Advice on Monterrey, Mexico NL

[sea-dweller]

Would it be safe to wear a Rolex in this city, or should I stay with my G Shock ? How about any good AD's in this area ? I will be there next week on a business trip and need some advice.
Thanks !

[Deep Sea]

I live in Mexico, about three hours from Monterrey. Yes, it's safe to wear your Rolex, unless you plan to go out drinking in the barrio (bad part of town). Many parts of Monterrey are like the nicer parts of LA...very high end, especially in San Pedro.

Re AD's, here's the deal...the Mexican MSRP on Rolex is $700-$1000 higher than US MSRP. Not sure why this is, but when the MSRP for a GMT IIC was $6825 in the US, the Mexican MSRP was $7845 USD. You will also see the price tag listed in both USD and Mexican pesos. I suspect this is because the sales folks will adjust the discount to equal a percentage off of the USD price listed on the price tag, to adjust for the fluctuations in the peso.

Do your homework before you come down, to see what you'll pay in the US for the same watch. Know this number in your head, and know the exchange rate on the day you shop for watches. When they run your credit card, you want to be sure your charge shows up as the correct amount in USD, as it will be converted from pesos. Bear in mind you will also pay a foreign currency transaction fee on your credit card, also (1%, I think).

The other option is to bring cash. You don't have to declare any amount under $10K, so you can bring down $5000 in greenbacks and try your hand at a discount on a Sub date or other model. Cash is king down here, and all the jewelry stores will accept US dollars for your purchase. I purchased a ND Sub (COSC version) down here last year for $3600 cash (USD), which at the time was about $800 less than US MSRP (I think US MSRP was about $4400 at the time).

Re a good store, I've used EMWA w/ good results. You can also look on the Rolex website for others. You don't have to worry about the stores, as they're very secure (armed guards), and all very well appointed. Plus, you'll be floored at the diamond-encrusted Rolex you'll see in the stores, and probably on wrists, especially if you go to some of the nice places for dinner.

Enjoy your trip, and let me know if can help in any way.

martin

[sea-dweller]

Thanks !