Alligator Straps & Borders

[LyingFlat]

Hi all,

A grail piece for me is the VC 4500V. I am a big fan of this watch especially as it has three different straps/bracelets. Unfortunately we don't have a VC AD in New Zealand so I'm going to have to source one internationally.

Hopefully when borders start to re-open I'll be able to pick one up on my travels. The main issue I have is the alligator strap. Alligators are listed as CITES Appendix II which means to bring an alligator product into NZ, NZ customs require a re-export permit from the country of sale.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Do ADs have the ability to facilitate this on the spot or will this be something I will have to organise independently? It might be difficult to organise myself especially if buying from an airport AD...

Many thanks!

[pdnb]

Interesting question and predicament. I love gator straps but maybe you will have to have to trade it out with another rubber strap? The overseas strap change mechanism looks pretty useful.

Can you wear it back into the country? Or will you be subject to the issue even if it’s preowned?

Or have the strap mailed to you?


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[LyingFlat]

I love gator straps which is why I like the VC and the versatility it offers. Unfortunately I can't wear it back and claim it is a 'personal use' item as NZ recently removed the personal goods CITES concession for items obtained overseas. The same goes for mailing it back. It must be accompanied by a re-export CITES permit from the country where I buy it.

I spoke to a VC AD yesterday and they advised that the watch comes with a CITES permit from Switzerland. From my understanding this is enough to satisfy most countries' customs officials but is not enough for NZ...

My nearest VC AD is in Australia (3hr flight from me). I might have to forgo trying to obtain one elsewhere. The only problem is that Australia is difficult at the best of times to pick up pieces like this. At least if I get the call for one I can pay in full over the phone and sort out the CITES documentation before I fly over and pick it up. What I may end up doing is after picking up the watch, courier the alligator strap with the CITES re-export permit back to my house and fly back with the watch and the bracelet/rubber strap. That will save me any hassles with customs when I get back to NZ.