A Question for Canadians

[EmpireCity]

Hello All--

I am looking to purchase my first watch internationally and have narrowed my choices down to an Omega Seamaster SMP 2254, Planet Ocean 2200.50, or Rolex Sub.

Okay so here's my question directed to Canadians, or those whom can provide some insight:

What were the costs incurred (if any) for importing these timepieces into Canada? How exactly are these costs broken down? And as a first time watch buyer, are there any other considerations that should be taken when cross-border buying? BTW, I intend to have them mailed to me, or else I would buy one and wear it back up.

Forgive me if this subject has been covered extensively in the past--this is my first day on the forums.

[Gerardus]

Take the SUB!

[golcrazy1202]

Originally Posted by EmpireCity

Hello All--

I am looking to purchase my first watch internationally and have narrowed my choices down to an Omega Seamaster SMP 2254, Planet Ocean 2200.50, or Rolex Sub.

Okay so here's my question directed to Canadians, or those whom can provide some insight:

What were the costs incurred (if any) for importing these timepieces into Canada? How exactly are these costs broken down? And as a first time watch buyer, are there any other considerations that should be taken when cross-border buying? BTW, I intend to have them mailed to me, or else I would buy one and wear it back up.

Forgive me if this subject has been covered extensively in the past--this is my first day on the forums.

I was curious and posted a similar question earlier. I was told that the charges include 5% duties and taxes plus whatever provincial tax is applicable depending on where you live. Maybe someone else may chime in. Also, go with the SUB IMHO

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by golcrazy1202

I was curious and posted a similar question earlier. I was told that the charges include 5% duties and taxes plus whatever provincial tax is applicable depending on where you live. Maybe someone else may chime in. Also, go with the SUB IMHO

It's unfortunate that the variety and prices are not as competitive as the U.S., or else it would make much more sense to keep business north of the border.

[mannyb]

Where in Canada are you? Are you located near the border?

[king1412]

There is an Omega AD in the US that offers great discount and will 'ship' the watch to Canada.

[Alcan]

The fees are 5% import duty based on the appraised value of the item (a realistic seller's invoice will do) on any item not originating in Canada, USA, or Mexico (NAFTA), plus applicable PST/GST, plus $5 processing fee.

The 20% Canadian import luxury tax was abolished in April 2007.

If you choose to wear it into Canada to avoid taxes, be advised that you will probably not be able to get it insured. Canadian insurance companies generally want proof that the insured item was "legally obtained", which includes proof of payment of any applicable taxes and duty.

[SteveK]

I know some sellers will mail things as "parts for repair" and declare an insurance value of $19. You get tracking but take the risk on shipping damages and loss (unlikely) have them ship the box and manuals afterwards, you'll have to arrange this with them if they're willing to co-operate. I know duty free shops that sell to tourists will mail the boxes and manuals to you and you wear the watch out of the shop. The risk is up to you, and if you feel you already pay too many taxes to only see them spent in the most inefficient ways, thats a personal choice. Or declare the full value. My latest trip to a Toronto AD left a bad taste in my mouth as their prices were a lot higher (a 14060 was close to $7K and the PEPSI GMT was being sold WELL ABOVE list because of the GMT ceramic, it's not even vintage yet)AND they made a point of saying they were the only dealer within XXX amount of miles so they wont offer a discount over 8% because "I couldnt go anywhere else" like I dont know what the internet is, I didnt even ask in the first place.
on the plus side, they did have some Tudor models. But I dared not ask the price which I assumed would be way more than it should of been.

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by mannyb

Where in Canada are you? Are you located near the border?

I'm in Winnipeg, so an hour drive to the border--however, the closest city with decent shopping would have to be the Twin Cities--not sure what Fargo ND has for luxury watches.

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by Alcan

The fees are 5% import duty based on the appraised value of the item (a realistic seller's invoice will do) on any item not originating in Canada, USA, or Mexico (NAFTA), plus applicable PST/GST, plus $5 processing fee.

The 20% Canadian import luxury tax was abolished in April 2007.

If you choose to wear it into Canada to avoid taxes, be advised that you will probably not be able to get it insured. Canadian insurance companies generally want proof that the insured item was "legally obtained", which includes proof of payment of any applicable taxes and duty.

This is great information to have, and was exactly what I was looking for. THanks so much for your insight!

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by SteveK

I know some sellers will mail things as "parts for repair" and declare an insurance value of $19. You get tracking but take the risk on shipping damages and loss (unlikely) have them ship the box and manuals afterwards, you'll have to arrange this with them if they're willing to co-operate. I know duty free shops that sell to tourists will mail the boxes and manuals to you and you wear the watch out of the shop. The risk is up to you, and if you feel you already pay too many taxes to only see them spent in the most inefficient ways, thats a personal choice. Or declare the full value. My latest trip to a Toronto AD left a bad taste in my mouth as their prices were a lot higher (a 14060 was close to $7K and the PEPSI GMT was being sold WELL ABOVE list because of the GMT ceramic, it's not even vintage yet)AND they made a point of saying they were the only dealer within XXX amount of miles so they wont offer a discount over 8% because "I couldnt go anywhere else" like I dont know what the internet is, I didnt even ask in the first place.
on the plus side, they did have some Tudor models. But I dared not ask the price which I assumed would be way more than it should of been.

I believe that's the mentality in Winnipeg as well..there are not a lot of quality watch dealers here, heck, most people believe that a luxury watch is a shiny quartz citizen (not Campanolas, mind you). Therefore, if you are interested in an Omega, Rolex, etc, you have little choice, and therefore poor competition. What can I say, Winnipeg is a 'working man's' city!

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by king1412

There is an Omega AD in the US that offers great discount and will 'ship' the watch to Canada.

Thanks to members of this forum, I was able to find dealers based in the U.S. who were willing to deal with me, thanks!

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by EmpireCity

Thanks to members of this forum, I was able to find dealers based in the U.S. who were willing to deal with me, thanks!

Good stuff, but don't keep us in suspense!

Which watch did you choose?

[Tomko]

Originally Posted by EmpireCity

I believe that's the mentality in Winnipeg as well..there are not a lot of quality watch dealers here, heck, most people believe that a luxury watch is a shiny quartz citizen (not Campanolas, mind you). Therefore, if you are interested in an Omega, Rolex, etc, you have little choice, and therefore poor competition. What can I say, Winnipeg is a 'working man's' city!

Winnipeg has some of the best food that I've ever eaten and some of the most beautiful women that I've ever seen.

[EmpireCity]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Good stuff, but don't keep us in suspense!

Which watch did you choose?

The Canadian MSRP for the Planet Ocean 45.5 black and white is $4500CAD ($4210 USD) **You can pretty much save about $500.00 CAD just buying buying an Omega watch in the U.S., even at FULL price!

Without getting into price specifics, by purchasing through a U.S. dealer, with their discount, I am able to buy the PO, and look for a decent 2254.50 as well if I so decided that I want an everyday wearer too.

I was SO close to buying from my AD here in Canada who was only willing to go down 10%-- simply because I didn't feel I had much other choice. Thanks guys for providing me with some better options!

BTW: the prices quoted above, are, or course pre-Monday prices.

[SteveK]

most OMEGA dealers in Canada i've dealt with will do 13% easily. I believe they can go as high as 23% if you pay cash

[jasper]

I just bought a watch in Germany - a Sinn. When it arrived I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had to pay only the GST and the 5% import duty. There was no provincial sales tax. The seller shipped it DHL postal, which means it was handed over to Canada Post when it got into the country.

[Tony2]

Originally Posted by Tomko

Winnipeg has some of the best food that I've ever eaten and some of the most beautiful women that I've ever seen.

You dont get out much do ya?

Tony2