Buy Daytona 116520 in Buenos Aires - safe?

[Flo_147]

Hi guys,

I am new here and want to buy a new Rolex Daytona 116520 when I am in buenos aires later this year.

How safe it is to buy a watch there? Any concerns about the authenticity of the watch?

Was thinking of buying the watch at santarelli or ricciardi. Which one is more reliable?

Thanks guys. Really do appreciate your help!
Flo

[kultschar]

Why buy from there??? I visit S America frequently and the prices in the respectable places are not cheaper then the trusted sellers on here.

Personally I wouldn't and would def not want to have one in my Possession in South America.

[Dr. Robert]

Be careful, a TRF member was mugged in BA. & his Rolex stolen

[tavv160]

Originally Posted by kultschar

personally i wouldn't and would def not want to have one in my possession in south america.

x2

[Flo_147]

Yh i do understand that Buenos Aires is not the safest city on earth but don't wanna wear the watch there. I just wanted to buy it there. Thus I wanted to know if it's safe to buy there in terms of authenticity :)

Thx guys

[tavv160]

Originally Posted by Flo_147

Yh i do understand that Buenos Aires is not the safest city on earth but don't wanna wear the watch there. I just wanted to buy it there. Thus I wanted to know if it's safe to buy there in terms of authenticity :)

Thx guys

I guess as long as you buy from an AD there should be no problem. Safe travels!

[Flo_147]

Originally Posted by tavv160

I guess as long as you buy from an AD there should be no problem. Safe travels!

Thx man! Will try to get a gem there then lol

[jon_jon]

The one incident of a TRF member getting his watch stolen in BA probably has gotten a lot of people "worried". I suspect > 90% of people who are involved in the discussion has never been to BA. I think major US cities like NYC, LA, DC and Miami can just be as dangerous, but those of us who live in the US get used to it. There are probably more violent crimes occurring in the US, whereas perhaps more property theft in places like BA. Property theft in the US never get any media attention, whereas murder, rape and kidnapping is on the news constantly.

Having said this, if you purchase a watch from an AD in BA or any major city, I wouldn't worry about the authenticity as long as you get the original papers.

[Flo_147]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

The one incident of a TRF member getting his watch stolen in BA probably has gotten a lot of people "worried". I suspect > 90% of people who are involved in the discussion has never been to BA. I think major US cities like NYC, LA, DC and Miami can just be as dangerous, but those of us who live in the US get used to it. There are probably more violent crimes occurring in the US, whereas perhaps more property theft in places like BA. Property theft in the US never get any media attention, whereas murder, rape and kidnapping is on the news constantly.

Having said this, if you purchase a watch from an AD in BA or any major city, I wouldn't worry about the authenticity as long as you get the original papers.

Yeah I do think so as well. I have been there last year and found it not unsafe at all - or as safe as big cities like LA etc in the US.

So I will then go ahead and buy from one of the ADs there and will let ya know how it has worked out then.

[Psmith]

I assume you intend to reclaim the VAT (21%?) when you exit the country?
Perhaps leave the watch at the AD until you are ready to leave, thus minimising the chances of anything happening.
Any tax/duty implications when returning to Germany?

[GPPD 276]

I would buy it here. Gonna have to pay duty since it will be over 10k purchase

[Passionata]

Buying is safe wearing it not so....

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Flo_147

Hi guys,

I am new here and want to buy a new Rolex Daytona 116520 when I am in buenos aires later this year.

How safe it is to buy a watch there? Any concerns about the authenticity of the watch?

Was thinking of buying the watch at santarelli or ricciardi. Which one is more reliable?

Thanks guys. Really do appreciate your help!
Flo

Santarelli is an AD. Ricciardi is not. Recently Santarelli in the shop of Florida street had a Daytona SS for around 11000 dollars. It is a very trustable seller.
Please..buy the watch but do not wear in Buenos Aires. you will be mugged in 5 minutes. I am from Argentina any question you can ask me to my private site in this forum.

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by kultschar

Why buy from there??? I visit S America frequently and the prices in the respectable places are not cheaper then the trusted sellers on here.

Personally I wouldn't and would def not want to have one in my Possession in South America.

It is not true. I bought a 116610 from an AD in 7200 dollars. The Daytona cost 11000. In the USA the cost are 8550 and 12000 and you have to add the tax.
And if you are not an argentinian citizen you can ask for the devolution of the 21 per cent of tax.

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Flo_147

Hi guys,

I am new here and want to buy a new Rolex Daytona 116520 when I am in buenos aires later this year.

How safe it is to buy a watch there? Any concerns about the authenticity of the watch?

Was thinking of buying the watch at santarelli or ricciardi. Which one is more reliable?

Thanks guys. Really do appreciate your help!
Flo

I am Aventura. I forgott tlo tell you that you can ask for the tax devolution that is a lot of money 21 per cent.

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Be careful, a TRF member was mugged in BA. & his Rolex stolen

In the street. I bought one new and did no use in Argentina. But in USA anc can use. Now....I don't know in the future.....

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Flo_147

Yh i do understand that Buenos Aires is not the safest city on earth but don't wanna wear the watch there. I just wanted to buy it there. Thus I wanted to know if it's safe to buy there in terms of authenticity :)

Thx guys

Good aclaration. You are right. You can buy in Santarelli, Testorelli,La Joularie, Homero, etc..etc.. All are AD. And they are more.

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by tavv160

i guess as long as you buy from an ad there should be no problem. Safe travels!

exactly!

[Survivor]

Buying it is very safe.........wearing it, now that's another matter......

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

The one incident of a TRF member getting his watch stolen in BA probably has gotten a lot of people "worried". I suspect > 90% of people who are involved in the discussion has never been to BA.

I agree, it isn't as bad as it's made out to be.

Originally Posted by Aventura

Santarelli is an AD. Ricciardi is not. Recently Santarelli in the shop of Florida street had a Daytona SS for around 11000 dollars. It is a very trustable seller.
Please..buy the watch but do not wear in Buenos Aires. you will be mugged in 5 minutes. I am from Argentina any question you can ask me to my private site in this forum.

Where, at 0200 hrs walking in the back alleys of San Telmo. I think that comment is highly exaggerated. I've lived here(Buenos Aires) for two years and wear my Deepsea every where except when I go running or the gym...never had a problem. However, I am careful, vigilant and follow common sense. I may be seen as a difficult target as I'm somewhat muscular and athletic looking and protective security is my career(meaning I have precautions I follow) but to say "mugged in 5 minutes is absurd" and in my opinion and will only incite panic.

I travel on public buses and trains and it does get noticed at times but again common sense, I don't walk around on a crowded bus raising my big Deepsea wearing wrist at eye level for all to ogle at, common sense. Sure it can be a dangerous city but so can NYC....walk around the Lower East Side or Alphabet City at the wrong time and see what happens.

Anyway, I disagree with the whole don't wear it and 5 minutes......Not the safest city in the world but it isn't the South Bronx in the late 70s either.


I'd buy in BA if I could....I've seen their prices cheaper than TRF sellers. I don't want to quote a bunch of prices and possibly incriminate some of the ADs but I will buy my next Rolex an 114060 there, and for a quick example it was offered at $6k bnib. The only issue I see is whether they'll have that in stock, I have yet to see a Daytona sitting at an AD and I go window shopping every couple months or so, finding one is the problem. They did tell me that if Rolex has any allotment they can get it there in 2 weeks.

If you have questions, send me a pm, I think I have a few cards with addresses laying around.
.......But, for a traveler I'm just not ever convinced that buying on "the move" is the best option. I know people buy on cruises and all, and I have seen some good prices moving around at various airports, but if I was dedicated and decided on making a purchase of this size, a Rolex, I actually would prefer doing it as it relates to me nationally(region of residence) unless you're an expat like me and live, stay or travel to a specific destination for extended periods.

my .02 pennies.

Good luck.

[Rashid.bk]

At an AD, authenticity isn't a concern....Homero at Patio Bullrich is about the best Rolex AD and they seem to always have a very good selection, though you can't tell as the store is small and they keep most of there references in the safe.
The mall is filled with multiple guards on every level, many which are armed and the area is very secure in general.
But again, I wouldn't walk around BA with a bag from Homero for all to see, I'd throw it in a pack or some generic store bag.
...and I wouldn't walk around NYC with a Wempe bag either.

[Flo_147]

Thanks so much for all this valuable informations! I am really proud of being a member of this community now.

I will definitely buy it now in BA, since its not unsafer than in any other city, at least when you don't behave like bling bling tourist.

Will update you guys then, how it worked out in the end ;)

[Rashid.bk]

Happy we could help, but it's all just information so every case may be different. This thread does not provide thee end resolution but the experience of a few.
So with that good luck in BA, nice steak, wine, girls..err people, summer weather....

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I agree, it isn't as bad as it's made out to be.



Where, at 0200 hrs walking in the back alleys of San Telmo. I think that comment is highly exaggerated. I've lived here(Buenos Aires) for two years and wear my Deepsea every where except when I go running or the gym...never had a problem. However, I am careful, vigilant and follow common sense. I may be seen as a difficult target as I'm somewhat muscular and athletic looking and protective security is my career(meaning I have precautions I follow) but to say "mugged in 5 minutes is absurd" and in my opinion and will only incite panic.

I travel on public buses and trains and it does get noticed at times but again common sense, I don't walk around on a crowded bus raising my big Deepsea wearing wrist at eye level for all to ogle at, common sense. Sure it can be a dangerous city but so can NYC....walk around the Lower East Side or Alphabet City at the wrong time and see what happens.

Anyway, I disagree with the whole don't wear it and 5 minutes......Not the safest city in the world but it isn't the South Bronx in the late 70s either.


I'd buy in BA if I could....I've seen their prices cheaper than TRF sellers. I don't want to quote a bunch of prices and possibly incriminate some of the ADs but I will buy my next Rolex an 114060 there, and for a quick example it was offered at $6k bnib. The only issue I see is whether they'll have that in stock, I have yet to see a Daytona sitting at an AD and I go window shopping every couple months or so, finding one is the problem. They did tell me that if Rolex has any allotment they can get it there in 2 weeks.

If you have questions, send me a pm, I think I have a few cards with addresses laying around.
.......But, for a traveler I'm just not ever convinced that buying on "the move" is the best option. I know people buy on cruises and all, and I have seen some good prices moving around at various airports, but if I was dedicated and decided on making a purchase of this size, a Rolex, I actually would prefer doing it as it relates to me nationally(region of residence) unless you're an expat like me and live, stay or travel to a specific destination for extended periods.

my .02 pennies.

Good luck.

When I said five minutes it was a way to say .. it was a statement. we all know that Buenos Aires is a very dangerous but are not sure you are going to be mugged 100 percent. But if you are showing something of value there is a great chance to get robbed. I'm sorry to say this about Argentina and I lived there until 60 years old. The undesirables are a minority, most people are decent .. unfortunately the laws are not as they should be tough on crime.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I'd buy in BA if I could....I've seen their prices cheaper than TRF sellers. I don't want to quote a bunch of prices and possibly incriminate some of the ADs but I will buy my next Rolex an 114060 there, and for a quick example it was offered at $6k bnib. The only issue I see is whether they'll have that in stock, I have yet to see a Daytona sitting at an AD and I go window shopping every couple months or so, finding one is the problem. They did tell me that if Rolex has any allotment they can get it there in 2 weeks.

If you have questions, send me a pm, I think I have a few cards with addresses laying around.
.......But, for a traveler I'm just not ever convinced that buying on "the move" is the best option. I know people buy on cruises and all, and I have seen some good prices moving around at various airports, but if I was dedicated and decided on making a purchase of this size, a Rolex, I actually would prefer doing it as it relates to me nationally(region of residence) unless you're an expat like me and live, stay or travel to a specific destination for extended periods.

my .02 pennies.

Rashid, I am curious to know why you don't recommend purchasing a Rolex while abroad. Some people travel abroad for business or pleasure and many people make purchases away from home. Just look at the Chinese. They purchase most of their high-end watch purchases outside mainland China. They have a different culture though. With the currency situation in Argentina, I would think purchasing a watch in BA for foreigners would be a great deal. I assume watch prices are listed in Argentine Pesos and not in US dollars. I know real estate transactions are conducted in US dollars there so property values don't plummet with the currency situation.

[masterserg]

I was born, grew up and lived in BA through my mid 20's.

You will be ok buying from any of the reputable places mentioned above.

Buenos Aires became a lot more dangerous in the last few years. I would not wear it (in fact I wear a G-Shock when I fly back to visit relatives). Aventura is spot on with his comments. Even if it is not a given that you will have problems, why do you need the extra stress?

Obviously, "mugged in 5 minutes" is a way of saying ... but you most definitely need to be careful and watch around.

There are only a few places where I do not bring any of my watches. Unfortunately, my home town is one of them.

[Flo_147]

Yh sure, BA is not the safest city on earth but buying a watch there and taking it back home to USA/Europe should be OK.

I have heard mixed reviews about the tax refund in BA. Can somebody maybe confirm, that it is possible to get the 21% tax back when you buy a Rolex there or does this tax refund only applies to products produced in Argentina?

Furthermore, I am curious about the way the watch dealers price out their products. Do they price out in USD or in ARS?

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Rashid, I am curious to know why you don't recommend purchasing a Rolex while abroad. Some people travel abroad for business or pleasure and many people make purchases away from home. Just look at the Chinese. They purchase most of their high-end watch purchases outside mainland China. They have a different culture though. With the currency situation in Argentina, I would think purchasing a watch in BA for foreigners would be a great deal. I assume watch prices are listed in Argentine Pesos and not in US dollars. I know real estate transactions are conducted in US dollars there so property values don't plummet with the currency situation.

No reason, just personal. It's not a common thing for me to shell out thousands from my bank account and immediately after any high dollar purchase I'm one of those people that gets filled a little buyers remorse and my stomach turns....
However once I receive or style into my purchase after a day or two alls well.

It's just that initial bite that gets me when the account drains down as for me I'm a cash buyer. So if I'm traveling I don't want the self induced stress of a purchase this size while I'm on the move. In my home town I can make the purchase and then sit comfortably with no constraints, no plans, dinners, etc and just enjoy my purchase. It also help to buy locally/nationally for me so when my ocd kicks in and begin to discover any deficiencies I have some options available for resolution.
A purchase abroad just leaves you with the warranty to deal with. But again, there's pros/cons and mine are just for personal reasons. There are excellent deals to be had abroad.

Originally Posted by Flo_147

Yh sure, BA is not the safest city on earth but buying a watch there and taking it back home to USA/Europe should be OK.

I have heard mixed reviews about the tax refund in BA. Can somebody maybe confirm, that it is possible to get the 21% tax back when you buy a Rolex there or does this tax refund only applies to products produced in Argentina?

Furthermore, I am curious about the way the watch dealers price out their products. Do they price out in USD or in ARS?

I haven't done it personally but from what I'm told you do. However when ever I've discussed a purchase and a price with any of the ADs, they never mentioned an additional tax added to the price....but this is not facts, just sharing my experience with this topic. The office for the tax refund is clearly marked and always seems fully functional. I'll talk to someone I know to see if they can clarify, I'll pm you.

As far as prices, they are in pesos. They'll sell it in the currency of your choice but because of the exchange rates you will save about $3-700USD depending on model if you paid in USD vs paying in pesos, this already considering the lower prices I've seen for the watches that interested me.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

ever I've discussed a purchase and a price with any of the ADs, they never mentioned an additional tax added to the price....but this is not facts, just sharing my experience with this topic. The office for the tax refund is clearly marked and always seems fully functional. I'll talk to someone I know to see if they can clarify, I'll pm you.

VAT (21%) is included in the price (not added at the register as it is the case with Sales Tax in the US).

VAT refund only applies to goods manufactured in Argentina. Here's the relevant excerpt from Customs Legislation:

http://www.afip.gob.ar/english/touristInformation.asp#h

[masterserg]

Double post ...