Import duties etc...thinking of buying a Daytona in Japan / bringing back to US

[Speed]

OK, so there is a bit of a plethora of Daytonas (a few more black than white, but both available) in Japan. These can apparently be purchased "duty free" which seems to mean about a 4.5% "reduction" in the listed purchase price.

The new V series seem pretty spendy - approaching $12K US after currency exchange...but used a bit better / and more to choose from...M, F series and older.

I think I actually prefer an older model - no ROLEXROLEXROLEX on the rehaut!

However, I still think that the customs folks slap another duty on if you bring it home / declare at your port of entry in the US.

Questions:
1. Does anyone know how the duty would work on a "duty free" Daytona purchase?

2. Am I correct to think the Daytona market still seems pretty tight. BTW, I am leaning black dial Vs. white now. After trying on a white, it just did not seem to pump me up...but the black...

I would likely not consider buying a Rolex in Japan were it not for the relative scarcity of Daytonas in the US - even among TRF sellers

Thanks!

[DWdrummer]

Anyone I have known who bought something of value on vacation mailed the boxes etc. back to themselves and wore the item back home. Im not saying that I have done it, cause I haven't but there is food for thought there.

[Gasoil4ever]

If you are flying there then wear it on the way back... thats the only safe way !

[icnbne]

as DW said, just wear the watch and ship the box and papers home

[rolexcd]

Originally Posted by children

as DW said, just wear the watch and ship the box and papers home

Agree. I use this approach when I brought watches back to Australia. However, I suggest to carry the warranty paper and the links with you and ship the box, books and other items by mail. The paper and the links are too expensive to lose.

[2005rivers]

I agree with above, I would not declare the watch.

[2005rivers]

also, I don't think you even have to go as far as shipping the box home, it might be better if you are trying to cover your tracks if you do not declare it, but let's just say I've never shipped the box home, just wore it home and packed the box and did not declare it

[padi56]

Thats what I did after buying a SD in Singapore a few years ago.Put box in luggage and just wore the watch back to the UK.

[Lol-x]

I think you could do quite a bit better buying one from DavidSW

[Randy]

Why would you pay more for one in Japan? cheaper here in US.

[Speed]

Thanks all...Appreciate the tip. Just was not sure what to do if I got "duty free." Would a 4% savings get erased by having to pay another sort of fee / duty in the US???

Well, the Daytonas are seemingly running amok in Japan. Lots to be seen and lots to choose from...i.e. various series.

In a perfect world, I would want a series just before the rehaut engraving.

However, I rarely see Daytonas here on TRF for sale by a top seller - now that I am leaning to black, I don't see them much at all. (Naturally)
I do know Lawrence B had a white one listed recently....

Agree Steve...David SW would likely have a good price on one...if he could get one.

[gregmoeck]

Ive been to Tokyo twice in the past 5 years. I would for sure recommend mailing the box back and just wearing the watch home. Everything is more expensive in Tokyo though.

[Speed]

Thanks Greg...so lots of similar recommends...

Does anyone know the official rule / process of what happens if one buys a watch / brings it back?

[moviefreak]

Bill, I heard of someone having problems when he declared tax free at the point of origin (Japan) in you case...and then when he got to the point of destination (US) they were kind of expecting his arrival to charge him taxes for what he bought. It could be that they have an integrated system to check for that, but I am not 100% sure.
One thing to consider is that over there the premium Daytona is the black dial, so you could end up paying more, but you could also find a very good deal and just as some members have said... wear it back and put the box in your luggage.. I have traveled with 6 watches and the boxes in the carry on, (all bought here in the US) and when I took them back to the US, not one time I have been stopped and asked about them.