Should i take my watches to Italy? should I worry about customs?

[SubKing]

I'm traveling to italy for over 2 weeks and i wanted to take a couple watches with me.. some of them are 30k+ and i have heard storys of customs giving people a hard time? should i take an invoice with me as proof of purchase so they don't think i bought them there?

any one have any advise? I won't take all my watches but maybe 2 or 3.. wanted a selection for my trip.

any advise would be great.

thanks all.

[mtgmt]

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

That's all that needs to be said.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Paulie 50

That's all that needs to be said.

To respond to those of you who have been saying "wear one watch and be happy with that"

That's like saying, own one watch and be happy with that... How can you belong to this forum and not understand the feeling of owning or traveling with more than one watch? I love watches and when i travel, i would like to have a different option to choose from. so i just don't understand some of the questioning.

one everyday watch and one dress watch for the night is what i'm thinking..

it's not even about knowing what time it is.. i don't even look at my watches to tell the time.. I look at them to notice the beauty.. So watches are not about knowing the time for me, it is so much more...

I could be wearing two watches, one on each wrist and I would still look at my cell phone for the time.

i cannot put into words my joy for collecting watches, but for those of you who can relate, i'm sure you know exactly what i'm talking about.

thanks to those of you who have been understanding and supportive, i appriciate all the info and help.

[theloxmyth]

Originally Posted by SubKing

To respond to those of you who have been saying "wear one watch and be happy with that"

That's like saying, own one watch and be happy with that... How can you belong to this forum and not understand the feeling of owning or traveling with more than one watch? I love watches and when i travel, i would like to have a different option to choose from. so i just don't understand some of the questioning.

one everyday watch and one dress watch for the night is what i'm thinking..

it's not even about knowing what time it is.. i don't even look at my watches to tell the time.. I look at them to notice the beauty.. So watches are not about knowing the time for me, it is so much more...

I could be wearing two watches, one on each wrist and I would still look at my cell phone for the time.

i cannot put into words my joy for collecting watches, but for those of you who can relate, i'm sure you know exactly what i'm talking about.

thanks to those of you who have been understanding and supportive, i appriciate all the info and help.

Yep!

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

We are watch guys of course we want to take more than one watch!!!

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

Many of us are watch lovers and have more than one watch for a variety of reasons. Being on vacation doesn't change the fact that we still may want access to more than one watch.

[dieseldragon]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE all posters, do not spread blanket statements about "Europe", like its a little country, its a damned big place... I know most people on this forum are from the USA, but I live in Spain, it takes 11-12 hours to drive across it, so its not a small place! and that makes Europe really big as a whole..

If travelling with a watch that looks brand new, that's where you may have a problem as customs may think you bought it on holiday, especially if you have more than one watch on you. If you buy a second watch, post the box and papers home..

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Many of us are watch lovers and have more than one watch for a variety of reasons. Being on vacation doesn't change the fact that we still may want access to more than one watch.

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

We are watch guys of course we want to take more than one watch!!!

[Maxseven]

I've never had a problem, but I'd take the invoice documentation with you just in case. I assume they are insured against theft as well?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by maxseven

i've never had a problem, but i'd take the invoice documentation with you just in case. I assume they are insured against theft as well?

x2

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by Maxseven

I've never had a problem, but I'd take the invoice documentation with you just in case. I assume they are insured against theft as well?

If insured make sure you're covered outside the US.

[mtgmt]

take some crackers with all the cheese...............

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

take some crackers with all the cheese...............

what help are your stupid posts in my thread?

I like to travel with more than one watch, but obviously you cannot understand that. not sure how else to explain it to you?

[landroverking]

I have never traveled with more than one watch.

[psv]

I wouldn't worry about Customs, I would worry about wearing them on the street depending on what time of the day it is and what neighborhood. I brought 3 watches on my latest vacation to Spain, no problems what-so-ever.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by psv

I wouldn't worry about Customs, I would worry about wearing them on the street depending on what time of the day it is and what neighborhood. I brought 3 watches on my latest vacation to Spain, no problems what-so-ever.

did you take any documents with you of proof of purchase?
i have heard of customs taking peoples watches.. but again they were just storys.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SubKing

did you take any documents with you of proof of purchase?
i have heard of customs taking peoples watches.. but again they were just storys.

Stop worrying about customs and enjoy your holiday take the documentation with you and no problem.And I have travelled world wide with a few watches and never ever had any problem without documentation. Its up to customs to prove you have done any illegal before they can seize any item no matter what value large or small .If you are worried my advice just take the one then you will have no worries

[ElPrimero]

Originally Posted by padi56

Its up to customs to prove you have done any illegal before they can seize any item no matter what value large or small .

Customs can do more or less what they want and can certainly seize items they think are subject of tax avoidance with little effort.

You are sadly mistaken if you think stamping your feet and quoting 'prove it' will stop a watch or two slipping into the system/pocket if they so wish (especially at more dubious borders)

Best policy if travelling with a collection is to carry as much 'proof of purchase' as you can.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by ElPrimero

Customs can do more or less what they want and can certainly seize items they think are subject of tax avoidance with little effort.

You are sadly mistaken if you think stamping your feet and quoting 'prove it' will stop a watch or two slipping into the system/pocket if they so wish (especially at more dubious borders)

Best policy if travelling with a collection is to carry as much 'proof of purchase' as you can.

Agree totally. Just for the sake of a photocopy of a few receipts, a lot of hassle can be avoided. I have a friend who has been delayed for well over an hour arguing the position and had to leave watches behind with customs (or pay 20% UK import tax) until proof of purchase can be provided. So involved a return visit to the airport and the time and inconvenience involved.

But up to you...... the chances of getting stopped is very very slim and often I forget unless I am going on a long trip when i may take 4 or 5 with me. But best practice is to take a copy of your receipt and keep it with your travel pack, so with the copy of your passport etc. Also useful if anything gets stolen since you will have the serial number etc to hand for the police report.

[ManUtd]

The US Customs and Border Protection actually recommends bringing appraisals or receipts if you're bringing a lot of jewelry which I assume includes expensive watches. That said, I never had issues with Customs even with multiple watches while traveling.

[Danand]

I don't know about us customs but in Canada you can take watches, cameras, etc to Customs before you leave and they "register" them. Essentially they right a description and serial number on an official card and if questioned on reentry you just show them the card. I usually take my warranty card showing the watch was purchased in Ottawa. Ive been told that would suffice.
I agree with the sentiment of traveling wih only one watch but to each his own. Happy travels!

[Watch Professor]

Originally Posted by Danand

I don't know about us customs but in Canada you can take watches, cameras, etc to Customs before you leave and they "register" them. Essentially they right a description and serial number on an official card and if questioned on reentry you just show them the card. I usually take my warranty card showing the watch was purchased in Ottawa. Ive been told that would suffice.
I agree with the sentiment of traveling wih only one watch but to each his own. Happy travels!

You can do this in the US as well.

[Poohsan]

Originally Posted by Danand

I don't know about us customs but in Canada you can take watches, cameras, etc to Customs before you leave and they "register" them. Essentially they right a description and serial number on an official card and if questioned on reentry you just show them the card. I usually take my warranty card showing the watch was purchased in Ottawa. Ive been told that would suffice.
I agree with the sentiment of traveling wih only one watch but to each his own. Happy travels!

The same can be done in the USA.

Before my departure to Hong Kong I took all my watches to the Customs office in Los Angels and had paperwork issues stating that they are mine.

I would be more concerned about on street theft than customs.

[Danand]

I agree with what Padi said (above) but remember that ever since 9-11 anyone in an American airport with a uniform on seems to think they will be the next hero out to catch terrorists or any other godless person ( smugglers included since they might be funding terrorists!). No disrespect to the US or trivializing 9 11 just that the attitudes of customs or any other uniformed airport personnel have become over the top.

[SubKing]

interesting.. thanks for the tips all. i will take 2 watches then and hope for the best!

[joleel7]

Originally Posted by SubKing

interesting.. thanks for the tips all. i will take 2 watches then and hope for the best!

Take one just in case you want to buy another one there

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by joleel7

Take one just in case you want to buy another one there

good point

[mfer]

I took two watches on my vacation to Europe. I just brought my insurance policy which had the serial numbers of my watches on them. I brought by 111 and my 116710. No one in customs asked me for anything so I don't know if I got lucky or did the right thing.