ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Hkexpat183 · 9 June 2013, 04:15 PM

Hoping to get some advice from people that may have moved around the world a bit.

I currently live in HK. If I were to uproot and move my family back to the states what is the best and safest way to transport my collection?

My initial thought would be to put the collection in my case that holds 12 watches and just put it in my carry on and then ship the boxes and papers separately.

The only risk with this being stopped at customs.

Open to any suggestions or thoughts. Be great to hear other methods from people who have had to make a move back to states.

Thanks.

kilyung · 9 June 2013, 04:53 PM

I think anything you bring back through customs is subject to CBP Form 6059B - Customs Declaration. As such they'll levy duties on the value of your watches. Given the value of your collection, that could be hefty. You could ship all the non-Rolex watches back and carry-on your Rolexes. However it's probably best to contact CBP about any exemptions for personal effects.

padi56 · 9 June 2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hkexpat183

Hoping to get some advice from people that may have moved around the world a bit.

I currently live in HK. If I were to uproot and move my family back to the states what is the best and safest way to transport my collection?

My initial thought would be to put the collection in my case that holds 12 watches and just put it in my carry on and then ship the boxes and papers separately.

The only risk with this being stopped at customs.

Open to any suggestions or thoughts. Be great to hear other methods from people who have had to make a move back to states.

Thanks.

As long as you have the receipts for the watches and paid the taxes in the country that you bought them. Then you should not have a problem whether its one watch or a hundred.

redsubby · 9 June 2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

As long as you have the receipts for the watches and paid the taxes in the country that you bought them. Then you should not have a problem whether its one watch or a hundred.

What if the watches were bought from individuals or grey dealers and they don't come with receipts?

Billywiz · 20 July 2013, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsubby

What if the watches were bought from individuals or grey dealers and they don't come with receipts?

Then you are snookerd...the burden of proof is yours.

Billywiz · 20 July 2013, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

as long as you have the receipts for the watches and paid the taxes in the country that you bought them. Then you should not have a problem whether its one watch or a hundred.

exactly...

Furbo · 9 June 2013, 06:18 PM

Isn't it forbidden to bring more than one Rolex to the USA?

padi56 · 9 June 2013, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsubby

What if the watches were bought from individuals or grey dealers and they don't come with receipts?

Well then you should go to your Customs Declaration and fill in the appropriate forms.

Andad · 9 June 2013, 06:25 PM

If you want to keep them all without problems I would ring US Customs and ask them how best to do this.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it will be.

redsubby · 9 June 2013, 06:29 PM

I just don't see how they can make you pay taxes on your personal belongings as the original owners or yourself have already paid taxes on them, not just on watches but with other items too. Another member said he had to pay taxes on all his stuff when he relocated to another country which I think is ridiculous...you have to pay taxes on the stuff you already owned?

Billywiz · 20 July 2013, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsubby

I just don't see how they can make you pay taxes on your personal belongings as the original owners or yourself have already paid taxes on them, not just on watches but with other items too. Another member said he had to pay taxes on all his stuff when he relocated to another country which I think is ridiculous...you have to pay taxes on the stuff you already owned?

They cannot....

kryten2001 · 9 June 2013, 06:31 PM

Surely personal items bought when living overseas attract no tax for migrants... Otherwise every time you migrate you'd have to pay tax on everything you own..

As far as I'm aware, taxes are only payable on goods bought overseas if you're a national.

Hkexpat183 · 9 June 2013, 07:28 PM

I am a US citizen. My wife is not. Perhaps I just say the watches are my wives if I get stopped.

Thatguy · 10 June 2013, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

If you want to keep them all without problems I would ring US Customs and ask them how best to do this.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it will be.

I would start there.

HRFdez · 10 June 2013, 02:25 AM

Just a little 411....Kind of related to the topic....

http://www.beckertime.com/blog/2012/...re-your-rolex/

Most interesting statement,

"According to US Customs, an individual can hand carry one Rolex from a trip overseas without permission. Carrying more than one Rolex watch from outside of the country is a trademark violation of Rolex U.S.A. and they can be impounded".

kryten2001 · 10 June 2013, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRFdez

Just a little 411....Kind of related to the topic....

http://www.beckertime.com/blog/2012/...re-your-rolex/

Most interesting statement,

"According to US Customs, an individual can hand carry one Rolex from a trip overseas without permission. Carrying more than one Rolex watch from outside of the country is a trademark violation of Rolex U.S.A. and they can be impounded".

Bringing in more than 1 is a trademark infringement?......

Looks like I'm never coming to the US...

HRFdez · 10 June 2013, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kryten2001

Bringing in more than 1 is a trademark infringement?......

Looks like I'm never coming to the US...

I guess they don't want the McFakeys circulating in the U.S.

Who knows why

Hkexpat183 · 18 July 2013, 12:52 AM

Bumping this up as I still have no idea how i will bring my entire collection back to the states after living and working overseas for the last 7 years...

Any help or guidance would be appreciated...

Tudor Fan · 20 July 2013, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRFdez

Just a little 411....Kind of related to the topic....

http://www.beckertime.com/blog/2012/...re-your-rolex/

Most interesting statement,

"According to US Customs, an individual can hand carry one Rolex from a trip overseas without permission. Carrying more than one Rolex watch from outside of the country is a trademark violation of Rolex U.S.A. and they can be impounded".

As the text explicitly says, this concerns ONLY "newly purchased Rolex". It does not apply to this thread.

subtona · 10 June 2013, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRFdez

Just a little 411....Kind of related to the topic....

http://www.beckertime.com/blog/2012/...re-your-rolex/

Most interesting statement,

"According to US Customs, an individual can hand carry one Rolex from a trip overseas without permission. Carrying more than one Rolex watch from outside of the country is a trademark violation of Rolex U.S.A. and they can be impounded".

That seems to be referring to newly purchased watches... Does it hold true if the watch is several years old, and if so, how many years old puts you in the clear?

Im picturing a briefcase hand cuffed to your wrist.

If you ship boxes & papers separately does that avoid all scrutiny for the boxes & papers... Its not questioned at all?

Curious to hear the resolution to this?!

HRFdez · 10 June 2013, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subtona

That seems to be referring to newly purchased watches... Does it hold true if the watch is several years old, and if so, how many years old puts you in the clear?
Im picturing a briefcase hand cuffed to your wrist.

If you ship boxes & papers separately does that avoid all scrutiny for the boxes & papers... Its not questioned at all?

Curious to hear the resolution to this?!

I am just curious if you may need those receipts as proof of ownership (for the pre-owned models). I am sure it also has to do with counterfeit issues.

zeuloa · 18 July 2013, 02:35 AM

I would think the boxes could be confiscated as well as they have the Rolex logo therefore could fall under the trademark violation. I think someone here had issues when mailing a box into the us.

I would contact us customs first and possibly Rolex attorneys regarding the rolex in your collection as they can possibly give you permission to bring them in.

I'm sure it can be done. Many dealers bring plenty of watches to shows in the US, collectors travel with their watches (John Meyer comes to mind as he travels a lot and takes plenty of watches with him), etc.

A bit of patience and calling around, if not a good attorney should get you the answer.

Fredrik · 18 July 2013, 05:21 AM

Most countries have specific rules for citizens returning from living abroad, I only know of the Swedish. A quick search gave me these links for returning to the US as a citizen:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...-equipment-%26

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/lis...ack%20to%20USA

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...sehold-effects

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ack%20to%20USA

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...0USA/related/1

jolimont · 18 July 2013, 08:37 AM

blackout · 18 July 2013, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolimont

thats just wrong!

Jsan20 · 18 July 2013, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolimont

This was exactly what I was thinking.

T. Ferguson · 20 July 2013, 02:02 AM

So when guys like Federer and Tiger travel and enter the US, how do they avoid confiscation? Obviously since they are brand ambassadors Rolex would waive trademark enforcement, but do you suppose they travel with a written waiver or does Rolex ship the watches for them?

stockae92 · 20 July 2013, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolimont

Ouch, how can you sit through 16 hr flight with ... that

Glidelock · 20 July 2013, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolimont

That uncomfortable hunk of steel is nothing compared to the super cases on my Sub C's!!!

Flash Gordon · 20 July 2013, 08:41 AM

Further to my post, the watches you have bought are really no different from the other personal property you have accumulated as an expat such as furnitures, clothings, paintings, electronic equipments, speakers.etc, which you are shipping back home.

If the customs decided you have to pay some duties, which would not be much, then pay it. But I would not try to hide them like stating they belong to your wife who is not a US citizen. I don't know whether you have declared them when you came back for home leave. I recall that I have declared a couple of watches that we wore each time we came back for home leave every year. But again, fancy watches were cheap in the 70's!

9 June 2013, 04:15 PM	#1
Hkexpat183 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 267	Transporting an entire collection Hoping to get some advice from people that may have moved around the world a bit. I currently live in HK. If I were to uproot and move my family back to the states what is the best and safest way to transport my collection? My initial thought would be to put the collection in my case that holds 12 watches and just put it in my carry on and then ship the boxes and papers separately. The only risk with this being stopped at customs. Open to any suggestions or thoughts. Be great to hear other methods from people who have had to make a move back to states. Thanks.

9 June 2013, 06:25 PM	#9
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,534	If you want to keep them all without problems I would ring US Customs and ask them how best to do this. You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it will be. __________________ E

10 June 2013, 02:25 AM	#15
HRFdez "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Hector Location: Lake Placid, NY Watch: Rolex Day-Date Posts: 390	Just a little 411....Kind of related to the topic.... http://www.beckertime.com/blog/2012/...re-your-rolex/ Most interesting statement, "According to US Customs, an individual can hand carry one Rolex from a trip overseas without permission. Carrying more than one Rolex watch from outside of the country is a trademark violation of Rolex U.S.A. and they can be impounded". __________________ Owner's Club "Jealousy won't get you a thing"

20 July 2013, 02:02 AM	#27
T. Ferguson "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Left Coast Posts: 7,025	So when guys like Federer and Tiger travel and enter the US, how do they avoid confiscation? Obviously since they are brand ambassadors Rolex would waive trademark enforcement, but do you suppose they travel with a written waiver or does Rolex ship the watches for them? __________________ *Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.*

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9 June 2013, 04:53 PM	#2
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I think anything you bring back through customs is subject to CBP Form 6059B - Customs Declaration. As such they'll levy duties on the value of your watches. Given the value of your collection, that could be hefty. You could ship all the non-Rolex watches back and carry-on your Rolexes. However it's probably best to contact CBP about any exemptions for personal effects.

9 June 2013, 06:18 PM	#7
Furbo "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Slovenia, EU Watch: BLNR Posts: 1,507	Isn't it forbidden to bring more than one Rolex to the USA?

9 June 2013, 06:29 PM	#10
redsubby "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Henry Location: TW/SoCal Posts: 1,632	I just don't see how they can make you pay taxes on your personal belongings as the original owners or yourself have already paid taxes on them, not just on watches but with other items too. Another member said he had to pay taxes on all his stuff when he relocated to another country which I think is ridiculous...you have to pay taxes on the stuff you already owned?

9 June 2013, 06:31 PM	#12
kryten2001 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 283	Surely personal items bought when living overseas attract no tax for migrants... Otherwise every time you migrate you'd have to pay tax on everything you own.. As far as I'm aware, taxes are only payable on goods bought overseas if you're a national.

9 June 2013, 07:28 PM	#13
Hkexpat183 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 267	I am a US citizen. My wife is not. Perhaps I just say the watches are my wives if I get stopped.

18 July 2013, 12:52 AM	#18
Hkexpat183 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 267	Bumping this up as I still have no idea how i will bring my entire collection back to the states after living and working overseas for the last 7 years... Any help or guidance would be appreciated...

18 July 2013, 02:35 AM	#22
zeuloa "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Jose Location: Here Watch: SEA-DWELLER Posts: 2,232	I would think the boxes could be confiscated as well as they have the Rolex logo therefore could fall under the trademark violation. I think someone here had issues when mailing a box into the us. I would contact us customs first and possibly Rolex attorneys regarding the rolex in your collection as they can possibly give you permission to bring them in. I'm sure it can be done. Many dealers bring plenty of watches to shows in the US, collectors travel with their watches (John Meyer comes to mind as he travels a lot and takes plenty of watches with him), etc. A bit of patience and calling around, if not a good attorney should get you the answer.

18 July 2013, 05:21 AM	#23
Fredrik 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sweden Watch: 1680 Posts: 1,874	Most countries have specific rules for citizens returning from living abroad, I only know of the Swedish. A quick search gave me these links for returning to the US as a citizen: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...-equipment-%26 https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/lis...ack%20to%20USA https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...sehold-effects https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ack%20to%20USA https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...0USA/related/1

18 July 2013, 08:37 AM	#24
jolimont "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Will Location: land of oz Watch: sundial Posts: 2,219

20 July 2013, 08:41 AM	#30
Flash Gordon Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jersey Posts: 146	Further to my post, the watches you have bought are really no different from the other personal property you have accumulated as an expat such as furnitures, clothings, paintings, electronic equipments, speakers.etc, which you are shipping back home. If the customs decided you have to pay some duties, which would not be much, then pay it. But I would not try to hide them like stating they belong to your wife who is not a US citizen. I don't know whether you have declared them when you came back for home leave. I recall that I have declared a couple of watches that we wore each time we came back for home leave every year. But again, fancy watches were cheap in the 70's!

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