a big profit.

He's also suggested a few dodgy things in videos before. Seems more like a YouTube / Instagram celeb than someone i'd want to fork out a load of cash to for a watch.

Exactly my thinking. Faux rubbish for clicks

[DN77]

g4ry13 said:

I've had him pop up on my YouTube before with his scripted deals and lowballing sellers and trying to 'flip' it for a big profit.

He's also suggested a few dodgy things in videos before. Seems more like a YouTube / Instagram celeb than someone i'd want to fork out a load of cash to for a watch.

Whatever I ended up doing, I certainly wouldn't be parting with any money to him.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, I think I'll go window shopping but will resist any urge to buy.

[gregs656]

Are you only interested in buying new? If you're in the area Grand Central Watch always has some nice vintage stuff, and in SoHo The RealReal usually has a nice selection of unusual things - although I am sure the prices are not competitive.

With the currency exchange what it is, and NYC being as expensive as it is in general, the tariffs etc you are not likely to get a great deal IMO.