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ChopperIW40 · 28 April 2018, 04:53 AM

Hi Everyone,
I’m going to be vacationing in Aruba followed by the Bahamas in the next couple
of weeks. I’ve heard that Rolex timepieces are cheaper there whether it be discount or just the fact that there is no sales tax. Has anyone heard of watches being purchased at AD in Bahamas and/or Aruba and them turning out to be fake?

Largoshark · 28 April 2018, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChopperIW40

Hi Everyone,
I’m going to be vacationing in Aruba followed by the Bahamas in the next couple
of weeks. I’ve heard that Rolex timepieces are cheaper there whether it be discount or just the fact that there is no sales tax. Has anyone heard of watches being purchased at AD in Bahamas and/or Aruba and them turning out to be fake?

AD = Authorized Dealer...don't think you need to be concerned with fakes from an AD no matter the location. Especially if buying new. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

doubleosullivan · 28 April 2018, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChopperIW40

Hi Everyone,

I’m going to be vacationing in Aruba followed by the Bahamas in the next couple

of weeks. I’ve heard that Rolex timepieces are cheaper there whether it be discount or just the fact that there is no sales tax. Has anyone heard of watches being purchased at AD in Bahamas and/or Aruba and them turning out to be fake?

John Bull in Nassau. Purchased a sub there a couple years and couldn’t be happier. I actually just emailed them about getting a Tudor next time I’m there.

Chrono_lando · 28 April 2018, 05:05 AM

Go to Gandelmans in Aruba. Aruba is watch heaven. Their Patek inventory was unbelievable as well. Have fun!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jrpontiac · 28 April 2018, 05:10 AM

I had a friend that purchased a Rolex for his wife in Aruba. He is happy with the transaction.

Dan Pierce · 28 April 2018, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrono_lando

Go to Gandelmans in Aruba. Aruba is watch heaven. Their Patek inventory was unbelievable as well. Have fun!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^This. I was there in 2009 and was offered 10% off Rolex and 15% off Tudor as soon as I walked in the door. Not sure that's still the case but worth a shot.
dP

sgfortino · 28 April 2018, 05:29 AM

My wife and I were in Aruba a few weeks ago and purchased a Rolex for her at Gandelmans. Great people. We were given 5% off their price for her 34OP but their starting price was almost 5% lower than US so all in was about 10% off and no tax.

sco · 28 April 2018, 05:32 AM

Aruba's a really fantastic place, and as said above the AD's were very well stocked when I was there last. Enjoy the trip!

ChopperIW40 · 28 April 2018, 05:42 AM

Wow, ok all of your positive feedback and experiences have convinced me. Now I’m ready to go vacay and do some shopping! Thanks everyone

NKflyer · 28 April 2018, 06:15 AM

Like someone else said, official Rolex prices are around 5% less in the Caribbean and Bahamas. If you can negotiate an additional discount, all the better. Although you won't pay any tax at the point of sale, do expect to pay at least 2-3% duty to US customs upon your return on the portion of purchase price that exceeds your family's duty free allowance.

Walts · 28 April 2018, 06:16 AM

Gandelman Aruba is great real nice people . ZERO percent chance of any funny business

nac060 · 28 April 2018, 07:35 AM

Lots of jewelry & watches in Nassau right near the cruise ship port. I never made a purchase but lots to choose from.

Rjongco · 28 April 2018, 07:44 AM

Got my hulk there about a year ago. No discount but retail was about $500 less than in the US

jaisonline · 28 April 2018, 07:48 AM

I second using island ADs.

I got 20% off a then new 116234 DJ 36mm ($7,950 MSRP) in Dec 2014 with no sales tax. The retail price was lowered by the AD for the sales tax part.

The AD was Kirk Freeport AD. Great experience. Grand Cayman Islands.

BTW, here are the Rolex AD links for the Aruba and Bahamas ADs.

https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/...cation=bahamas

https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/...location=aruba

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChopperIW40

Hi Everyone,
I’m going to be vacationing in Aruba followed by the Bahamas in the next couple
of weeks. I’ve heard that Rolex timepieces are cheaper there whether it be discount or just the fact that there is no sales tax. Has anyone heard of watches being purchased at AD in Bahamas and/or Aruba and them turning out to be fake?

jaisonline · 28 April 2018, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rjongco

Got my hulk there about a year ago. No discount but retail was about $500 less than in the US

awesome ! $500 savings is nice.

JohnLT · 28 April 2018, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubleosullivan

John Bull in Nassau. Purchased a sub there a couple years and couldn’t be happier. I actually just emailed them about getting a Tudor next time I’m there.

JB has some great prices back in January. Not much stock, Only a few SS sports but plenty of TT and PMs.

Rags · 28 April 2018, 09:21 AM

This was the display at Gandelmans when I went to Aruba 2 yrs ago.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Rags · 28 April 2018, 09:21 AM

One more

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

ap1 · 28 April 2018, 09:34 AM

What a difference 2 years make ^^

77T · 28 April 2018, 09:37 AM

The thing I’ve learned from island shopping is that cash deals have no surprises later. AMEX exchange rates vary sometimes with them getting a slight cut. Nothing that the AD does can alter that.

The best price is one that doesn’t change after you walk out the door. And an AD usually doesn’t mind splitting the saved fees with you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

smym18 · 6 July 2018, 07:40 AM

Chopper - assuming you already went on the trip, any restaurant recommendations? What was the stock like at the ADs?

Hiflyin20 · 6 July 2018, 09:51 AM

I was just at the Rolex boutique in Orenjestad near the cruise port and they were cleaned out of SS models.

davidrcpo · 6 July 2018, 10:03 AM

As of last Friday, Gandelman in Aruba had some stainless steel stock. No SS Daytona or SS skydweller. They did have two tone sub, ss black dial sub date, sub no date, Milgaus and ss and two tone yachtmaster. They had yellow gold sub date and smurf. They had 2 Daytona OF in yellow and ever rose gold but no platona. No gmts. Tons of DJs and several DDs no platinum. According to the friendly sales associate, the owner himself decides who gets a ss skydweller or ss Daytona, when they are in stock. The sales associate refers customers interested in those high demand watches to the owner.

John Bull in the Bahamas is awesome. As of 30 May, they also did not have ss skydweller or ss Daytona in stock. They will add u on their wait list. I purchased a hulk from them in 2012 and they provided several Rolex promotional items and we drank a bottle of champagne in the store to celebrate.

Can’t go wrong with either AD.

davidrcpo · 6 July 2018, 10:04 AM

As of last Friday, Gandelman in Aruba had some stainless steel stock. No SS Daytona or SS skydweller. They did have two tone sub, ss black dial sub date, sub no date, Milgaus and ss and two tone yachtmaster. They had yellow gold sub date and smurf. They had 2 Daytona OF in yellow and ever rose gold but no platona. No gmts. Tons of DJs and several DDs no platinum. According to the friendly sales associate, the owner himself decides who gets a ss skydweller or ss Daytona, when they are in stock. The sales associate refers customers interested in those high demand watches to the owner.

John Bull in the Bahamas is awesome. As of 30 May, they also did not have ss skydweller or ss Daytona in stock. They will add u on their wait list. I purchased a hulk from them in 2012 and they provided several Rolex promotional items and we drank a bottle of champagne in the store to celebrate.

Can’t go wrong with either AD.

28 April 2018, 04:53 AM	#1
ChopperIW40 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: New York Posts: 13	Purchasing A Rolex in Aruba & Bahamas Hi Everyone, I’m going to be vacationing in Aruba followed by the Bahamas in the next couple of weeks. I’ve heard that Rolex timepieces are cheaper there whether it be discount or just the fact that there is no sales tax. Has anyone heard of watches being purchased at AD in Bahamas and/or Aruba and them turning out to be fake?

28 April 2018, 09:21 AM	#17
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,196	This was the display at Gandelmans when I went to Aruba 2 yrs ago. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

28 April 2018, 09:21 AM	#18
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,196	One more Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

28 April 2018, 09:37 AM	#20
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,024	The thing I’ve learned from island shopping is that cash deals have no surprises later. AMEX exchange rates vary sometimes with them getting a slight cut. Nothing that the AD does can alter that. The best price is one that doesn’t change after you walk out the door. And an AD usually doesn’t mind splitting the saved fees with you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

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28 April 2018, 05:05 AM	#4
Chrono_lando "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Atlanta Posts: 138	Go to Gandelmans in Aruba. Aruba is watch heaven. Their Patek inventory was unbelievable as well. Have fun! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 April 2018, 05:10 AM	#5
Jrpontiac "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 35	I had a friend that purchased a Rolex for his wife in Aruba. He is happy with the transaction.

28 April 2018, 05:29 AM	#7
sgfortino "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Chicago Watch: Nerd Posts: 807	My wife and I were in Aruba a few weeks ago and purchased a Rolex for her at Gandelmans. Great people. We were given 5% off their price for her 34OP but their starting price was almost 5% lower than US so all in was about 10% off and no tax.

28 April 2018, 05:32 AM	#8
sco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Chicago Watch: Subc AT 8500 CSO Posts: 3,646	Aruba's a really fantastic place, and as said above the AD's were very well stocked when I was there last. Enjoy the trip!

28 April 2018, 05:42 AM	#9
ChopperIW40 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: New York Posts: 13	Wow, ok all of your positive feedback and experiences have convinced me. Now I’m ready to go vacay and do some shopping! Thanks everyone

28 April 2018, 06:15 AM	#10
NKflyer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Richard Location: Colorado Posts: 2,858	Like someone else said, official Rolex prices are around 5% less in the Caribbean and Bahamas. If you can negotiate an additional discount, all the better. Although you won't pay any tax at the point of sale, do expect to pay at least 2-3% duty to US customs upon your return on the portion of purchase price that exceeds your family's duty free allowance.

28 April 2018, 06:16 AM	#11
Walts "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: New York Posts: 224	Gandelman Aruba is great real nice people . ZERO percent chance of any funny business

28 April 2018, 07:35 AM	#12
nac060 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 25	Lots of jewelry & watches in Nassau right near the cruise ship port. I never made a purchase but lots to choose from.

28 April 2018, 07:44 AM	#13
Rjongco "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston Posts: 327	Got my hulk there about a year ago. No discount but retail was about $500 less than in the US

28 April 2018, 09:34 AM	#19
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,537	What a difference 2 years make ^^

6 July 2018, 07:40 AM	#21
smym18 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: USA Posts: 1,376	Chopper - assuming you already went on the trip, any restaurant recommendations? What was the stock like at the ADs?

6 July 2018, 09:51 AM	#22
Hiflyin20 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: South Florida Posts: 18	I was just at the Rolex boutique in Orenjestad near the cruise port and they were cleaned out of SS models.

6 July 2018, 10:03 AM	#23
davidrcpo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: East Coast Watch: Smurf Posts: 21	As of last Friday, Gandelman in Aruba had some stainless steel stock. No SS Daytona or SS skydweller. They did have two tone sub, ss black dial sub date, sub no date, Milgaus and ss and two tone yachtmaster. They had yellow gold sub date and smurf. They had 2 Daytona OF in yellow and ever rose gold but no platona. No gmts. Tons of DJs and several DDs no platinum. According to the friendly sales associate, the owner himself decides who gets a ss skydweller or ss Daytona, when they are in stock. The sales associate refers customers interested in those high demand watches to the owner. John Bull in the Bahamas is awesome. As of 30 May, they also did not have ss skydweller or ss Daytona in stock. They will add u on their wait list. I purchased a hulk from them in 2012 and they provided several Rolex promotional items and we drank a bottle of champagne in the store to celebrate. Can’t go wrong with either AD.

6 July 2018, 10:04 AM	#24
davidrcpo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: East Coast Watch: Smurf Posts: 21	As of last Friday, Gandelman in Aruba had some stainless steel stock. No SS Daytona or SS skydweller. They did have two tone sub, ss black dial sub date, sub no date, Milgaus and ss and two tone yachtmaster. They had yellow gold sub date and smurf. They had 2 Daytona OF in yellow and ever rose gold but no platona. No gmts. Tons of DJs and several DDs no platinum. According to the friendly sales associate, the owner himself decides who gets a ss skydweller or ss Daytona, when they are in stock. The sales associate refers customers interested in those high demand watches to the owner. John Bull in the Bahamas is awesome. As of 30 May, they also did not have ss skydweller or ss Daytona in stock. They will add u on their wait list. I purchased a hulk from them in 2012 and they provided several Rolex promotional items and we drank a bottle of champagne in the store to celebrate. Can’t go wrong with either AD.

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