Traveling in Rome

[SeaDuba]

During a recent trip to Rome I was able to visit the Rolex locations at the Spanish Steps and FCO airport. Unfortunately, both were quick to point out that they had no mens watches for sale. They were happy to let me try on the exhibition models. I expected this would be the situation and was happy to try on some pieces I’ve never seen in person.

Rolex Boutique Roma - Hausmann & Co.- There was a short wait at the front door before I was greeted without an appointment. The sales associate was a total professional. He was gratuitous and offered to let me try on whatever I would like. I asked about GMTs and was shown upstairs where they had several on display. I was after a Pepsi. They did not have that but did have a Joker (
126720VTNR). I’m left handed and like the Kermit so it has interested me since it’s release. The watch was as stunning in person as the pictures online. Since I was there and they had it, I asked about a Panda. They quickly brought one from downstairs. This was the first time I’ve ever seen one in person. I used to be in the crowd that didn’t get the hype. No longer! The Panda has a presence that is probably worth the wait. After a bad experience visiting an AD in Sweden on travel earlier this year, I was glad to be treated so well in Rome. They are probably not going to be selling to tourists in the near future but it was a fun experience.

The experience at FCO Terminal 3 was great. The sales associate was personable and gave me time to try on a couple of pieces. She did say that what comes in goes in the case and sells to the first buyer. That would take some lucky timing but it could happen. I was able to try on a white gold Pepsi and a yellow gold Yacht Master. I really liked the Yacht Master and could see that as a future purchase. The VAT in Italy is 22%. At the airport, you get the entire amount off. That discount would make the purchase even more special.

Overall, I am so glad I stopped in a both locations. It was a fun break from the touristy stuff we have been doing. The entire trip was amazing. I love to travel and it feels good to get back out there and see the world.






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[Little machines]

Nice photos ! Hopefully you had a great time !

[Jets_fan44]

Slay!

[1William]

Nice pictures.

[garyk]

I thought for sure this thread was going to be crime related but great thread instead! Thanks for posting!

[Angryinch]

I like the gold YM the best on you.

[tgyberg]

That would be fun!

[nocaps]

i was at hausmann a few days ago. same experience.
the salesman was friendly and professional. tried on
a few display models.

[MONTANTK]

Correct me if I’m wrong but if you get 22% off for VAT at the airport does that mean that watch would have have 30,000 euros??

[brandrea]

Sounds like a great trip Glad you were able to see and try on some nice references too

[RollieNZ]

Originally Posted by MONTANTK

Correct me if I’m wrong but if you get 22% off for VAT at the airport does that mean that watch would have have 30,000 euros??

VAT in Italy is 22%

You don't get 22% off the purchase price.

22% off is not the same amount as 22% added to the price.

On 37700.00 EUR you would pay 30901.64 EUR after removal of the tax.

[MONTANTK]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

VAT in Italy is 22%

You don't get 22% off the purchase price.

22% off is not the same amount as 22% added to the price.

On 37700.00 EUR you would pay 30901.64 EUR after removal of the tax.

Got it. So that 37700 is inclusive of VAT then? I guess that is how I should have phrased my question. If so, that’s a ridiculous deal compared to what one would pay in the US right now.

[RollieNZ]

Originally Posted by MONTANTK

Got it. So that 37700 is inclusive of VAT then? I guess that is how I should have phrased my question. If so, that’s a ridiculous deal compared to what one would pay in the US right now.

I'm guessing it is.

The US dollar is very strong at the moment.

[10XRolex]

I'd say you had a good time.

My first Rolex was purchased from Hausmann Rome almost 20 years ago to the date. It was a 16234 Datejust that I paid about 3k for.

[TunaTuna]

Other than the flip flops, cool pics

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

VAT in Italy is 22%

You don't get 22% off the purchase price.

22% off is not the same amount as 22% added to the price.

On 37700.00 EUR you would pay 30901.64 EUR after removal of the tax.

Is the 37,700 shown in the picture with or without VAT?

Just a quick tip. I've been in and out of the Rome FCO airport at least 3 times this year and have yet to find the VAT desk open, sometimes due to early flights, but other times no.

[Filipão]

We (Europeans) are doomed now by the exchange rate.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by SeaDuba

During a recent trip to Rome I was able to visit the Rolex locations at the Spanish Steps and FCO airport. Unfortunately, both were quick to point out that they had no mens watches for sale. They were happy to let me try on the exhibition models. I expected this would be the situation and was happy to try on some pieces I’ve never seen in person.

Rolex Boutique Roma - Hausmann & Co.- There was a short wait at the front door before I was greeted without an appointment. The sales associate was a total professional. He was gratuitous and offered to let me try on whatever I would like. I asked about GMTs and was shown upstairs where they had several on display. I was after a Pepsi. They did not have that but did have a Joker (
126720VTNR). I’m left handed and like the Kermit so it has interested me since it’s release. The watch was as stunning in person as the pictures online. Since I was there and they had it, I asked about a Panda. They quickly brought one from downstairs. This was the first time I’ve ever seen one in person. I used to be in the crowd that didn’t get the hype. No longer! The Panda has a presence that is probably worth the wait. After a bad experience visiting an AD in Sweden on travel earlier this year, I was glad to be treated so well in Rome. They are probably not going to be selling to tourists in the near future but it was a fun experience.

The experience at FCO Terminal 3 was great. The sales associate was personable and gave me time to try on a couple of pieces. She did say that what comes in goes in the case and sells to the first buyer. That would take some lucky timing but it could happen. I was able to try on a white gold Pepsi and a yellow gold Yacht Master. I really liked the Yacht Master and could see that as a future purchase. The VAT in Italy is 22%. At the airport, you get the entire amount off. That discount would make the purchase even more special.

Overall, I am so glad I stopped in a both locations. It was a fun break from the touristy stuff we have been doing. The entire trip was amazing. I love to travel and it feels good to get back out there and see the world.






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[Gasguzlr]

The 42mm yellow gold YM looks great on you. I just picked mine up from my AD last month. I love it. Looks like you had a great time!

Cheers!

Ross

[Tennisballer08]

I visited the FCO Rome Airport today and they had no inventory for sale so it was also display only. She mentioned that they don’t receive many watches and they are sold very fast so they rarely have them. There are too many customers coming in frequently, plus the VAT refund is a big incentive. Kind of a bummer since I’m in the market but at least the staff was very nice and let me try on a few models. I’m not sure they really engage customers very much unless you show genuine interest and some knowledge Happy hunting!