Buying watches via duty free

[T1berious]

This is probably a dumb question but I thought I'd ask it here.

So I was speaking to SWMBO and floated the idea of getting a really nice watch for my 55th (giving me time to save up for it etc). She mentioned getting it when we're next flying out around the time of my 55th and I thought, hmm that's a really good idea!

So figured I'd ask here. anyone done it and what are the pitfalls?

It's a choice between a speedy and a navitimer but 20% off would soften the blow.

Any advice / tips greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

T1b

[Mr Pointy]

Would you plan to declare it to Customs when you return?

[T1berious]

Most likely



What sparked my curiosity was seeing this regarding a Speedy purchase. We (C19 permitting) tend to do at least 1 long haul a year so figured that would be a good time to get one.

Edited by T1berious on Monday 15th August 11:05

[SS2.]

Have you considered the VAT you'll likely have to pay on import ?

[K50 DEL]

Depending on where you're travelling to I would strongly suggest visiting the relevant stockist in that city...

It used to amaze me that the Rolex / Patek / Breitling etc, even down to Tag sold in Dubai Duty Free were always more expensive than you could buy them for at the official outlets in the malls. In some cases quite substantially so.

Definitely caveat emptor.

[T1berious]

K50 DEL said:

Depending on where you're travelling to I would strongly suggest visiting the relevant stockist in that city...

It used to amaze me that the Rolex / Patek / Breitling etc, even down to Tag sold in Dubai Duty Free were always more expensive than you could buy them for at the official outlets in the malls. In some cases quite substantially so.

Definitely caveat emptor.

Cheers for that, I did wonder if prices would be artificially "adjusted" at the airport.

Useful to know!

[Mr Pointy]

There's no duty to pay on a watch being imported (or to be accurate it's below the collectible level) but if you declare it you are likley to be charged 20% VAT although I'm not sure whether this is on the UK list price or the price you paid.

[hilly10]

Mr Pointy said:

Would you plan to declare it to Customs when you return?

I wouldn’t.

[liner33]

Pretty sure duty free watches in the UK stopped in 2020 its only a thing if you send the watch directly overseas , otherwise you pay it but they are often cheaper than the high street

[funinhounslow]

liner33 said:

Pretty sure duty free watches in the UK stopped in 2020 its only a thing if you send the watch directly overseas , otherwise you pay it but they are often cheaper than the high street

Correct.

Prices at watch shops airside now no different to High Street. They are less open to a haggle too in my experience.

ETA maybe not 20% but I’m sure there’s some wriggle room on a Speedmaster or Navitimer. Particularly if you make clear you’ll but there and then if “the price is right”

Edited by funinhounslow on Monday 15th August 13:31

[Jamescrs]

I bought a Seamaster in April 2021 from a highstreet AD in this country and said I'd buy it there and then, no credit needed and got 11% discount just by asking.

You may be surprised what is achievable in the UK

[Dimebars]

Negotiating a healthy double-digit % discount on either of those choices shouldn't be too challenging from a local AD, saving you the pitfalls of declarations to HMRC/Customs etc

Try Dom Hackett

[phumy]

I fly out of Heathrow regularly and theres no such thing as Duty Free anymore. Theyre all RRP now

[T1berious]

phumy said:

I fly out of Heathrow regularly and theres no such thing as Duty Free anymore. Theyre all RRP now

Bummer

[SS2.]

T1berious said:

phumy said:

I fly out of Heathrow regularly and theres no such thing as Duty Free anymore. Theyre all RRP now

Bummer

But you weren't looking to buy from Heathrow.

[anonymous-user]

hilly10 said:

Mr Pointy said:

Would you plan to declare it to Customs when you return?

I wouldn’t.

Neither would I.

[T1berious]

SS2. said:

But you weren't looking to buy from Heathrow.

We go to Whistler every year from T5 LHR. Can't remember the watch shop Air side but I think its a Watches of Switzerland.

Failing that we could leave later, spend an extra day in Vancouver and get a watch from there and claim the Tax back on exit.

Its food for thought

[IknowJoseph]

T1berious said:

We go to Whistler every year from T5 LHR. Can't remember the watch shop Air side but I think its a Watches of Switzerland.

Failing that we could leave later, spend an extra day in Vancouver and get a watch from there and claim the Tax back on exit.

Its food for thought

It's Watches of Switzerland at T5, yes. I was looking in there earlier in the summer, but they didn't have a great selection, and nothing priced attractively.

[Iceblue]

Bought the latest Seamaster Feb 19 from a UK authorised dealer and paid £3100 which was £500 off nearly £5000 now for the same watch.

Edited by Iceblue on Thursday 18th August 18:07