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

[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?

[mtgmt]

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

[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

[landroverking]

I have never traveled with more than one watch.

[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?

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by mtgmt

why take more than one watch anywhere???

wear one and be happy with that

[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.

[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!

[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

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[Grissom]

As has been said with respect to Canadian Customs, one can register items taken abroad, before leaving, with US Customs......makes reentry much less potentially problematic.

As one would when out and about anywhere (home, abroad, etc), be aware of your surroundings, and do whatever you can to be less of an attractive target.

Be safe, and enjoy your trip!

[TSW]

Jordan,
What I want to know is....which ones are you bringing with you?
Also where in Italy are you going, interested in a detour to Sweden

[jrssv]

We were in Italy for a couple of weeks last spring. I had no trouble with customs. I bought a couple of pair of travel pants for the trip. Besides being easy to wash and dry they have a zippered pocket inside the right front pocket. Besides having insurance, when I was in places that were very crowded I slipped my Rolex in that pocket. I kept my passport there all the time. I think the company is called Rail Roaders or something like that.

[Omega 1120]

Be careful in Italy, a tourist in Naples was killed when two people on a motorbike tried to take his Rolex while they were moving, he was knocked to the ground.

As far as your watches....fill out the form below online then print it out and have a CBP officer sign it at the airport when you leave.

Fill it out like this:

Rolex Brand Wristwatch Model 16610
Serial No. K123456


http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf


Here are the instructions for filling out the form:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl...gistration.xml


Have fun on your trip

[scarab007]

It already seems like you are getting worked up before your trip has even started. Personally, I would just take one watch and not worry about it. If one does get stolen, taken by customs or what ever else can happen, that will probably put a bad taste in your mouth.

I can just see the post now upon your return asking for help to file an insurance claim for a watch that was stolen abroad. Not to sound like an ass, but just my post.

[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.

[matt4hand]

I have traveled with 2 watches and have never had any issues at customs. I think that form above is a great idea.

[TFM]

Originally Posted by Omega 1120

Be careful in Italy, a tourist in Naples was killed when two people on a motorbike tried to take his Rolex while they were moving, he was knocked to the ground.

As far as your watches....fill out the form below online then print it out and have a CBP officer sign it at the airport when you leave.

Fill it out like this:

Rolex Brand Wristwatch Model 16610
Serial No. K123456


http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf


Here are the instructions for filling out the form:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl...gistration.xml


Have fun on your trip

Sound advice. Thanks for the link.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by joleel7

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

good point

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by TSW

Jordan,
What I want to know is....which ones are you bringing with you?
Also where in Italy are you going, interested in a detour to Sweden

I wish myfriend, but the wife planned everything so my hands are tied.
I will make it out there soon and we will enjoy a nice bottle latour on me

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Omega 1120

Be careful in Italy, a tourist in Naples was killed when two people on a motorbike tried to take his Rolex while they were moving, he was knocked to the ground.

As far as your watches....fill out the form below online then print it out and have a CBP officer sign it at the airport when you leave.

Fill it out like this:

Rolex Brand Wristwatch Model 16610
Serial No. K123456


http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

Here are the instructions for filling out the form:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl...gistration.xml


Have fun on your trip

great info, thanks!

but where in the world do i find a CPB officer to sign the form once i fill it out? at the airport?

[Omega 1120]

Originally Posted by SubKing

great info, thanks!

but where in the world do i find a CPB officer to sign the form once i fill it out? at the airport?

Yes. If the airport has international flights, there should be a CBP officer there. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to track one down and get him or her to sign the form.