I Want to get back in the Rolex owners club!

[matt2zero]

I could kick myself right now!

3 years ago I had a F series seadweller which I bought for £1995 - stupidly I didnt like the bracelet compared to my seamaster and being an ignorant fool I returned it days later!!




I saw sense again in November 2008 and got myself a Z series 14060m head only and a brand new bracelet for a total of £2000, kept this for 4 months and then in another moment of madness I sold it to help fund my house move.



Now the 'bug' has fully taken hold of me again, but it seems im in the 'just too poor to own a rolex' bracket, as prices seem to have skyrocketed in the last year or 2.

I am gutted, a good exchange rate means prices in the US are just within my reach for an older 14060m but the customs tax to import to the UK (almost 25%!!!) bump the price back out of my league!

Basically I have £2300 maximum - will I get another submariner or should I set my sights on a more realistic watch within my limit...

[travisb]

Which is clearly a Rolex. If you settle for something else you will only end up kicking yourself yet again.

[ally]

You should find a 14060 around for that sort of money if you look hard enough..

There is always the Explorer II that seems to be good value compaired to a Sub. Try the "For sale" section on here..

Also some of the trusted members will help you with the customs & tax issue.

[Puffy]

what customs tax are you talking about? 110% safe to get stuff delivered from the US, i've never paid any duties

[matt2zero]

Originally Posted by Puffy

what customs tax are you talking about? 110% safe to get stuff delivered from the US, i've never paid any duties

The seller has to declare the value of the item, they add customs tax and subsequent handling charge.


I'm afraid to ask a seller to amend the amount declared for fear if a lost package which would the effect the insured to value.

If I could get around the customs vat I'd buy an American watch like a shot!

Any advice?

[vukotab]

You`re in price range of one of the most understated great watches ever - Explorer II!
And 14060, of course. One of these two would be my first choice...

[matt2zero]

I'll look into the explored I've always tended to ignore it in favour of the subs but I guess the date feature is a biggie for me, oh why did I get rid of my sd!!!

[ersnyder]

Just hold on to the next one!

[matt2zero]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

Just hold on to the next one!

ain't that the truth!

[Bedrock]

You will be allowed back into The Circle of Trust one more time. Make subsequent decisions carefully.

[TerryTibbs]

Take a holiday in the states

[matt2zero]

Originally Posted by Bedrock

You will be allowed back into The Circle of Trust one more time. Make subsequent decisions carefully.

Originally Posted by TerryTibbs

Take a holiday in the states

Good idea!

Serious though any ideas how to avoid customs charges?

[DRAWTOOL]

Originally Posted by hawkermatt

Serious though any ideas how to avoid customs charges?

Smugging comes to mind.

[B. Doggy]

Jump back in!

[EchoBlueUK]

I think you're gonna struggle to get a sports Rolex in good condition within that budget in the UK. I'd get saving. You can get good quality (older style) Date subs at around £3,500 - a non date maybe a bit cheaper. Note: 2nd hand values have just increased because of the recent RRP price increases. Good luck though!

[Woody]

I don't think £2300 is enough for a good quality pre-owned example of either the ND Sub or the Explorer II - you might get lucky on a private sale but otherwise you will need to save a bit more cash (another £500 should see you OK).

I have not bought from the US or any other country outside the EU due to the import/customs charges - if you are resident in UK and purchase a watch outside the EU then it should be declared (red channel) on your return - if you don't and are stopped by a customs officer then you will be liable to pay the charges + penalty or they may decide to seize your watch (you will have committed a customs offence). The same goes for any goods that are imported via the postal service - the appropriate import documentation needs to be completed and the value declared - any import/customs charges will be calculated and you will be required to pay these prior to the goods being delivered to you. As stated in an earlier post you will probably need to factor in charges equivalent to 25% of the value of the goods. It is not uncommon for people to arrange for the value of the goods declared to be falsified so that the charges are reduced but you should consider the implications carefully - if the goods are lost you will not be fully insured and if customs select your package for examination and discover it is not as declared then you will have to pay the charges + penalty or have the goods seized.

Good luck with the savings plan

[Traveler]

At least you have the memories and the pictures !

[snowbird]

Good luck with the search. I know what you mean about the Seamaster bracelet, those are pretty comfortable.

[matt2zero]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Good luck with the search. I know what you mean about the Seamaster bracelet, those are pretty comfortable.

I didn't know much about the watches or heritage or appreciation values! So on a direct comparison at that time the seamaster was a no brainer. I've had lots if seamasters now and think it's out if my system at last and I'm ready to settle down with a rolex. I will save for a decent piece rather than rush into something for the sake of it.

I have had an interesting offer though, but I expect it's one of those "too good to be true" offers. Fingers crossed cos if it pulls off I'll be one very pleased little boy!

[Baco Noir]

Another vote for an Exp II, but the white dial version - they rock!

[matt2zero]

Just got rid of a White dial tag as I found it very hard to read the dial when I need it most, first thing in the morning, darkened bedroom when the lume has faded overnight, I just couldn't see the white hands against the White dial?