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Diddles · 6 July 2014, 02:32 AM

Hi all,

First post so please treat me gently, and apologies if I'm asking questions which have already been answered - have been searching but I must be missing something

OK. Bought a lovely little DJ for the wife on holiday in Cape Town earlier this year. Ever since have been looking at my various nice but ultimately mid-range watches and realised they no longer cut it.

So my choice is now between Sub Date or GMTIIc - stainless steel, black faces, black bezels.

Today (!) I'm erring towards the GMT but am not sure where to purchase here in England. Got a few ADs nearby who all quote GBP5,600 and "No discount". 0% finance from them all plus David Robinson offer an extra year guarantee so little real choice there (apart from the fact that I can get Goldsmiths vouchers at a 10% discount through work.... every little helps).

I'm sure they'll look after me very well but should I consider a non-AD (or are there any ADs known for providing "better" prices in the UK)?

With the way the pound is going, is it even worth visiting the Eurozone / US / Dubai or returning to Cape Town - I'm not sure how much prices flex in the short term and have found so many "imminent price change" posts that my head is spinning!

Help! Where do current UK customers buy their Rolexes for the best combo of price and service?

Thanks very much!

Diddles

A.I. · 6 July 2014, 02:37 AM

Welcome Diddles

Try these guys and save a chunk - in Europe so no VAT/ import worries and Marco is a nice chap to boot :)

enhamhale · 6 July 2014, 02:42 AM

Welcome to the forum diddles have look at dreams watches in Southampton they seem to have a few subs and gmts with discount Happy hunting

Diddles · 6 July 2014, 02:43 AM

Thanks both - will do :-)

ARTISAN · 6 July 2014, 05:01 AM

hi
the major players , watchfinder , dream watches , watch centre .com., swiss watches reading ............used them all but with the dollar ex ch..........david sw on here would be a good call.
cheers

AK797 · 6 July 2014, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARTISAN

hi
the major players , watchfinder , dream watches , watch centre .com., swiss watches reading ............used them all but with the dollar ex ch..........david sw on here would be a good call.
cheers

Agree, also Iconic and Xupes but with the pound against the dollar I would contact davidsw as well.

AboutTime · 6 July 2014, 05:45 AM

Hello and welcome to the forum! While I lack the knowledge and expertise of many other forum members, I have been reading forum messages long enough to understand that the best watch prices and best service are generally obtained from the "trusted sellers" on TRF. My general recommendations would be the following, not necessarily in the order listed:

1. Peruse the rolex.com website and other Rolex-related websites to understand of the range of Rolex offerings.

2. Visit authorized dealer(s) in your area and try on various Rolex watches that fall into your price range. Don't base a watch purchasing decision solely upon photos. You might be surprised and find that the watch you love is not the one you originally thought you wanted.

3. Take a few weeks to explore the various sections of the TRF website and find out what members are saying about the various Rolex models. In addition to reading posts in the "Rolex General Discussion" section, read the posts in the sections "For Sale: Rolex (brand) Watches" and "Buyers/Sellers Who's Who." The latter two sections will educate you regarding the pre-owned Rolex market and, most importantly, will let you identify TRF's most "trusted sellers."

4. When you're ready to buy a watch, contact one or several of TRF's trusted sellers and ask questions. Most of the trusted sellers will be happy to answer your questions. You need not wait to find a listing for the exact watch you want in the "For Sale: Rolex (brand) Watches" section; you can ask a trusted seller to find the watch you want. Trusted sellers will treat you well because their reputations are their most important assets.

Happy hunting!

Old Expat Beast · 6 July 2014, 08:33 AM

Buying from David SW as mentioned above or any US based seller is not a good plan for you, as you will be liable for customs duty/tax that will wipe out any savings. Also you will have problems returning the watch in case anthing is wrong, as it is illegal to ship rolex to the USA by mail (there's a unique trademark law in this respect).

Urosfan · 6 July 2014, 08:42 AM

Welcome and good luck in your hunt

Diddles · 6 July 2014, 09:17 PM

Thanks everyone - great advice.

Leem: - Totally agree and that's kind of where I've got to now. The GMT feels a little smaller than the Sub on my fairly large wrist but I think will be more "usable" as I travel with work a bit (and certainly more than I go diving!).

Adam / Beast's point is very relevant too - buying in South Africa as a present was on a whim and I'm faintly nervous about the returns policy for the Mrs' DJ. That said, the price was excellent... life's about compromises, right? :-)

Didn't know you can't return ship Rolex to the US tho, so I'll rule that out for now whilst I try the leads mentioned here.

Again - thanks all for your help and support and I promise to let you know how I get on!

Diddles

nickb732 · 6 July 2014, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Buying from David SW as mentioned above or any US based seller is not a good plan for you, as you will be liable for customs duty/tax that will wipe out any savings. Also you will have problems returning the watch in case anthing is wrong, as it is illegal to ship rolex to the USA by mail (there's a unique trademark law in this respect).

Contact David. He'll sort you out.

Ste_J · 6 July 2014, 11:37 PM

I too would love to buy from a trusted seller, but am worried about getting stung for import duty. Would love to hear UK buyers experience of this....?
Cheers

nickb732 · 6 July 2014, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ste_J

I too would love to buy from a trusted seller, but am worried about getting stung for import duty. Would love to hear UK buyers experience of this....?
Cheers

the forum's official policy on this is to pay the duty. i had a thread on this closed before.

Racerdj · 6 July 2014, 11:41 PM

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your future purchase.

CJ01 · 6 July 2014, 11:51 PM

Welcome! Nice to see another UK member. You've had some good suggestions. I would add Blowers Jewellers if you don't mind dealing via the post (unless you're in the Hull vicinity.

Dream watches also has a good reputation.

David SW would've been fine if you were stateside but the tax is prohibitive.

You've picked two great choices so let us know how you go.

6 July 2014, 02:32 AM	#1
Diddles "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: UK Posts: 3	First purchase in UK Hi all, First post so please treat me gently, and apologies if I'm asking questions which have already been answered - have been searching but I must be missing something OK. Bought a lovely little DJ for the wife on holiday in Cape Town earlier this year. Ever since have been looking at my various nice but ultimately mid-range watches and realised they no longer cut it. So my choice is now between Sub Date or GMTIIc - stainless steel, black faces, black bezels. Today (!) I'm erring towards the GMT but am not sure where to purchase here in England. Got a few ADs nearby who all quote GBP5,600 and "No discount". 0% finance from them all plus David Robinson offer an extra year guarantee so little real choice there (apart from the fact that I can get Goldsmiths vouchers at a 10% discount through work.... every little helps). I'm sure they'll look after me very well but should I consider a non-AD (or are there any ADs known for providing "better" prices in the UK)? With the way the pound is going, is it even worth visiting the Eurozone / US / Dubai or returning to Cape Town - I'm not sure how much prices flex in the short term and have found so many "imminent price change" posts that my head is spinning! Help! Where do current UK customers buy their Rolexes for the best combo of price and service? Thanks very much! Diddles

6 July 2014, 11:41 PM	#14
Racerdj 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indianapolis Watch: Patek-Philippe Posts: 16,832	Welcome to the forum and good luck with your future purchase. __________________ Rolex and Patek Philippe

6 July 2014, 02:37 AM	#2
A.I. "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Glasgow UK Watch: 126610LV Posts: 759	Welcome Diddles Try these guys and save a chunk - in Europe so no VAT/ import worries and Marco is a nice chap to boot :)

6 July 2014, 02:42 AM	#3
enhamhale "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Alex Location: England (andover) Watch: Submariners all Posts: 470	Welcome to the forum diddles have look at dreams watches in Southampton they seem to have a few subs and gmts with discount Happy hunting

6 July 2014, 02:43 AM	#4
Diddles "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: UK Posts: 3	Thanks both - will do :-)

6 July 2014, 05:01 AM	#5
ARTISAN "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: steve Location: south , east , uk Watch: all of them Posts: 448	hi the major players , watchfinder , dream watches , watch centre .com., swiss watches reading ............used them all but with the dollar ex ch..........david sw on here would be a good call. cheers

6 July 2014, 05:45 AM	#7
AboutTime "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: N California Posts: 909	Hello and welcome to the forum! While I lack the knowledge and expertise of many other forum members, I have been reading forum messages long enough to understand that the best watch prices and best service are generally obtained from the "trusted sellers" on TRF. My general recommendations would be the following, not necessarily in the order listed: 1. Peruse the rolex.com website and other Rolex-related websites to understand of the range of Rolex offerings. 2. Visit authorized dealer(s) in your area and try on various Rolex watches that fall into your price range. Don't base a watch purchasing decision solely upon photos. You might be surprised and find that the watch you love is not the one you originally thought you wanted. 3. Take a few weeks to explore the various sections of the TRF website and find out what members are saying about the various Rolex models. In addition to reading posts in the "Rolex General Discussion" section, read the posts in the sections "For Sale: Rolex (brand) Watches" and "Buyers/Sellers Who's Who." The latter two sections will educate you regarding the pre-owned Rolex market and, most importantly, will let you identify TRF's most "trusted sellers." 4. When you're ready to buy a watch, contact one or several of TRF's trusted sellers and ask questions. Most of the trusted sellers will be happy to answer your questions. You need not wait to find a listing for the exact watch you want in the "For Sale: Rolex (brand) Watches" section; you can ask a trusted seller to find the watch you want. Trusted sellers will treat you well because their reputations are their most important assets. Happy hunting!

6 July 2014, 08:33 AM	#8
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,826	Buying from David SW as mentioned above or any US based seller is not a good plan for you, as you will be liable for customs duty/tax that will wipe out any savings. Also you will have problems returning the watch in case anthing is wrong, as it is illegal to ship rolex to the USA by mail (there's a unique trademark law in this respect).

6 July 2014, 08:42 AM	#9
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	Welcome and good luck in your hunt

6 July 2014, 09:17 PM	#10
Diddles "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: UK Posts: 3	Thanks everyone - great advice. Leem: - Totally agree and that's kind of where I've got to now. The GMT feels a little smaller than the Sub on my fairly large wrist but I think will be more "usable" as I travel with work a bit (and certainly more than I go diving!). Adam / Beast's point is very relevant too - buying in South Africa as a present was on a whim and I'm faintly nervous about the returns policy for the Mrs' DJ. That said, the price was excellent... life's about compromises, right? :-) Didn't know you can't return ship Rolex to the US tho, so I'll rule that out for now whilst I try the leads mentioned here. Again - thanks all for your help and support and I promise to let you know how I get on! Diddles

6 July 2014, 11:37 PM	#12
Ste_J "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Ste Location: Merseyside Posts: 380	I too would love to buy from a trusted seller, but am worried about getting stung for import duty. Would love to hear UK buyers experience of this....? Cheers

6 July 2014, 11:51 PM	#15
CJ01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Craig Location: Dorset UK Posts: 383	Welcome! Nice to see another UK member. You've had some good suggestions. I would add Blowers Jewellers if you don't mind dealing via the post (unless you're in the Hull vicinity. Dream watches also has a good reputation. David SW would've been fine if you were stateside but the tax is prohibitive. You've picked two great choices so let us know how you go.

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