ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Jaquohei · 9 December 2013, 11:41 AM

Hi all, I have a question regarding carrying rolexes into another country, esp to Japan.
Here is the scenario...
I own two Rolexes, GMT and date just.
GMT is my regular daily watch and date just (preowned) is a gift for my family member. So I will be carrying two rolexes at the time of travel.
Then I will be coming back with GMT but date just will be left in Japan after this trip.

So here are my questions...
-Do I need to fill out a custom form stating "I own this watch" before leaving the US to prevent from getting taxed at the time of entering into another country or at the time of return?

-I've seen somewhere that you are only allow to carry one rolex at the time of travel to another country...but has anyone else heard about this and is there a way to get around it (i am traveling solo FYI).

Also if this is true then noone can have two different watches like GMT and date just which serve different styles (sporty or dressy) in a different country? It does not make much sense to me...

If anyone could share their knowledge or past experiences in traveling abroad with your rolex(es), I would much appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!

Old Expat Beast · 9 December 2013, 11:44 AM

The one watch rule is only for the united states as far as i know. I think Japan is more a case of value of goods imported.

Laszlo · 9 December 2013, 11:47 AM

Are you traveling with someone else who can claim the DJ?

ndsleep612 · 9 December 2013, 12:04 PM

I just came back from a trip to Asia (Taiwan and Hong Kong) and didn't have problems with customs. Japan might be slightly different, but it shouldn't be much of a problem unless you're on an International Wanted List. Sometimes people make US Customs seem more fearful online than they actually are. Just make sure you meet the 1 Rolex limit and you'll be fine.

gmlomas · 9 December 2013, 01:33 PM

To me this sounds just absurd. Not saying it is mot true. I have travelled everywhere, including JP and US and had never had any problem. I am not sure if it is expected for the average joe to even be aware of this none sense

drfaulkner · 9 December 2013, 02:08 PM

I travel a lot and have never had any problems in other countries with my watches. To avoid isses when you return, register your watches with US Customs http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl...gistration.xml

joe100 · 9 December 2013, 02:15 PM

I think it's silly to travel with more than one watch. A $6k+ liability in your luggage seems like a needless hassle to me.

Tools · 9 December 2013, 02:15 PM

You can call it nonsense if you want, but if you are caught with more than 1 Rolex in your possession when you enter the US, it may be confiscated. The Rolex Trademark is registered and protected by US Trademark law.

Check with Customs and fill out the correct forms and have those forms properly filed before leaving the US; it doesn't matter what country you are going to...

RolexDivers · 9 December 2013, 06:38 PM

The best rule is to leave valuables at home when travelling international. You never know what nutcase you will run into in a foreign country and when you do, you are at their mercy. I personally only take with me what I can afford to lose --- seikos and gshocks...Rollies stay at home in a safe. I am just way too scared of leaving US with foreigners....CANADA is safe and they do not give hassle, esepcially by road ... the border patrol agents are too lazy to get out of their booths and check your car, when you have wife and kids with you and you look at them in the eyes as you answer their questions and your are legit... BUT If you are alone, then watchout...they might give you a colonoscopy so beware and don't eat or drink liquids the night before the crossing

Foxy1 · 9 December 2013, 06:54 PM

Again I think that is way too sweeping, yes for the customs view just travel with one Rolex but you really have no problem travelling to Europe or many other places in the word with a good watch.

I have questioned my safety in the USA in certain big city areas, just be careful, your watches I would say are just as safe wearing than they are in the USA, a good example id look at everyone on here taking wrist shots on vacation all over the world.

bondtoys · 9 December 2013, 06:57 PM

LOL all these " I never had problems at the border, TSA etc" remind me a bit like

"I've never been caught when speeding"
Like tools says - there are rules. If you don't follow them it may turn out well - sometimes not!

RolexDivers · 9 December 2013, 07:01 PM

I did cross the CANADIAN border 4-6 times by road, both on the TORONTO side and on the BC side, while wearing my SEADWELLER and they never gave it a look or bothered to ask. I was the driver in all those instances, handing the booth officer my paperwork so I am sure my watch came into their view and I am sure they are instructed to lookout for watches and jewelry, and they never bothered ....now if I had some gold chains on like MR-T, then I might get yanked out of my car...
The gentleman below is an example of how NOT to dress during a border crossing...in any country...

bayerische · 9 December 2013, 07:37 PM

Well one thing that is basically true for all customs... They hunt bigger and nastier fish than Joe wearing two Rolex's...

Same in Finland, and I'm sure it's the same in the US.

I've never had any problems with customs or border protection agents, but there's always the "but"...

The US is the only country I know of, that has an import ban on Rolex. Never ever have they given me, my wife or my father a look if we have been wearing Rolex's, I don't think they notice and I don't think they care.

But if you would get "pulled-over" for a more thorough inspection when entering, and they find the second Rolex on you, you might have a problem. I think it's much up to the guy doing the inspection. You won't have a problem having a second Rolex on you entering the EU. You might have if you're an EU citizen... Meaning they could suspect you just bought it while on vacation outside the EU.

Saying all this, and downplaying the risk a bit, I would still not bring two Rolex watches with me if I was a US citizen, because the US-law regarding them imported...

I've brought two watches with me on a few trips, one inside the EU (only risk is to have it stolen) one trip to Thailand, risk to have it stolen plus the risk of Finnish customs could claim I bought it in Thailand.

From my dual watch trips, I learned that it's only a headache bringing more than one watch.

beshannon · 9 December 2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bondtoys

LOL all these " I never had problems at the border, TSA etc" remind me a bit like

"I've never been caught when speeding"
Like tools says - there are rules. If you don't follow them it may turn out well - sometimes not!

That may be because the TSA has nothing to do with the border of the United States

Jason71 · 9 December 2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

The best rule is to leave valuables at home when travelling international. You never know what nutcase you will run into in a foreign country and when you do, you are at their mercy. I personally only take with me what I can afford to lose --- seikos and gshocks...Rollies stay at home in a safe. I am just way too scared of leaving US with foreigners....CANADA is safe and they do not give hassle, esepcially by road ... the border patrol agents are too lazy to get out of their booths and check your car, when you have wife and kids with you and you look at them in the eyes as you answer their questions and your are legit... BUT If you are alone, then watchout...they might give you a colonoscopy so beware and don't eat or drink liquids the night before the crossing

I've worn my Seadweller, red sub, or GMT to many countries all over the world. I've felt safer in some parts of Europe and the Caribbean wearing a Rolex than in many USA cities. Your Rolex could be stolen while you are on vacation also if left at home. The only sure-fire way to prevent your Rolex from getting stolen/lost/confiscated is to not buy one in the first place.

One suggestion.......live a little.

bayerische · 9 December 2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

The best rule is to leave valuables at home when travelling international. You never know what nutcase you will run into in a foreign country and when you do, you are at their mercy. I personally only take with me what I can afford to lose --- seikos and gshocks...Rollies stay at home in a safe. I am just way too scared of leaving US with foreigners....

I hope you're joking? The world isn't dangerous. Some bum swung at my father in the middle of the day on the streets of NYC last week... Did it make a huge impact on us? Nope, we just thought "crazy guy" and that was that.

As Jason said.

Old Expat Beast · 9 December 2013, 10:30 PM

You could walk around Hong Kong, Singapore, any city in Japan with a t-shirt saying 'steal my Rolex' and a watch on both wrists, 24/7, and be less likely to be robbed than you would under normal circumstances in the average US city. IMHO, anyway.

bayerische · 9 December 2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You could walk around Hong Kong, Singapore, any city in Japan with a t-shirt saying 'steal my Rolex' and a watch on both wrists, 24/7, and be less likely to be robbed than you would under normal circumstances in the average US city. IMHO, anyway.

Same here... You probably couldn't "give" it away.

DiamondJack · 9 December 2013, 11:15 PM

I travel alot with 4 watches (sometimes more) and am often concerned about UK import duties (20%) when I return.

To date I've never been stopped by Customs, but a great tip I was given by a friend who also travels a fair bit was to put the watches you are planning to take with you on a front page of a National newspaper (showing date) and take a photo on your phone or camera. That way you can always prove you owned the watches before you left. Only takes a minute or so and is a great proof of purchase for insurance claims too......

NutNut · 9 December 2013, 11:19 PM

very good advice given here. just bring your gmt to be safe. its got two time zones, can be worn and looks great in any occasion. be safe!

SMD · 9 December 2013, 11:57 PM

Few things -- first, the question you asked. Leaving a rolex in Japan as a gift could trigger Japanese duties but there are no US consequences of leaving the US with more than one rolex. For example, bringing any gift into the US that is intended to be left is subject to duty if it exceeds your personal allowance. So if Japan is similar, that is where you will have your issue, assuming you disclose the fact that you intend to leave one as a gift that is.

The issue everyone else is focusing in on is a quirk in the law (1930 Tariffs Act) that allows Rolex, due to its ownership structure, to basically control the importation of its products and have non-official channel products confiscated when they cross the border. Specifically, the Act prohibits the importation of any merchandise bearing a trademark
"owned by a citizen of, or by a corporation . . . created or organized within, the United States," unless the US corp is under common control with a foreign parent corp.

A portion of Rolex's intellectual property, namely the name "Rolex" is owned by Rolex USA, which actually is not under common control with Rolex SA. So, this aspect of its ownership allows it more control over its trademarks than say AP, PP, etc. Afterall, when was the last time you heard there was a risk of a PP being confiscated if you travel with more than one? Its odd, but it is a fact that needs to be dealt with.

There is a Rolex/Walmart case that lays all of this out if anyone actually cares. Just google it and you will find it.

powerfunk · 10 December 2013, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMD

There is a Rolex/Walmart case that lays all of this out if anyone actually cares. Just google it and you will find it.

I'm not finding it; do you have a link?

SMD · 10 December 2013, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerfunk

I'm not finding it; do you have a link?

http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions...66.CV0.wpd.pdf

Golf life · 10 December 2013, 12:33 AM

I have travelled to the US from Canada a few times with my three rolexes and no problems whatsoever.

joe100 · 10 December 2013, 12:35 AM

Someone will post a link Rob, I read it a while back on a similar thread. Basically reaffirms US customs law.

Just wear one watch when traveling folks. It's magnitudes easier and less stressful.

kilyung · 10 December 2013, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmlomas

To me this sounds just absurd. Not saying it is mot true. I have travelled everywhere, including JP and US and had never had any problem. I am not sure if it is expected for the average joe to even be aware of this none sense

I've never heard of an instance where ignorance of a law was a good defense... even if it is a dumb law.

powerfunk · 10 December 2013, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMD

http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions...66.CV0.wpd.pdf

Thanks. Riveting stuff!

vitalsignsrn · 10 December 2013, 01:43 AM

Kohei, you're probably going to be ok. Im sure they see Rolex go back and forth in the airport daily without going without sounding an alert. You are leaving one behind so entering the US isn't going to be an issue. As for duties etc once the watch is in Japan, the new owner can decide what to do.

I have found the hard way that customs doesn't actually care. I bought my 1st Rolex locally cause I thought I may have issues with it crossing the border. They are more concerned about booze and cigarettes than anything else. They still make me pay duty on clothing etc though. LOL But not once have I been asked about my watch. ;-)

SixPak · 10 December 2013, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

The best rule is to leave valuables at home when travelling international. You never know what nutcase you will run into in a foreign country and when you do, you are at their mercy. I personally only take with me what I can afford to lose --- seikos and gshocks...Rollies stay at home in a safe. I am just way too scared of leaving US with foreigners....

Wow, really??

Fredrik · 10 December 2013, 04:46 AM

Just register anything valuable before leaving and it should be fine, you have a link a few posts up here on how to do it in the USA. It is the same in all western countries as far as i know, just call your local customs/border control office and ask how to do a temporary export. I have done it many times here in Sweden on business travels bringing extremely valuable measuring equipment.

Note: Brazil is special, be prepared to leave at the border if you fail to negotiate not paying the refundable 80% customs + 16% VAT when entering with $250k worth of stuff...

(I asked our CFO if I could pay $200k with the limitless business card I had in case things didn't work out, he just stared at me and said, "it's not that limitless...".)

9 December 2013, 11:41 AM	#1
Jaquohei "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kohei Location: Kansas Watch: GMT II 116710LN Posts: 6	Question:Traveling abroad with rolexes Hi all, I have a question regarding carrying rolexes into another country, esp to Japan. Here is the scenario... I own two Rolexes, GMT and date just. GMT is my regular daily watch and date just (preowned) is a gift for my family member. So I will be carrying two rolexes at the time of travel. Then I will be coming back with GMT but date just will be left in Japan after this trip. So here are my questions... -Do I need to fill out a custom form stating "I own this watch" before leaving the US to prevent from getting taxed at the time of entering into another country or at the time of return? -I've seen somewhere that you are only allow to carry one rolex at the time of travel to another country...but has anyone else heard about this and is there a way to get around it (i am traveling solo FYI). Also if this is true then noone can have two different watches like GMT and date just which serve different styles (sporty or dressy) in a different country? It does not make much sense to me... If anyone could share their knowledge or past experiences in traveling abroad with your rolex(es), I would much appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

9 December 2013, 11:44 AM	#2
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,794	The one watch rule is only for the united states as far as i know. I think Japan is more a case of value of goods imported. __________________ _______________________

9 December 2013, 11:47 AM	#3
Laszlo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: Date & No Date Posts: 10,868	Are you traveling with someone else who can claim the DJ? __________________ "You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die." Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca

9 December 2013, 02:15 PM	#7
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	I think it's silly to travel with more than one watch. A $6k+ liability in your luggage seems like a needless hassle to me. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

9 December 2013, 02:15 PM	#8
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	You can call it nonsense if you want, but if you are caught with more than 1 Rolex in your possession when you enter the US, it may be confiscated. The Rolex Trademark is registered and protected by US Trademark law. Check with Customs and fill out the correct forms and have those forms properly filed before leaving the US; it doesn't matter what country you are going to... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

9 December 2013, 12:04 PM	#4
ndsleep612 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SF Watch: Ex.2. Posts: 512	I just came back from a trip to Asia (Taiwan and Hong Kong) and didn't have problems with customs. Japan might be slightly different, but it shouldn't be much of a problem unless you're on an International Wanted List. Sometimes people make US Customs seem more fearful online than they actually are. Just make sure you meet the 1 Rolex limit and you'll be fine.

9 December 2013, 01:33 PM	#5
gmlomas Banned Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Guillermo Location: Bangkok Watch: IWC, PAM, Rolex Posts: 310	To me this sounds just absurd. Not saying it is mot true. I have travelled everywhere, including JP and US and had never had any problem. I am not sure if it is expected for the average joe to even be aware of this none sense

9 December 2013, 02:08 PM	#6
drfaulkner "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Daniel Location: Malaysia Watch: Expl II, TT DJII Posts: 420	I travel a lot and have never had any problems in other countries with my watches. To avoid isses when you return, register your watches with US Customs http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/cl...gistration.xml

9 December 2013, 06:38 PM	#9
RolexDivers Banned Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: BIG BEAR, CA Posts: 1,468	The best rule is to leave valuables at home when travelling international. You never know what nutcase you will run into in a foreign country and when you do, you are at their mercy. I personally only take with me what I can afford to lose --- seikos and gshocks...Rollies stay at home in a safe. I am just way too scared of leaving US with foreigners....CANADA is safe and they do not give hassle, esepcially by road ... the border patrol agents are too lazy to get out of their booths and check your car, when you have wife and kids with you and you look at them in the eyes as you answer their questions and your are legit... BUT If you are alone, then watchout...they might give you a colonoscopy so beware and don't eat or drink liquids the night before the crossing

9 December 2013, 06:54 PM	#10
Foxy1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: Steve Location: Everywhere Watch: Love them all Posts: 1,503	Again I think that is way too sweeping, yes for the customs view just travel with one Rolex but you really have no problem travelling to Europe or many other places in the word with a good watch. I have questioned my safety in the USA in certain big city areas, just be careful, your watches I would say are just as safe wearing than they are in the USA, a good example id look at everyone on here taking wrist shots on vacation all over the world. __________________ There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad. Salvador Dali

9 December 2013, 06:57 PM	#11
bondtoys "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: World Watch: 16750 Posts: 2,733	LOL all these " I never had problems at the border, TSA etc" remind me a bit like "I've never been caught when speeding" Like tools says - there are rules. If you don't follow them it may turn out well - sometimes not!

9 December 2013, 07:37 PM	#13
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Well one thing that is basically true for all customs... They hunt bigger and nastier fish than Joe wearing two Rolex's... Same in Finland, and I'm sure it's the same in the US. I've never had any problems with customs or border protection agents, but there's always the "but"... The US is the only country I know of, that has an import ban on Rolex. Never ever have they given me, my wife or my father a look if we have been wearing Rolex's, I don't think they notice and I don't think they care. But if you would get "pulled-over" for a more thorough inspection when entering, and they find the second Rolex on you, you might have a problem. I think it's much up to the guy doing the inspection. You won't have a problem having a second Rolex on you entering the EU. You might have if you're an EU citizen... Meaning they could suspect you just bought it while on vacation outside the EU. Saying all this, and downplaying the risk a bit, I would still not bring two Rolex watches with me if I was a US citizen, because the US-law regarding them imported... I've brought two watches with me on a few trips, one inside the EU (only risk is to have it stolen) one trip to Thailand, risk to have it stolen plus the risk of Finnish customs could claim I bought it in Thailand. From my dual watch trips, I learned that it's only a headache bringing more than one watch. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

9 December 2013, 10:30 PM	#17
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,794	You could walk around Hong Kong, Singapore, any city in Japan with a t-shirt saying 'steal my Rolex' and a watch on both wrists, 24/7, and be less likely to be robbed than you would under normal circumstances in the average US city. IMHO, anyway. __________________ _______________________

9 December 2013, 11:15 PM	#19
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	I travel alot with 4 watches (sometimes more) and am often concerned about UK import duties (20%) when I return. To date I've never been stopped by Customs, but a great tip I was given by a friend who also travels a fair bit was to put the watches you are planning to take with you on a front page of a National newspaper (showing date) and take a photo on your phone or camera. That way you can always prove you owned the watches before you left. Only takes a minute or so and is a great proof of purchase for insurance claims too......

9 December 2013, 11:19 PM	#20
NutNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Rick Location: LasIslasFilipinas Watch: TT GMT IIc Posts: 826	very good advice given here. just bring your gmt to be safe. its got two time zones, can be worn and looks great in any occasion. be safe!

9 December 2013, 11:57 PM	#21
SMD "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: SMD Location: LGA/EWR/ORD Watch: AP/PP Posts: 3,701	Few things -- first, the question you asked. Leaving a rolex in Japan as a gift could trigger Japanese duties but there are no US consequences of leaving the US with more than one rolex. For example, bringing any gift into the US that is intended to be left is subject to duty if it exceeds your personal allowance. So if Japan is similar, that is where you will have your issue, assuming you disclose the fact that you intend to leave one as a gift that is. The issue everyone else is focusing in on is a quirk in the law (1930 Tariffs Act) that allows Rolex, due to its ownership structure, to basically control the importation of its products and have non-official channel products confiscated when they cross the border. Specifically, the Act prohibits the importation of any merchandise bearing a trademark "owned by a citizen of, or by a corporation . . . created or organized within, the United States," unless the US corp is under common control with a foreign parent corp. A portion of Rolex's intellectual property, namely the name "Rolex" is owned by Rolex USA, which actually is not under common control with Rolex SA. So, this aspect of its ownership allows it more control over its trademarks than say AP, PP, etc. Afterall, when was the last time you heard there was a risk of a PP being confiscated if you travel with more than one? Its odd, but it is a fact that needs to be dealt with. There is a Rolex/Walmart case that lays all of this out if anyone actually cares. Just google it and you will find it.

10 December 2013, 12:33 AM	#24
Golf life "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Alberta Watch: SUB C Posts: 69	I have travelled to the US from Canada a few times with my three rolexes and no problems whatsoever.

10 December 2013, 12:35 AM	#25
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	Someone will post a link Rob, I read it a while back on a similar thread. Basically reaffirms US customs law. Just wear one watch when traveling folks. It's magnitudes easier and less stressful. __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

10 December 2013, 01:43 AM	#28
vitalsignsrn "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Judy Location: Ontario Watch: 116234 - 14060M Posts: 4,607	Kohei, you're probably going to be ok. Im sure they see Rolex go back and forth in the airport daily without going without sounding an alert. You are leaving one behind so entering the US isn't going to be an issue. As for duties etc once the watch is in Japan, the new owner can decide what to do. I have found the hard way that customs doesn't actually care. I bought my 1st Rolex locally cause I thought I may have issues with it crossing the border. They are more concerned about booze and cigarettes than anything else. They still make me pay duty on clothing etc though. LOL But not once have I been asked about my watch. ;-)

10 December 2013, 04:46 AM	#30
Fredrik 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sweden Watch: 1680 Posts: 1,874	Just register anything valuable before leaving and it should be fine, you have a link a few posts up here on how to do it in the USA. It is the same in all western countries as far as i know, just call your local customs/border control office and ask how to do a temporary export. I have done it many times here in Sweden on business travels bringing extremely valuable measuring equipment. Note: Brazil is special, be prepared to leave at the border if you fail to negotiate not paying the refundable 80% customs + 16% VAT when entering with $250k worth of stuff... (I asked our CFO if I could pay $200k with the limitless business card I had in case things didn't work out, he just stared at me and said, "it's not that limitless...".)

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