Briniging a new watch into the USA from the UK - customs duty?

[NYCfixie]

I found a new Rolex that I have not been able to find in the states. It is new and from an authorized dealer. Not only with the strong dollar against the pound is it a great deal but I would get the VAT back making it an amazing deal.

Does anyone know the import duty I might be charged at customs upon entry?
Has anyone else done this - recently - and know the rules/costs?

I did some searching but could not find an answer. Also, I am not risking wearing it back and sending the box/papers or any other version of circumventing customs duties. Also, Rolex authorized dealers do not ship so that is not an option either.

[TTX1]

I’m not a professional shopper, but I’ve heard about scenarios where you can’t complete the paperwork for a VAT refund without proof of clearing customs - basically a receipt from a valid customs declaration.

The rates are on the declaration form iirc.

There used to be a specific duty on Swiss movements, so it’s not only about a UK purchase, it’s also about the standard import duties associated with the parts / components / commodities purchased.

Yes, a Rolex - like any watch - is a commodity in this context.

You can call US Customs to verify the current rules/rates.

[sk_tle]

Given the price of a rolex and the suspected VAT + custom duties involved it might be worth using that excuse to schedule a week-end in London ;-)

[vertical_doug]

You are dealing with the world of the US Gov is have mind numbing things like HTSUS. If you are not wearing the wrist watch back, then simply call the US Embassy in London and ask to speak to a US Customs and Border representative to speak about custom duties on larger value items purchased in London.

If you want a real adventure, ask them about hard cheese, soft cheese and butter.....and which is which......

[Lionel]

I am not getting it. Why not wear it back ? Do you really want to pay customs ?

[NYCfixie]

I already have one with me so I doubt they will believe I brought two with me on a 1 week vacation. I do not want to pay customs but a friend got caught once and he paid the duty, a huge fine, and is on their naughty list for life so he now always gets stopped and all bags checked whenever he comes home back to the states.

I am not getting it. Why not wear it back ? Do you really want to pay customs ?

[Ras72]

I would so wear one on each wrist. But that's just me.
I've seen much worse...

[Lionel]

Just don't bring the other one !

[NYCfixie]

I’m in London now and unfortunately our friends who could help and live here are in the states visiting family. And my younger brother will be in London in December but dealers will not hold watches. Thus, the customs and VAT issues.

Just don't bring the other one !

[Lionel]

I’m in London and unfortunately our friends who could help and live here are in the states now visiting family. And my younger brother will be in London in December but dealers will not hold watches. Thus, the customs and VAT issues.

OK but the issue is not getting out right it's coming in to the US. I have never seen anyone check anything for a watch.

[defspace]

Wear long sleeves.

[j44ke]

Do it the right way. Don't try to work both sides of the system. Do not play with kismet.

[Saab2000]

Do it the right way. Don't try to work both sides of the system. Do not play with kismet.

Agreed.

Here's a Rolex Forum post on this exact topic.

my experience buying Rolex abroad, VAT refund, US Customs duty - Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum

[Matthew Strongin]

It must be the new Stainless Steel Daytona with ceramic bezel. If not, why all the fuss? Anything else should be easy enough to find stateside. And if it's a unicorn like the Daytona, I'd just pay whatever the customs fees are.

[murphy]

Declare it just to be safe, but sometimes things come up rosy. When I brought my Speedmaster back from Aix-en-Provence where I bought it, I declared it to the the customs agent with all proper receipts, VAT, etc. and he said don't worry about it and kept the line moving. Sometimes nice things happen.

Is it a new GMT Master II with jubilee bracelet?

[sk_tle]

I’m in London now and unfortunately our friends who could help and live here are in the states visiting family. And my younger brother will be in London in December but dealers will not hold watches. Thus, the customs and VAT issues.

Oh, you are in London right now ? Just wear one watch on each arm. There is no country law I know about that forbid anyone to wear more than one watch.

[Matthew Strongin]

Oh, you are in London right now ? Just wear one watch on each arm. There is no country law I know about that forbid anyone to wear more than one watch.

Uh, the fashion police begs to differ.

[joosttx]

Uh, the fashion police begs to differ.

Joan Rivers is dead.

This post is a humble brag post. The simple solutions are honor the system or grow some balls and wear through customs.

[summilux]

Oh, you are in London right now ? Just wear one watch on each arm.

You can wear two Rolexes per arm.