How to Handle Watches in an International Move (US to London)

[JMoney1]

Hi all. In a few months I will be relocating from the US to London on a three-year expat assignment for my work. I'm polling the collective experience of this group about how to handle taking watches and minor other jewelry on such an international move. Would it be best to carry the watches with me on the flight, ship them insured or leave it to the shipping company which will be handling furniture and so forth? Obviously, I want to handle any import hassles. Any input is welcome.

Thanks.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by JMoney1

Hi all. In a few months I will be relocating from the US to London on a three-year expat assignment for my work. I'm polling the collective experience of this group about how to handle taking watches and minor other jewelry on such an international move. Would it be best to carry the watches with me on the flight, ship them insured or leave it to the shipping company which will be handling furniture and so forth? Obviously, I want to handle any import hassles. Any input is welcome.

Thanks.

I wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by jason71

i wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

+1

[tavv160]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

X2

I've travelled with 3 to 4 watches before. Put a few in your bag and others in the bag of your fellow travellers. If you want to take the boxes and papers, its best to mail those.

[elcompa]

I have moved my entire family from one country to another 4 times in the past 14 years for work. I have carried all my important items with me each time in a roll-a-board along with documentation and receipts. Has never failed me.

[JMoney1]

Originally Posted by elcompa

I have moved my entire family from one country to another 4 times in the past 14 years for work. I have carried all my important items with me each time in a roll-a-board along with documentation and receipts. Has never failed me.

Thanks. I think this goes to the heart of my question. I'm assuming that as long as I have appropriate documentation supporting the items and the reason for carrying them into the country, I shouldn't have any customs hassles.

[ARTISAN]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

x2

I would also consider , having some form of paperwork with you, [ details of items / about your move etc.. ] just for in case customs ,, start to take a look,

all the best,

[thsiao]

As I understand, you can obtain a list of items you are taking out of the US by declaring them with a CBP prior to your departure. When you return to the US, you can use this declaration form so that you don't have any issues returning the goods... and I assume the same form should be good for the country where you are going as well.

[The D]

swallow them.

[toph]

One on wrist , the rest In your carry on luggage! I travel regularly enough from Australia to UK and always do it this way. Never one problem.

[bayerische]

Take them with you in the carry on.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

My folks spend six months in jersey and six in AZ.

My old man brings his satchel with him and never lets it out of his sight. In fact, it's always on his person.


Probably the best way.

[T. Ferguson]

Have them resized and put one on each finger. Be careful down the road bringing more than one Rolex back into the US with you. Document it first.

[SLS]

One on each wrist for you and your wife, the rest in a carry on. I have traveled with 9 Rolex watches and did not have an issue

[Baco Noir]

Register them with US Customs when you leave so on the return you are not accused of "importing" Rolex to the US.

[nauticajoe]

Definitely carry. IMO the safest way to point B.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by thsiao

As I understand, you can obtain a list of items you are taking out of the US by declaring them with a CBP prior to your departure. When you return to the US, you can use this declaration form so that you don't have any issues returning the goods... and I assume the same form should be good for the country where you are going as well.

Originally Posted by Baco Noir

Register them with US Customs when you leave so on the return you are not accused of "importing" Rolex to the US.

Carry them with you and make sure you follow the above advice.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I wouldn't let mine out of my sight. I would carry them on the plane in my carry-on luggage.

X2

[zhiunit]

if you bought it in the US and plan on coming back, BRING THE CARD with you, it contains proof of purchase and that you bought it in the states, so when you come back they cant make you declare it and even possibly tax u

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Baco Noir

Register them with US Customs when you leave so on the return you are not accused of "importing" Rolex to the US.

Bingo.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by toph

One on wrist , the rest In your carry on luggage! I travel regularly enough from Australia to UK and always do it this way. Never one problem.

Does that work for watches as well Toph?

[DiamondJack]

Definitely carry them with you in your hand luggage but you will need to download and complete a form C3 from the HMRC website before travelling.

This is effectively a declaration that you have lived outside the EU for over 12 months and have owned the items in question for over 6 months.

This will give you a dispensation for the 20% import tax otherwise payable. Please also note, however, that if you dispose of any of the items within 12 months of arriving in the UK/EU, you will be liable for the 20% import tax........... although clearly this relies on you declaring such a sale........

[Cc1966]

Register outbound with U.S. Customs and if insured on the way back into the U.S. you will have that doc also to prove ownership. I agree with the others ~ don't let them out of your sight!

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Definitely carry them with you in your hand luggage but you will need to download and complete a form C3 from the HMRC website before travelling.

This is effectively a declaration that you have lived outside the EU for over 12 months and have owned the items in question for over 6 months.

This will give you a dispensation for the 20% import tax otherwise payable. Please also note, however, that if you dispose of any of the items within 12 months of arriving in the UK/EU, you will be liable for the 20% import tax........... although clearly this relies on you declaring such a sale........

Interesting. Sounds like you need to register them with US Customs on the way out to ensure you can bring them back without problem AND register them with the UK on the way in so you don't have to pay import taxes!

Doesn't matter which side of the pond you are on, uncle wants his tax money!

[JMoney1]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Definitely carry them with you in your hand luggage but you will need to download and complete a form C3 from the HMRC website before travelling.

This is effectively a declaration that you have lived outside the EU for over 12 months and have owned the items in question for over 6 months.

This will give you a dispensation for the 20% import tax otherwise payable. Please also note, however, that if you dispose of any of the items within 12 months of arriving in the UK/EU, you will be liable for the 20% import tax........... although clearly this relies on you declaring such a sale........

Excellent advice. Thanks very much.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by Baco Noir

Interesting. Sounds like you need to register them with US Customs on the way out to ensure you can bring them back without problem AND register them with the UK on the way in so you don't have to pay import taxes!

Doesn't matter which side of the pond you are on, uncle wants his tax money!

Absolutely......and summarised perfectly......

Originally Posted by JMoney1

Excellent advice. Thanks very much.

You're welcome......one of the benefits of being a member of TRF......

[Tools]

I cannot overly re-emphasize how important it is to register with US Customs, using the proper Customs forms, such Trademarked items like Rolex watches BEFORE you leave the US.

It also appears that the UK has import requirements too !!

When you come back into the US it may save many hours of grief and possible high legal fees or confiscation if you do not have your ducks-in-a-row. Customs does not care how many "warranty cards" or "receipts" you carry with you; those to not constitute proper documentation for import/export.

As to how your carry them, it's up to you. I would probably carry them with me or ship them ahead with a secure method similar to that used by professional photographers who ship expensive cameras and gear ahead.

Enjoy your time there, I would !!!