Shopping for watches in foreign countries

[time-traveller]

Can anyone here share their experience/s on a buying trip overseas?
What did you get and how did you also pay for it?

[satch]

If u are going for hot models eg daytona or new pam releases, it is really subject to stock availability at the dealers. So making a "buying trip" specially for these models may be risky if there are no stocks.

If u happen to be on holiday then by all means buy if price is cheaper than sg. Need to do ur homework by checking out local AD prices and grey dealers offerings (if u dun mind getting grey sets).

Have fun shopping!

[Billabonkers]

Will the VAT rebate be less off from the price of the watch when we purchase or do we claim the VAT refund somewhere else?

[praha335ci]

With regards to VAT it will depend on the country and also the retailer. I've bought at Bucherer in Luzern Switzerland and they automatically deducted the VAT. I've also bought at Bucherer in Frankfurt Germany and they will use global blue to claim back the VAT on your behalf. The price that you pay in most European countries will include VAT and is charged to your credit card there and then. Check out the global blue website and its pretty comprehensive. Also try out their net VAT calculator to get the most accurate figure of the VAT refund that you're entitled. Customers can obtain their refund in the city of purchase but still need to show export validation upon leaving the EU.

[time-traveller]

Thanks guys for all the sharing. Good to learn from shared experiences.

Have a good CNY celebration and have a good start to the 'real' new year!

[soogoobear]

Tax refund and currency exchange gives you the price advantage of buying overseas, especially in Europe now. Some advise:
1) Cash gives you better rates than credit card rates if you are brave enough to carry that much for your Rolex or even more for that Patek.
2) Get to the airport real early if you want to get your immediate tax refund in cash - at least one hour before the airlines' two hour. There have been cases of slow or nil/lost tax refund by dropping the forms in the box.
3) In some countries, there are different tax refund operators, so don't put the forms in the wrong box or queue at the wrong line.
4) Wear your new watch and pack the box or post the box back (some shops do it for you free) to avoid the 7% GST when you return home.

[ac_wong75]

I seen this shop Bucherer mentioned a few times here. Is the recommended AD in Europe? Are their prices competitive?

[satch]

Tax refund and currency exchange gives you the price advantage of buying overseas, especially in Europe now. Some advise:
1) Cash gives you better rates than credit card rates if you are brave enough to carry that much for your Rolex or even more for that Patek.
2) Get to the airport real early if you want to get your immediate tax refund in cash - at least one hour before the airlines' two hour. There have been cases of slow or nil/lost tax refund by dropping the forms in the box.
3) In some countries, there are different tax refund operators, so don't put the forms in the wrong box or queue at the wrong line.
4) Wear your new watch and pack the box or post the box back (some shops do it for you free) to avoid the 7% GST when you return home.

Just a thought about #4, would it be risky to post the box back? if posting a couple of boxes, and it gets checked by customs, all your details are there, i.e. your name, address etc. as well as the shop's address.

[satch]

I seen this shop Bucherer mentioned a few times here. Is the recommended AD in Europe? Are their prices competitive?

I think they are one of the larger ADs for Rolex in a few European countries, but based on my personal experience, prices are not as competitive. But really, u need to step in, talk to them and ask for the price, compare with other shops etc.

[soogoobear]

Just a thought about #4, would it be risky to post the box back? if posting a couple of boxes, and it gets checked by customs, all your details are there, i.e. your name, address etc. as well as the shop's address.

Satch,
You can't be taxed based on a couple of empty boxes as it is difficult to prove the link between your purchases and empty boxes.

[praha335ci]

Bucherer is regarded as one of the premier AD's in Germany, Austria and also Switzerland. I've bought watches from them in Luzern and also in Frankfurt. As far as pricing is concerned they are kind of ok but not really fantastic. The main advantage of buying from Bucherer the is getting availability of the watch there and then for the popular models. I would actually recommend Pisa Orologeria in Milan Italy for the best discounts and prices overall.

[rolexxking]

hi anyone care to share buying rolex in Japan ?
where are the rolex authorised dealers in Japan ?
thank you in advance for sharing

[clemz]

my experience shopping in switzerland is that prices are higher, ADs not keen to give discounts but there is a wide selection especially if you are after highly sought after models

[iwaterview]

Macau best place to 'see' watches, many 2nd shops but too expensive to buy

[Jubilee]

Would anyone be willing to share the purchase price + tax discount (in comparison to what they would have paid locally at time of purchase) obtained purchasing a watch overseas? Don't have to state the model. Just so there is a rough idea of which AD in which country would result in a good discount compared to buying locally.

Also how much more discount do you get if paying by cash as opposed to credit card, and what is the rationale behind it?