First time buyer

[triplecwatson]

Hello, I found your guys forum through a google search and have been lurking for a month or so now. This forum seems to have many knowledgeable members so I thought I'd post and see your guys thoughts on buying a Rolex.

I am currently going on a trip to Europe with my Dad at the end of the year. We will be flying into Munich, Germany and were thinking about dropping down to Switzerland to buy a Rolex berore heading onward.

Here's what I was wondering:

1. Any advantages/disadvantages to buying in Switzerland/Austria/Germany vs. USA?

2. Any advice on where to buy in above countries?

3. Any toughts on customs cost wise/wearing it back?

4. Is VAT refundable?

I am pretty sure that I will be going with a DJ watch but right now I'd like any thoughts you guys had on the above questions.

Thank you very much for any help/advice you all have on the topic.

--triplecwatson

[zlin08033]

Just came back from Switzerland, you wouldn't believe how much you can save to buy here, if you are not in a hurry to buy, get a quote here then compare there...

[submariner16610]

you mean it's cheaper to buy here in the u.s. compared switzerland??

[Defiancekofb]

It's always cheaper to buy in the US. If you purchase across the pond, you have to deal with the weak dollar against the Euro. Not to mention that Rolex Retail Prices are usually much more in Europe than the US Retail Prices.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by defiancekofb

it's always cheaper to buy in the us. If you purchase across the pond, you have to deal with the weak dollar against the euro. Not to mention that rolex retail prices are usually much more in europe than the us retail prices.

x2

[zlin08033]

Originally Posted by submariner16610

you mean it's cheaper to buy here in the u.s. compared switzerland??

Yes, A LOT.

[triplecwatson]

Thanks for the quick respones!

I appreciate the information but still got some questions if anyone could help.

The only reason I thought t Rolex might be cheaper there is because they were at one time. Granted that was 30 years ago when my dad got his, but doesn't hurt to ask.

Would these prices be the same across Europe due to the EU?

I guess what I don't understand is how can they be imported for less than buying them direct? Are the duties that low or is there a factory in the US now?

Thanks for any help you could provide.

[Bullyterrier]

I have the price list in Euros it is from France, but I would have thought it would be the same as Switzerland but don't know for sure. If you tell me what model you were thinking of I could tell you what the price is. But as a guide a Datejust 116200 stainless steel with oyster bracelet is €4,165 (That's Euros) and a 116233 two tone with Jubilee bracelet is €6,730

[Christiaan]

You need to look at countries that have weeker $ compared to the USD. Example: last year I had the opportunityto buy a BNIB from an AD Rolex GMT II 18k for $18k USD...that includes the VAT back at the airport, the currency conversion, and the 10% discount the AD was offering....