Buying a new Breitling in Barbados

[Mandat]

I'm a novice with high value watches, and I have decided to start my collection with a new Breitling.

I've seen a few models that I like in various UK jewellers, which are all priced very similarly in all shops at approx £4,500.

I am off to Barbados next week for a pre-Christmas break, and thought it might be a good opportunity to pick up a Breitling if the prices are more attractive than at home.

Are there any pitfalls in buying in Barbados rather than the UK?

I presume that the warranty on a new Breitling will be honoured worldwide irrespective of where it was bought, or is this not the case?

Is there anything else that the seasoned watch buyers on here could advise that I look out for when shopping for a new Breitling?

Thanks.

[JDiz]

I bought mine in the Bahamas. 5 year worldwide warranty. Has been honoured too as had to use it.

[ChrisPackit]

I bought an Omega Seamaster in Barbados in 1999! Had no issues with it, comes with International Warranty card and all regular papers. Best thing is, I P/X'd it with Watchfinder recently and got £200 more than I paid for it! BOOM!

[critical mass]

Don’t forget that HMRC will expect you to pay 20% VAT on return to UK.

[Mark83]

Post the box and papers then wear the watch home?

[critical mass]

Mark83 said:

Post the box and papers then wear the watch home?

That’s OK if your conscience doesn’t mind a bit of tax evasion.

Bear in mind that the onus is on you to demonstrate that VAT has been paid e.g. a receipt.

[Shrimpvende]

I looked into doing exactly this, we go to Barbados regularly and there are loads of good watch shops. Depending on where on the island you're staying, there's a proper Breitling shop in the Limegrove shopping centre in Holetown on the West coast (well worth a visit).

I'm really kicking myself for not buying one there a few years ago when the exchange rate was more favourable - they worked out almost half the UK price! They certainly didn't seem surprised when I asked about the possibility of shipping the box to the UK.