Wearing a Rolex While Traveling Internationally

[kenm]

I’ve worn Rolex traveling internationally for over 35 years, and never had a problem with customs entering any country, including the U.S. I believe the rules are that you have to declare over $10K in your possession entering the U.S. And if you do that, you pay import duty on a watch you already own. Or worse, if you don’t declare it, you may lose the watch. I guess I’ve been dumb and lucky over the years by not declaring any watch that I was wearing. It wasn’t that I was trying to be deceptive. I just never really thought about it. I usually wear a long sleeved shirt, which also allows me to get through security without taking the watch off.

But with the Rolex mania over the past few years, I’m thinking that customs officials (especially in the U.S.) are now much more tuned to this issue. The Rolex mania has made many people (not true collectors or aficionados like us) think of Rolex watches as asset instruments.

Has anyone here experienced problems wearing a Rolex while traveling internationally? Do you declare it or just hope for the best?

[Kinnakeet]

I did once entering the US from Canada. Mostly because I had the receipt and box. Took about 30 mins of talking but I was let go.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kenm

I’ve worn Rolex traveling internationally for over 35 years, and never had a problem with customs entering any country, including the U.S. I believe the rules are that you have to declare over $10K in your possession entering the U.S. And if you do that, you pay import duty on a watch you already own. Or worse, if you don’t declare it, you may lose the watch. I guess I’ve been dumb and lucky over the years by not declaring any watch that I was wearing. It wasn’t that I was trying to be deceptive. I just never really thought about it. I usually wear a long sleeved shirt, which also allows me to get through security without taking the watch off.

But with the Rolex mania over the past few years, I’m thinking that customs officials (especially in the U.S.) are now much more tuned to this issue. The Rolex mania has made many people (not true collectors or aficionados like us) think of Rolex watches as asset instruments.

Has anyone here experienced problems wearing a Rolex while traveling internationally? Do you declare it or just hope for the best?

Short answer no.

[skipstar]

This year I traveled to Aruba twice and Bermuda, each trip I was wearing a Rolex and I had at least 3 in a travel roll with me with zero issues, not even 1 question and I did not remove my watch at any of the metal detectors.

[espanol]

I travel internationally every month, all around the world, and never had an issue.

[nighthawk77]

I've not had any problems with customs. The only frustration I have traveling is the inconsistency between airport security - at some airports no need to take off, while others insist it must be removed.

[donv]

The answer is "no." The $10,000 thing is for money you are bringing into the country, and CBP defines money as follows:

"Money" means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers' checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.

You can bring all the personal possessions you want into the country, and it's none of their business. If you bought it outside the US and are bringing it in for the first time then, yes, you do have to declare it, and pay duty on it. But if you already own it or bought it in the US, then you don't have to do anything.

[Jerrocop]

Nope. I've never been asked to take it off. Never declared it. Never been asked about it.

[Carbon Brakes]

I have worn my WG GMT to Europe a few times and never had an issue or even questioned about it.

[mmbiker]

I was once greeted with, I like your speedmaster walking by the security agent.

This tells me, they know about your Rolex, Patek, Omega, etc.... They were looking for my reaction.

That is why I always have a digital copy of my receipt. All my watch are from AD.

[watchboynyc]

I believe that if you bought the watch overseas then you need to claim/report it. However, if it's your watch and you left the US with it, then you dont need to report it as it's your watch that you bought and paid taxes on it.

Sometimes people who bought a watch overseas will put it on their wrist and wear it and not claim it. If the custom agents catch you with the box and papers in your bag, then you might be in a little bit of trouble.

Sometimes, they will ask your for receipt or proof of purchase or picture of your watch that was taken before your trip back to the US.

[creepy neville]

Pretty sure that is (more than) 10K CASH you have to declare - not what you’re wearing.

‘Been all over the world and only been asked about my watch once - and that was entering Canada.

I presented a photocopy of my receipt (which I always travel with) and I was promptly on my way.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I never take my watch off in an airport - I do however often pull my cuff over my watch to avoid possible issues (wherever I am am).

Common sense …

[aniconic]

Originally Posted by kenm

I believe the rules are that you have to declare over $10K in your possession entering the U.S. And if you do that, you pay import duty on a watch you already own. Or worse, if you don’t declare it, you may lose the watch. I guess I’ve been dumb and lucky over the years by not declaring any watch that I was wearing. It wasn’t that I was trying to be deceptive. I just never really thought about it. I usually wear a long sleeved shirt, which also allows me to get through security without taking the watch off.

I think you are conflating several different customs rules.

You have to declare if you have cash (or cash equivalents) of more than $10,000 when entering the US. You do not pay duty on it, you just have to declare it. Specifically, you must file form FinCEN Form 105.

If you bought something in the US, take it out with you, then bring it back, you do not have to declare it and you do not have to pay duty on it, regardless of the value. You can get CBP Form 4457 and have it filled out prior to departure.

If you bought something in another country and are bringing it back, then you generally pay duty on anything over your allowance. The allowance can vary depending upon which country. If you fail to declare, then there can be penalties in addition to the duty.

[brandrea]

I travel with digital copies of my receipt, warranty card, and date stamped pictures of the watch I’m wearing.

I’ve never been asked but you never know …

I also pack my watch in my carry on just prior to entering security. I’d rather not inconvenience other travelers or scramble to find a safe place to set my watch if security asks me to remove it. YMMV.

[RotorSelfWinding]

Shouldn't be a concern. It's not really the spirit of the law to do that.

[Mr Ben]

This doesn’t sound right. If you’ve not bought it on your travels, you have nothing to declare. It’s just a watch. If you’re paranoid, take a photo before you leave to prove you didn’t buy abroad. But no, I’ve never had a problem or question and I travel a lot.

[Hardtimes]

Not in the current climate of lawlessness!

[DavidSB]

Last 3 times I entered US airports with Global Entry and carry-on there was no customs. Surprisingly I went directly from the Global kiosk to the CBP guy who said welcome home to the street. Wild guess but maybe it doesn't pay to staff customs 24/7 but just randomly or for flights from countries with customs violation history.

[Cambo]

I have numerous time stamped photos of my watches (and other jewelry) in my home, always before travelling.

[996marty]

Carrying cash from one country to another can be a red flag especially if it’s a large amount. Trying to prove or disprove the value of something you are wearing is surely a different matter especially if it’s an old watch, all I can say is nobody has ever asked any questions about the value of any of my watches

[kkqd1337]

Do you have any link or reference that says you need to declare any item worth more than 10k?

As others have said I think you are confusing yourself with a rule about cash.

And perhaps there is an import rule about NEW items, but not things you already own. Which obviously they could never prove.

Plenty of people travel wearing diamonds and watches on every flight

[SAAS]

Enforcement has changed from time to time over the years. In my recent experience declaring watches purchased on family vacations it does not seem that normal citizens enjoying themselves on vaca are the target of enforcement. Your experience may vary.

[SAAS]

Originally Posted by DavidSB

Last 3 times I entered US airports with Global Entry and carry-on there was no customs. Surprisingly I went directly from the Global kiosk to the CBP guy who said welcome home to the street. Wild guess but maybe it doesn't pay to staff customs 24/7 but just randomly or for flights from countries with customs violation history.

The person you hand the receipt to at global entry may or may not ask questions it is up to you to declare at that stop prior to picking up luggage

[DavidSB]

At the new GE kiosks there is no longer a receipt. No screen with questions (flight no., etc.) just facial recognition and the guy on the podium says "welcome home". No customs booth, and with carry-on just the street. Go figure?

[77T]

I would say to any GE, or other travelers reaching customs, or TSA domestic Pre, or not…be prepared for asymmetric security procedures.

The increased global tension in some arenas is spurring a reset to avoid becoming complacent through predictable procedures.

Not saying “take off your watch”, but be ready to comply with less predictable screenings.

I like what Brandea said - it saves some hassles and the newer TUMI’s actually have a secret pocket for such small valuables as a Rolex.


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[SudiYunus]

When we enter Seattle from overseas trips, the officer always asks if we bring any goods above $900 with us, a family of 4, but last month, at US Preclearance USCBP at T2 Dublin airport, Ireland, the officer asked, anything above $600, so I'm not sure what is the correct number, maybe others can chime in. Thank you.

[inadeje]

I’ve traveled internationally with Rolex and other luxury watches on my wrist for +4 decades and never given the matter a second of thought. There are Louis Vuitton suitcases that cost more than a Rolex. A diamond ring can easily cost 100k. Customs could technically target any affluent traveler.

[sawhornsoff]

I wore my 116500 black Daytona to Taiwan and back without issue.

[waterman1]

This idea seems crazy. Someone could own couple pair of Prada shoes and a Luis Vuitton coat and be well over $10k. Are you supposed to declare your wardrobe that you traveled with? This just seems strange and would jam up the process of traveling abroad.

[SearChart]

Never been an issue for me.