Customs form CBP 4457

[TommyT53]

I travel back and forth from Canada to the US and I'm concerned about problems reentering the US with my new 18kt GMT. The watch did not come with a bill of sale so what do I need to provide proof of ownership.

I called the local Rolex AD to see if I could get an appraisal of the value so I could maybe use that but was informed although Rolex AD's they could not appraise the value if not purchased there.

Thanks in advance for any advice.....Tommy

The customs form would be potential inconvenient hassle to get.

[joe100]

Easy to get the form. Getting it signed is a different matter.

Thousands of folks travel daily with Rolex watches. Never heard of so one get hassled. So you bought an 18k Rolex without some sort of receipt?

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

[TommyT53]

Originally Posted by joe100

Easy to get the form. Getting it signed is a different matter.

Thousands of folks travel daily with Rolex watches. Never heard of so one get hassled. So you bought an 18k Rolex without some sort of receipt?

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

Yes I did from a trusted seller on this forum. It happens all the time.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

Yes I did from a trusted seller on this forum. It happens all the time.

Yeah, I'm not new to this whole Rolex thing. I always keep a paper trail and a bill of sale for any Rolex I buy or sell.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I travel back and forth from Canada to the US and I'm concerned about problems reentering the US with my new 18kt GMT. The watch did not come with a bill of sale so what do I need to provide proof of ownership.

I called the local Rolex AD to see if I could get an appraiser of the value so I could maybe use that but was I formed although Rolex AD's they could not appraise the value if not purchased there.

Thanks in advance for any advice.....Tommy

The customs form would be potential inconvenient hassle to get.

I'd suggest you get a local certified watch maker to appraise it for insurance. He will take pictures and date it, keep a copy with you when travelling .Last one I got cost me $25

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I travel back and forth from Canada to the US and I'm concerned about problems reentering the US with my new 18kt GMT.
Thanks in advance for any advice.....Tommy

The customs form would be potential inconvenient hassle to get.

Getting the form completed one time is far less of an "inconvenient hassle" than explaining to an Officer when, where and how you purchased your watch.

[azguy]

If I got stopped I would tell them to buzz off, I've owned the watch for years. The only way people get in trouble is if you had the box and papers stashed in your luggage or if you had a half dozen watches in your carry on bag.

One on the wrist, no problem IMHO..

[jdm124]

Originally Posted by azguy

If I got stopped I would tell them to buzz off, ...

Very bad approach - when dealing with the people at the border, it is best to be polite and tell the truth in as few words as possible.

[kilyung]

Just go to the customs office before leaving the US. You can fill out a form proving you left with the watch. Sorry can't remember form number. However you are allowed reentry with one Rolex on the wrist.

[77T]

That AD is proving how to provide a disservice...what a policy! I'm sure they'd jump to repair it.

Go to any good jewelry store and get the appraisal and that will start the chain of custody in case it gets impounded (unlikey as that is). Then put it on your insurance since you'll be traveling. That provides a second reliable source.

[Billywiz]

Go to your local UPS store or anywhere else like that where there is a notary and have them sign a note saying you owned prior to trip.

[Billywiz]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I travel back and forth from Canada to the US and I'm concerned about problems reentering the US with my new 18kt GMT. The watch did not come with a bill of sale so what do I need to provide proof of ownership.

I called the local Rolex AD to see if I could get an appraisal of the value so I could maybe use that but was informed although Rolex AD's they could not appraise the value if not purchased there.

Thanks in advance for any advice.....Tommy

The customs form would be potential inconvenient hassle to get.

You have no reciept or any paper relating to tour purchase of this?

How did tou pay? ( even a wire transfer has a stated reaon fr doing it)

[beaglehusky]

Getting the form signed and stamped has never been an issue for me. You don't need any proof of purchase or anything like that, just go to the CBP office on your way out and explain that you'd like them to sign and stamp it for you. They will most likely make sure that the SN matches (if visible) and do it for you. I have laminated 4457s for those watches that I think could raise questions when entering the US (mainly Rolex).

For those of us who like to travel with more than one watch, I do wonder what would happen if I were to enter the US with 2 Rolex watches and their corresponding 4457s, but I'd rather not find out the hard way.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I travel back and forth from Canada to the US and I'm concerned about problems reentering the US with my new 18kt GMT. The watch did not come with a bill of sale so what do I need to provide proof of ownership.

Thanks in advance for any advice.....Tommy

I've been traveling for decades with a Rolex watch of some sort on my wrist and have never - never - been stopped or even questioned about it by customs coming back into the US..

Why do you think that you would need any "proof" of ownership for it ???

[aeon888]

Maybe he bought his watch in Canada as a visitor with those huge Canadian discounts. So he is worried of paying custom tax when re-entering the US in one of his travels back and forth to Canada-US.

He doesn't really have to worry about US border customs if he has proof that he bought his watch in the US and not in Canada.

[TommyT53]

Originally Posted by Tools

I've been traveling for decades with a Rolex watch of some sort on my wrist and have never - never - been stopped or even questioned about it by customs coming back into the US..

Why do you think that you would need any "proof" of ownership for it ???

I read somewhere on this forum about problems with customs, especially coming back from Canada. If the consensus is to not worry about, no problem, thanks.

[Billywiz]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I read somewhere on this forum about problems with customs, especially coming back from Canada. If the consensus is to not worry about, no problem, thanks.

I regularly travel and can be away for months at a time...how about if I wanted to travel with two?

[jot_]

Originally Posted by TommyT53

I read somewhere on this forum about problems with customs, especially coming back from Canada. If the consensus is to not worry about, no problem, thanks.

Wrong direction. The problems come for Canadian citizens when dealing with CBSA, not so much the CBP.

[dba]

If you've had the watch for some time, simply wear it like you normally would. Absent any indicia on your person or in your luggage showing that you purchased this particular Rolex on this trip, CBP has no reasonable suspicion to detain you any longer than to determine your reason for visiting Canada and to make sure you’re not bringing in any contraband. Heaven forbid a Cuban cigar slip into the USA!

The less interaction you have with law enforcement, the simpler your life is.