Is it worth going outside of the uk to get a watch?
Discussion
I am thinking about a Rolex Submariner or maybe a Sea-Dweller, so around the £4-6k mark.
I would consider going aboard for it, if there was a saving to be had. It would be nice if the saving would cover the cost of the flight out, so I could turn it into a cheap holiday.
Or are the savings sub £100?
I would consider going aboard for it, if there was a saving to be had. It would be nice if the saving would cover the cost of the flight out, so I could turn it into a cheap holiday.
Or are the savings sub £100?
I have had some significant savings in the past based upon discounts being offered by the retailer and the very favourable exchange rate at the time.
The exchange rate is the real saving that you can quantify before setting off, so it really depends which country you are thinking of visiting and how tempting the current exchange rate is, you can then work out whether that quantifies as a significant saving based on RRP which in turn pays for the trip.
US States have different percentages of tax, so factor that in if you are thinking of the States.
Discounts can differ widely from country and manufacturer.
Don't forget about any import fees.
x rates are the killer... some say you can get around import taxes by wearing and sending the papers and box home... some say that airport ADs are also able to do this at point of departure.... i found that it was actually cheaper to by a roley for my wife from hrow mappin and webb than to buy the same watch in singapore in may this year
If you want to save the VAT, call the agents in Jersey (Hettich) and Guernsey (M&W). Guernsey is the UK price less VAT and Jersey is ex-VAT plus 3% GST. I know there's a small wait for Ceramic Subs in Jersey but I think they have some Deep Seas.
I went the other way last week as I wanted a Sea Dweller (pre DS). Swiss Watch Company in Chiswick (watches.co.uk) were super.
I went the other way last week as I wanted a Sea Dweller (pre DS). Swiss Watch Company in Chiswick (watches.co.uk) were super.
There are bigger savings to be had in Asia, (Singers and Thailand) ive had up to 40% off of UK RRP prices. Never had any problems bring them back in country either, only ever been stopped once, i had the watch on and all boxes and receipts in my case, they asked where it came from, looked at the receipt and let me go, they didn't bat an eyelid. I don't think they're looking out for that type of thing anyway (no interest), only drug and explosives or massive amounts of cigs.
Agree with Phumy on the discounts available in Asia.
At the moment SGD is too strong but was lookinbg at a rather nice IWC in KL the other weekend and the shop was offering 20% off the sticker price which was already 20% lower than the same watch in SGD back here.
Believe that Cortina Watches in bith KL and Singers are offering 25% off sticker for Lolex's
20% for IWC, Jager and Piaget
10% for Omega
(FYI was looking at a IWC Portuguese 7 day reserve and after first offered discount was GBP6k)
Edit cos did currency conversion from wrong currency
thought it sounded cheap 
At the moment SGD is too strong but was lookinbg at a rather nice IWC in KL the other weekend and the shop was offering 20% off the sticker price which was already 20% lower than the same watch in SGD back here.
Believe that Cortina Watches in bith KL and Singers are offering 25% off sticker for Lolex's
20% for IWC, Jager and Piaget
10% for Omega
(FYI was looking at a IWC Portuguese 7 day reserve and after first offered discount was GBP6k)
Edit cos did currency conversion from wrong currency
thought it sounded cheap Edited by XJSJohn on Wednesday 15th December 07:12
When I was in the USA in October, high end watches such as Rolex were infact more expensive than they are over here. Since I was in Orlando there was also a 6% sales tax on top which made it even more exepensive. I did get a few watches at good prices but these were all on sale and a bit of bartering was done.
As for declaring your watches on arrival, I brought 6 watches home all boxed with papers in the box and didn't declare them. I honestly cannot remember the last time I landed in the UK and the customs desks were manned.
As for declaring your watches on arrival, I brought 6 watches home all boxed with papers in the box and didn't declare them. I honestly cannot remember the last time I landed in the UK and the customs desks were manned.
I've bought a couple of 'new, unworn', watches recently from Grey Dealers saving quite big chunks off RRP. One was bought from a dealer here in the UK, the other from a dealer in Germany. The UK sourced watch was a Rolex; the German one was a Tudor. It might just be a coincidence, but both of the watches were originally supplied by AD's (and had their papers stamped) in Greece. Given that the Grey dealers are in business to make money, and will have presumably made a profit out of me, some biggish discounts must be available over there in Greece?
ADP68 said:
Can anyone please tell me whether second hand watches, e.g. Rolex, are cheaper in Jersey or Guernsey? I can see from this thread that new ones are cheaper.
Many thanks
Andy
You'll struggle to find second hand in Guernsey, they do come up from time to time.Many thanks
Andy
I was offered a brand new GMT2 at M&W last year for a shade over £3k, so there are deals to be had.
I'm sure that you will need to present yourself in person though as the dealers will quote RRP over the phone.
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