Andy, did you consider purchasing the Rolex from tax haven islands (such as Bahamas)? Savings will be substantially more. Just my 2-bits.

 

Kirk-Freeport on Grand Cayman is the place to go. Have the SA mail the box and papers to your home.

 

Avoid the stress of an outside the USA purchase.

Buy a Rolex here:

https://leedsandson.com/

 

lucky if you will find much of a discount anywhere as rolex controls ad's pricing aggresively

 

No problem: at practically any area frequented by tourists, there are lots of guys selling Rolexes. Cheap too, only about twenty euros as I recall.

 

You can get way more bang for your buck if you buy used. The Rolex Forum is a great place to educate yourself.

Andy, best of luck finding a good deal in Europe.

 

Gentlemen,
The big problem with buying a Rolex for the US overseas is an exclusivity agreement that requires you to purchase your Rolex in the US from an authorized Rolex dealer before you may bring it in country. Otherwise it becomes contraband and may be confiscated. There are a lot of hidden pitfalls like this in our law. If someone knows how to do this legally without violating the import laws, please do let us know.
It would be of great interest.
Similarly, a US citizen may not smoke Cuban cigars overseas without breaking the ban and therefore being subject to prosecution. It has nothing to do with the legality of the activity in the other country, where it may be legal. It is tied to US citizenship and therefore not legal for us.
It may be that enforcement is not always certain and sure, but I've often wondered if people feel comfortable taking a second generation (father's and/or grandfather's) Rolex out of the country when it may be taken from them on return. The way things work, the powers that be may confiscate with little or no justification and then the citizen has to battle it out to receive what justice may be allowed later.
Another common trap is travelling with cash, even in country. Cash is frequently confiscated and not returned.
Good luck with that one!
YMMV, but don't count on it,
rudy

 

Are you suggesting law enforcement will enforce manufacturer exclusivity agreements? Trade between USA/Cuba is prohibited; hence, the ban on Cuban cigars. There is no such trade prohibition between Switzerland and the USA. There may be issues with attempting to have the Rolex serviced in the USA as a result of exclusivity agreements, but to suggest law enforcement would confiscate the item due to a manufacturer setting up restricted regions for sales... I'm sorry, but I would need to see legislation to that effect.

 

Many of the points below are not true. Travelers are allowed to bring in ONE new Rolex watch through US customs upon return as long as it accompanies them. It's a good idea to buy it from an authorized Rolex dealer and keep the receipt. US customs may confiscate Rolex watches that are shipped to the US from overseas. US citizens are not required to buy a Rolex from a US dealer. Most of the issues are regarding Rolex USA (not Rolex Switzerland) as the holder of the trademarks. US customs confiscates shipped watches due to a trade mark violations.

When you enter the US, you will be required to pay import duty on the declared watch. You can find duty rates on the US Customs web site. I don't know the exact amouints, but it's probably in the 5% range. If you intent is to buy a Rolex as a memory of your trip, go ahead. If you are just trying to save taxes, buy one from a US Rolex dealer in a state that does not have sales taxes.

Another concern is warranty service. Rolex provides world-wide service on watches purcahsed from authorized dealers. Rolex US, may not be as willing to help, however. You may want to ask Rolex US about this before you decide to buy one outside the US.

More info can be found on the Rolex forum at timezone.com

Cash can be brought in undeclared as long as it is $10,000 or less. You can bring in any amount of cash as long as the proper US Customs and IRS forms are filled out.

If you are worried about taking a vintage Rolex (or any other valuable item) out of the US, you can get a declaration form from the Customs office prior to departure. Confiscation of property is highly over stated.

Personally, I would buy a gently used Rolex on the timezone sales forum from a highly respected seller for 60% of MSRP.

Gentlemen,
The big problem with buying a Rolex for the US overseas is an exclusivity agreement that requires you to purchase your Rolex in the US from an authorized Rolex dealer before you may bring it in country. Otherwise it becomes contraband and may be confiscated. There are a lot of hidden pitfalls like this in our law. If someone knows how to do this legally without violating the import laws, please do let us know.
It would be of great interest.
Similarly, a US citizen may not smoke Cuban cigars overseas without breaking the ban and therefore being subject to prosecution. It has nothing to do with the legality of the activity in the other country, where it may be legal. It is tied to US citizenship and therefore not legal for us.
It may be that enforcement is not always certain and sure, but I've often wondered if people feel comfortable taking a second generation (father's and/or grandfather's) Rolex out of the country when it may be taken from them on return. The way things work, the powers that be may confiscate with little or no justification and then the citizen has to battle it out to receive what justice may be allowed later.
Another common trap is travelling with cash, even in country. Cash is frequently confiscated and not returned.
Good luck with that one!
YMMV, but don't count on it,
rudy

 

I echo those who speak of buying a "gently used" Rolex. Let someone else eat the depreciation. If it were a gift for someone else, it would be a different story. I don't mind telling people that I bought my watch second hand when they ask about it.

 

For many decades, Adlers Jewelry in New Orleans (www.adlersjewelry.com) has advertised that they have the best prices in the US on new Rolexes and that they ship anywhere. You might want to check them out.

 

No problem: at practically any area frequented by tourists, there are lots of guys selling Rolexes. Cheap too, only about twenty euros as I recall.

I wouldn't recommend going the fake route. I bought several of these from vendors in NYC and each one lasted a month, tops. I thought I could wear them in less safe areas and not have to worry about getting robbed.

 

How about the Rolex on my wrist? Does customs have a problem with that too? Just curious...

 

You can get way more bang for your buck if you buy used. The Rolex Forum is a great place to educate yourself.

Andy, best of luck finding a good deal in Europe.

I second buying from TRF. There are trusted members on there that also sell new-in-box rolexes where you will have the warranty. It's been a few years but I got mine at 25% off retail.

 

I wouldn't recommend going the fake route. I bought several of these from vendors in NYC and each one lasted a month, tops. I thought I could wear them in less safe areas and not have to worry about getting robbed.

I think he was joking.

 

Ghastly tacky things. :rolleyes2:

I was once rather amused by the notion that Donald Trump is how a bum imagines a millionaire.

A rolex is the watch a bum would wear on his wrist were he fortunate enough to win the lottery.

Sorry Andy, but there are much better looking watches, mechanically superior, and with infinitely more cache, available for a lot less money.

Deluge of Pro-Rolex complaint in 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1......

:redface:.
.
.
.
.

 

For many decades, Adlers Jewelry in New Orleans (www.adlersjewelry.com) has advertised that they have the best prices in the US on new Rolexes and that they ship anywhere. You might want to check them out.

I have a patient who runs the watch department at a large jeweler who is also a Rolex authorized dealer. I can tell you as a matter of fact that IF Adler is advertising the lowest prices, shipping out of state, etc., they are going against Rolex AD "rules" which can threaten their AD status.

Those rules include:

1) the jeweler is NOT allowed to even mention Rolex on their website. If you notice, the link to Leeds and Sons does not mention Rolex anywhere on the site, nor does the Adler website. Even if you click on "watches" on the Leeds site, other brand names such as Patek Philippe appear, but not Rolex. Leeds is very clever, on their website they never mention Rolex, BUT they have a photo of the outside of their store which shows an awning with the Rolex name.

2) an authorized Rolex dealer is NOT allowed to participate in any phone transactions. This is to protect the territory of other authorized dealers. I'm sure this is done at times, (despite the Rolex "rules") though I would doubt any authorized dealer would advertise this or do it on a regular basis, with the risk of losing the Rolex line.

3) you may walk into a Rolex dealer, make the transaction and have it shipped out of state to save taxes (though by theory YOU are supposed to pay taxes in the state receiving the watch).

4) although some dealers may discount some models, I have personally never seen any dealer advertise lowest prices.

5) of course NONE of this applies to re-sellers or "gray market" dealers who sell new on the web and discount watches. If purchasing this way, I would proceed with caution.

6) Rolex is a control freak. Over the past few years they have shut down MANY authorized dealers for non compliance, not enough sales, the physical appearance of the building, and many other reasons. In my area they shut down one of the FIRST authorized dealers in the nation for some BS. There is NO loyalty to their dealers.

7) even when I purchased my Submariner from the store my patient manages, he was unable to give me a discount on the watch (this was several years ago when even getting a Sub was difficult). Instead, the store gave me a gift card for 15% off any future purposes. But the actual receipt could not show a discount.

8) similarly, Rolex frowns upon it's dealers inflating prices. Several years ago it was very difficult to purchase a stainless steel Daytona and dealers were asking a premium. I know of one dealer owned by an acquaintance who was "warned" to not charge a premium.

In my opinion, if you want a new Rolex, purchase it from a USA authorized dealer. There will be service after the sale if needed. And there will no NO doubt you are wearing an authentic Rolex.

 

I would second the suggestion to buy second-hand/pre-owned/vintage, Andy. There are a number of dealers in London, for instance Austin Kaye on the Strand and there used to be one in the Royal Arcade. Prices of Rolex still seem rather steep, and personally I would give careful thought to some less common make.

 

Interesting - Adler's does not feature Rolex, but instead has a link to the official Rolex site. And thanks, DG123, I'm familiar with Leeds! Thought I'd take some of my old watches in and see about a trade!

 

Andy: Let me strongly recommend that you buy a Rolex near where you live from an authorized dealer. That will plug you in to the Rolex service system and give you the other advantages of dealing locally. Rolex watches are so excellent in all respects that saving a few dollars abroad just is not worth any trouble it might bring.

 

Sparked my curiosity as to what prices are like for these things, and came across this:



....HUH???

 

There are so many more truly "handmade" watches out there with so much more to offer, I could not go for a Rolex. I almost bought a Rolex Daytona because I simply did not know what was out there and I am so glad I did my homework and educated myself. My personal favorites are Glasshutte Original, Zenith and certain IWCs (in the "affordable" range). I love the fact my GO Sports Evo is stunning in its detail and quality, yet, almost no one the street knows what it is.

Interestingly, I have had two people notice and praise my GO & Zeniths: I hot dog vendor in West LA and a Starbucks barista...go figure.

BTW - I cannot think of a worst place to purchase a watch than on cruz ship or one of the cruz ship owed town shops. I priced my GO Sport Evo on a Alaska cruz and the "town" shops - At best, 5% off an over stated MSRP. I purchase all my watches from an LA watch shop for 30% off and shipped to my out-of-state address (mom's house), thereby, saving several hundred more dollars.

Regardless, wear you new watch in good heath and enjoy!

 

Rolex prices are fixed with very little discounts world-wide. Therefore, it usually does not make much difference where you buy it. However, the best prices with a small discount is possible in places like Hong Kong and Singapore, which is not where you are going.

To avoid paying US taxes buy the watch in Europe and then wear the watch on your wrist while entering the United States, there is no proof that you just purchased the watch. Ship the box and papers by mail parcel to your home address from Europe.

 

Interesting - Adler's does not feature Rolex, but instead has a link to the official Rolex site. And thanks, DG123, I'm familiar with Leeds! Thought I'd take some of my old watches in and see about a trade!

Rolex are not my thing, but when you're finished traversing Saville Row and making your way to Jermyn Street - cut through Burlington Arcade. There are a number of establishments there who sell Rolex - new and vintage. You might find what you want there....

 

I would strongly recommend only buying a Rolex from an AD, regardless of the markup compared to grey-market or used sources. For any other watch, I'd say do whatever it takes to bring down the price, including buying used off of Ebay or timezone.com. There are simply too many fakes out there, and the used market rightfully places a premium on being able to provide all the requisite papers documenting pedigree and AD provenance.