Upcoming Trip to Mexico

[butlersl]

Hi all, mainly a "lurker" here, but really enjoy the advice, comments, suggestions, and all things Rolex. I have a Sub-Date that is my constant companion (warning - heresy - actual DIVE in it!!!! ) and is a great watch. My question for you folks is as follows:

My family (wife and kids) and some of our closest friends (with their 3 kids) are going away on a mini-cruise next week, with a port call in Cancun Mexico. None of us have been on a cruise, although my parents have said there are shops (i.e. watches) on board, and probably around port, duty or customs-free (?), that may have a Rolex selection. Do any of you have any experience with buying ior shopping n a situation like that? I'm assuming they are either AD's or have some type of arrangement on board. What about around the port - are there typically reputable shops, do they deal, are there any do's/don'ts (i.e. if its too good to be true it probably is), etc.?

Thanks for your help and advice - I'll keep everyone posted how it turns out.

Steven

[Chozn1]

Well, I personally don't think you're going to find an AD on the boat, but I may be wrong. When we took our cruise, they had stuff for sale on the boat, but it was overpriced and generic. I thought the alcohol was a good deal, but when we got to port I found way better prices.

Far as Cancun goes, I'd imagine you get the Carribean pricing down there, but in my experience that pricing can vary widely. Hope you find something that floats your boat though

[Robb]

Kukulcan Plaza in Cancun is a mall downtown. There is a Rolex AD there!!!!!

[CPTL]

We have a member that lives in Cancun. There is a Rolex AD there (Ultrajewels), and they will discount slightly more than US ADs--at least according to some reports.

There is one catch, though.

Recommendations universally indicate that when the cruise ship is in port, discounts are harder to come by. The AD knows there are 20 or more people on the boat that are going to swing in, and many of them will buy without thinking about price or asking for a discount.

At least that's the conventional wisdom based off of several reports on this forum. You could always prove them wrong. Good luck!

[SayangM]

My 0.02 in this; I have been to Ultra Jewels in January of this year.
They had a nice selection and helpful staff. Patricia helped me when I ordered a SD. They were generous with their discount ($4600!). She told me that they needed to get it from their warehouse, however when I came back a couple of hours later, she informed me that they were out.
I was sooo close!
In the meantime I had also visited the same AD in KulKulcan Mall, their selection was smaller, staff did not wanted to talk much.
FWIW, I was not on a cruise.
Good luck.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by CPTL

We have a member that lives in Cancun. There is a Rolex AD there (Ultrajewels), and they will discount slightly more than US ADs--at least according to some reports.

There is one catch, though.

Recommendations universally indicate that when the cruise ship is in port, discounts are harder to come by. The AD knows there are 20 or more people on the boat that are going to swing in, and many of them will buy without thinking about price or asking for a discount.

At least that's the conventional wisdom based off of several reports on this forum. You could always prove them wrong. Good luck!

I agree on some places, but 'fortunately' for Cancun, there is no pier there,so AD's do not know where the visitors are coming in from. All I can say is (and I have said this before) know your prices. Do your homework on list prices and discounts you can get back home; if you find a better deal; go for it.

Cheers!

[Markg]

The only AD i am aware of is UltraFemme (which has/had a connected sister store called Perfumeria, and which is now also called ultra jewels). they have stores in cancun, cabo, cozumel, and playa del carmen. they are an AD for tiffany as well (tiffany has them listed on their web site) and have just about every watch brand made.

they only discount about 10%; and wont seem to budge from that. HOWEVER, the prices are caribbean prices, much lower than US, so with the 10% its about like 30% off the US prices (at least it was a couple years ago when i last went).

they are very nice, but like SayangM said above, dont always have what you want, and unless you already know someone there, they wont tell you prices or availability via the telephone. their "warehouse" is likely their other 3 stores, so to get what you want may take a day (although you will have better luck in cancun/cozumel/playa than cabo, since the three stores are less than an hour or so away). but you could try calling before you go.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I've never been to Mexico, but be a bit careful showing your Rolex down there.

Have a nice stay and be sure to post pics!

[JCirillo]

i agree with previous post about scarce discounts when ships get into port, however, most start re-boarding about 4 PM pr so. thats when i visited ultra, found discounts of 10% on most SS rolex available, no tax, careful with your customs form, the miami customs peoplecan smell a new rollie, declaring is often enough, often times they will not charge you duty.

as a sad end to this, i had a black dial millguass in my hand for 5,900, and did not buy. my girlfriend said i could flip it, but i knew i would not do that and really could not afford another watch.

[butlersl]

Thanks everyone - I am looking forward to the vacation, but also getting to explore the stores as well. I'll be sure to let all know how it turns out; unfortunately I don't really have my sights "set" on anything in particular, which could even be more dangerous than having something particular in mind. Bo and his recent Seadweller have got my interest, but it seems almost too close to the Sub I have...but the 1200m....pretty awesome appeal. Even more crazy is the LV - talk about "too similar", but just enough difference to maybe look at it? The GMT has always been interesting, but there again another sports watch? Guess I'll check on availability, prices, "deals", etc when I get down there.

I appreciate all the input, and will definitely report when I get back...maybe with pictures of something new.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by butlersl

(...)Bo and his recent Seadweller have got my interest, but it seems almost too close to the Sub I have...but the 1200m....pretty awesome appeal.(...)

Believe me. If you try them both on, you'll see that the SS Sub Date and SD are VERY different watches, not just what technical specs are concerned.

[richc1958]

I live in San Diego and honestly crime has exploded down there. Many fro here will not step into the country anymore. in fact the news here reported the new thing down there is to kidnap US citizens then demand ransom. If I was you I would leave the rolex in a safe and buy a cheap Timex. Some will cut your hand off to get it.

[hsr86]

Have a great trip...

[mdx77]

Haave a good time......make sure you take a few "wrist shots"!

[no1panerai]

Originally Posted by butlersl

Hi all, mainly a "lurker" here, but really enjoy the advice, comments, suggestions, and all things Rolex. I have a Sub-Date that is my constant companion (warning - heresy - actual DIVE in it!!!! ) and is a great watch. My question for you folks is as follows:

My family (wife and kids) and some of our closest friends (with their 3 kids) are going away on a mini-cruise next week, with a port call in Cancun Mexico. None of us have been on a cruise, although my parents have said there are shops (i.e. watches) on board, and probably around port, duty or customs-free (?), that may have a Rolex selection. Do any of you have any experience with buying ior shopping n a situation like that? I'm assuming they are either AD's or have some type of arrangement on board. What about around the port - are there typically reputable shops, do they deal, are there any do's/don'ts (i.e. if its too good to be true it probably is), etc.?

Thanks for your help and advice - I'll keep everyone posted how it turns out.

Steven

I can't help you with Cancun but if you drive a few hundred kilometers to Merida, Yucatan there is an authorized Rolex dealer in the large shopping center on the top floor.

I spent a good amount of time in Mexico, and if you were to buy a watch (the prices there are cheaper then here in Canada by a bit, especially if you pay cash) I would suggest to stick to reputable dealers in upscale areas (such as Polanco district or Sante Fe) in Mexico CIty or the tourist zone in Cancun (it is the only place that would have a real Rolex)

Also, I would suggest that you ship the paper work if you do buy a Rolex watch separate when you go back home so you don't get nailed in duty from your home country, and just wear the Rolex on your wrist when you go through customs. I had a friend who bought an 18,000 JC in Dubai and they demanded thousands of dollars in tax because he held onto the receipts and couldn't prove the watch was his before he left to Dubai.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by butlersl

Hi all, mainly a "lurker" here, but really enjoy the advice, comments, suggestions, and all things Rolex. I have a Sub-Date that is my constant companion (warning - heresy - actual DIVE in it!!!! ) and is a great watch. My question for you folks is as follows:

My family (wife and kids) and some of our closest friends (with their 3 kids) are going away on a mini-cruise next week, with a port call in Cancun Mexico. None of us have been on a cruise, although my parents have said there are shops (i.e. watches) on board, and probably around port, duty or customs-free (?), that may have a Rolex selection. Do any of you have any experience with buying ior shopping n a situation like that? I'm assuming they are either AD's or have some type of arrangement on board. What about around the port - are there typically reputable shops, do they deal, are there any do's/don'ts (i.e. if its too good to be true it probably is), etc.?

Thanks for your help and advice - I'll keep everyone posted how it turns out.

Steven

Hi Steven and welcome (in advance) to my country! Yes, Cancun has a very large AD (actually the largest in Latin America), with 3 locations in Cancun, 2 in Cozumel, 2 in Playa del Carmen and 1 in Cabo San Lucas.

I am curious about your cruise, as Cancun does not have a cruise port/dock; you would either dock at Playa del Carmen or Progreso (unless this is a private boat and you are using a small dock @ Cancun).

I can help you with some soggestions on where to window shop and also lunch, but please let me know where will you be arriving at.

Saludos and have a fun trip!

[butlersl]

Hey guys, again, many thanks for the suggestions!

Big BIG uh-oh - we are stopping at Cozumel, NOT Cancun! I apologize for the confusion, my wife is making all the plans; I have a very serious medical condition so she is in charge of all the arrangements. We will be leaving from Mobile, Alabama this week.

I definitely agree on knowing your prices; I've "studied" the latest MSRPs (US) and have my list with me. Again, I really am curious as to what will "speak" to me (other than just Rolex in general!). I've also thought about used/trade-ins from the AD's, and done quite a bit of homework on telling the difference between fakes, replicas, franken-watches, etc. This is really not a big priority, but you never know.

Gerardo, thanks for the welcome and I apologize again for the confusion! Any ideas for Cozumel would be appreciated!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by butlersl

Hey guys, again, many thanks for the suggestions!

Big BIG uh-oh - we are stopping at Cozumel, NOT Cancun! I apologize for the confusion, my wife is making all the plans; I have a very serious medical condition so she is in charge of all the arrangements. We will be leaving from Mobile, Alabama this week.

I definitely agree on knowing your prices; I've "studied" the latest MSRPs (US) and have my list with me. Again, I really am curious as to what will "speak" to me (other than just Rolex in general!). I've also thought about used/trade-ins from the AD's, and done quite a bit of homework on telling the difference between fakes, replicas, franken-watches, etc. This is really not a big priority, but you never know.

Gerardo, thanks for the welcome and I apologize again for the confusion! Any ideas for Cozumel would be appreciated!

Yes. Ultrajewels has 2 location, one of them (mentioned above) is closed for repairs; the other location is at LANGOSTA MALL, in front of Starbucks. Great place to stop by and see.

As far as things to do, there are 2 fantastic italian places where you can have lunch, and tons of beach clubs to lay down and sip some tequila. Tell me what you want to do (and if you would like to have a beer or coffee), I visit Cozumel weekly.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by butlersl

Hey guys, again, many thanks for the suggestions!

Big BIG uh-oh - we are stopping at Cozumel, NOT Cancun! I apologize for the confusion, my wife is making all the plans; I have a very serious medical condition so she is in charge of all the arrangements. We will be leaving from Mobile, Alabama this week.

I definitely agree on knowing your prices; I've "studied" the latest MSRPs (US) and have my list with me. Again, I really am curious as to what will "speak" to me (other than just Rolex in general!). I've also thought about used/trade-ins from the AD's, and done quite a bit of homework on telling the difference between fakes, replicas, franken-watches, etc. This is really not a big priority, but you never know.

Gerardo, thanks for the welcome and I apologize again for the confusion! Any ideas for Cozumel would be appreciated!

One thing I forgot to mention: there is a FERRY pier connecting Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. 2 blocks NORTH of that pier (el muelle) you will se Diamonds International. CHECK THEM OUT, they are NT Rolex AD...but are AD's for IWC, Vacheron, Hublot, Breitling, Genta, Corum, Lacroix and other goodies.

[Markg]

in Cozumel you are limited to Ultrafemme/Ultrajewels; its downtown on the water, you cant miss it.

they are good, but can be limited in stock; but cancun/playa isnt that far away, so if you know what you want they will get it from those stores in short time.