ADs in London, Amsterdam, Zurich?

[Raemondo]

Will be in EU in May hitting up these cities and interested in closing on a Rolex to take advantage of currency fluctuations.

Heard of Gassan at Schiphol Amsterdam and the London ADs on Bond Street, etc. per the Rolex website. I assume Zurich is not wallet-friendly.

Any recommendations on ADs in London or Amsterdam that you've personally worked with and got good pricing from? I believe in another thread, the U.K. Pricing is by far the most favorable at this time.

Thanks in advance!

[Fiery]

I'm not sure about their prices, but Beyer (Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich) has got a very nice staff and great selection of Rolex and other brand watches. They also got a neighboring own Patek Boutique, it's also worth a visit. There're also quite a few ADs and boutiques on the same Bahnhofstrasse, so it's a great walk from one end to the other if you're a WIS. Especially with the beautiful lake at the end of the street, a great market, and awesome cafes and ristorantes along the way.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Raemondo

Will be in EU in May hitting up these cities and interested in closing on a Rolex to take advantage of currency fluctuations.

Heard of Gassan at Schiphol Amsterdam and the London ADs on Bond Street, etc. per the Rolex website. I assume Zurich is not wallet-friendly.

Any recommendations on ADs in London or Amsterdam that you've personally worked with and got good pricing from? I believe in another thread, the U.K. Pricing is by far the most favorable at this time.

Thanks in advance!

From my experience with pound being so week prices are really good in UK. Don't expect much discount from the likes of the big chains like Watches of Switzerland. Best to see what you want and get an AD to quote for you out of London. I know of one that will actually bring the watch to London to safe the effort.

[joli160]

Gassan has a good store in the middle of Amsterdam as well. Their Schiphol prices however are tough to beat by any AD in Europe.

[ericg]

Gassan Schipol is very responsive to email. So if you have questions about availability and pricing feel free to contact them, they should get back to you within 24 hrs

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by Fiery

I'm not sure about their prices, but Beyer (Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich) has got a very nice staff and great selection of Rolex and other brand watches. They also got a neighboring own Patek Boutique, it's also worth a visit. There're also quite a few ADs and boutiques on the same Bahnhofstrasse, so it's a great walk from one end to the other if you're a WIS. Especially with the beautiful lake at the end of the street, a great market, and awesome cafes and ristorantes along the way.

This sounds like an awesome afternoon excursion during a lazy vacation day. Thanks for the tip!

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by KarlS

From my experience with pound being so week prices are really good in UK. Don't expect much discount from the likes of the big chains like Watches of Switzerland. Best to see what you want and get an AD to quote for you out of London. I know of one that will actually bring the watch to London to safe the effort.

Thanks. Agree on Pound. At this point I'm looking for ADs I can walk into, but thanks for the tip.

[Colin10101]

Gassan in schipol absolutely blew my mind in terms of price. I'd never seen an AD with such good pricing.

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by Fiery

I'm not sure about their prices, but Beyer (Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich) has got a very nice staff and great selection of Rolex and other brand watches. They also got a neighboring own Patek Boutique, it's also worth a visit. There're also quite a few ADs and boutiques on the same Bahnhofstrasse, so it's a great walk from one end to the other if you're a WIS. Especially with the beautiful lake at the end of the street, a great market, and awesome cafes and ristorantes along the way.

Sounds like an awesome afternoon excursion for a lazy vacation day. Thanks for the tip.

[dunajska]

If you're looking for the best price, and you're flying out of Amsterdam airport back to the US, then you should buy from Gassan at the airport. I bought mine there last April and the prices without VAT are the best (you then don't need to deal with trying to get your tax back and have someone take a cut). Just remember that there is a Gassan boutique that has not only Rolexs but also other brands. There is a Rolex-only boutique as well. So check both for inventory. They should have what you're looking for.

[-Ally-]

Originally Posted by ericg

Gassan Schipol is very responsive to email. So if you have questions about availability and pricing feel free to contact them, they should get back to you within 24 hrs

From a VERY recent exchange with them, they will not tell you availability of certain watches over the phone or by email. They will reply quickly with a price which is always good but it comes down to luck at the time of travel through Schipol.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by Raemondo

Thanks. Agree on Pound. At this point I'm looking for ADs I can walk into, but thanks for the tip.

I was in Watches of Switzerland in Regent Street a few weeks ago when I bought my Black Bay, and the Rolex section was very poor in terms of stock variation unless you wanted a Datejust.

I'd would try the Rolex Boutique in Knightsbridge (right next door to Knightsbridge Underground station) as it's very big, Rolex only, and they keep close to most of the available models in stock. Nice staff as well from my visits in there.

Harrods is about 100 yards down the road as well, and that has a Rolex boutique inside.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by -Ally-

From a VERY recent exchange with them, they will not tell you availability of certain watches over the phone or by email. They will reply quickly with a price which is always good but it comes down to luck at the time of travel through Schipol.

Exactly. They won't say anything about sport models' availability.

[Raemondo]

All these tips on Gassan are pure gold! Thank you very much. I sent them an email. Definitely love the ability to exclude VAT but not sure if I can because I am flying back to London. I will find another way. Hope they will have a decent selection in May.

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by GeeRam

I was in Watches of Switzerland in Regent Street a few weeks ago when I bought my Black Bay, and the Rolex section was very poor in terms of stock variation unless you wanted a Datejust.

I'd would try the Rolex Boutique in Knightsbridge (right next door to Knightsbridge Underground station) as it's very big, Rolex only, and they keep close to most of the available models in stock. Nice staff as well from my visits in there.

Harrods is about 100 yards down the road as well, and that has a Rolex boutique inside.

Great advice! Will also check this out. Thanks.

[Oyster99]

Gassan Dam Square is very nice for Rolex. So is Gassan schiphol! I definetly recommend them!

[m1911a1]

I Usually just buy my Watches at my local AD in New Hampshire.....
No fuss, no muss, no taxes....

The only place I'd buy watches anywhere else would be Switzerland....and have.
Maybe its because I have to work there and been there at least 150 times.

Zurich is probably my favorite city anywhere.....partly because I'm very familiar with it.

On the Bahnhofstrasse you have Beyer, Bucherer, and the Rolex Boutique.
Very pleasant shopping there and I simply trust them more than ANYONE in the world.
I know how the VAT works at the Airport, but also know there is USA Customs/Duty to deal with when re-entering.

I "CAN" tell you that if you show up at the shops I mentioned with CHF-CASH, you will save money....10%~15%....

But I always end up buying in New Hampshire because I'm lazy....

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by m1911a1

I Usually just buy my Watches at my local AD in New Hampshire.....
No fuss, no muss, no taxes....

The only place I'd buy watches anywhere else would be Switzerland....and have.
Maybe its because I have to work there and been there at least 150 times.

Zurich is probably my favorite city anywhere.....partly because I'm very familiar with it.

On the Bahnhofstrasse you have Beyer, Bucherer, and the Rolex Boutique.
Very pleasant shopping there and I simply trust them more than ANYONE in the world.
I know how the VAT works at the Airport, but also know there is USA Customs/Duty to deal with when re-entering.

I "CAN" tell you that if you show up at the shops I mentioned with CHF-CASH, you will save money....10%~15%....

But I always end up buying in New Hampshire because I'm lazy....

Very helpful. 150 times is very impressive!

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by Fiery

I'm not sure about their prices, but Beyer (Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich) has got a very nice staff and great selection of Rolex and other brand watches.

I'll second this. I stayed at a hotel right across from the Train station last summer for two nights and chcecked out Beyer among all the other sights in beautiful Zurich. Saw my first and only BLNR there. Switzerland is expensive and I don't know if that includes watches as well. I just popped in to check out the BLNR and they were very patient and pleasant to me even though I wasn't really looking to buy. They had the best selection I've ever seen. I think they had just about everything modern.

[AlexMachine]

I was at Schipol 3 weeks ago. They didn't have so much at stock. But they had a Platona, few PM models etc. DJII with smooth bezel and blue dial was 6400€ if I remember correct. They told me that they can get most models If i mail them several days before (from their Amsterdam AD)
So like others said, mail them. The sales rep, young guy was very helpful and knew his business.

[tjjma]

Bought my LVc last year in Amsterdam. I don't know what kind of Rolex you're looking for but SS sport models are hard to come by even in Amsterdam and especially today with the low euro. Well maybe inventory have caught up a bit since there was a price increase just last month.

The replies on Gassan Schiphol not telling you what they have currently in inventory is true. It's their company policy. You're taking chances with Gassan Schiphol. They may or may not have the model you're looking for. I believe they receive new inventory every few weeks, or about once a month, so if you're in the tail end before the next shipment from Rolex then you may be out of luck. My best advice is to shop in Amsterdam. There's two Gassans in town and also two Schaap en Citroens that carry Rolex. I bought my LVc at Schaap en Citroen. Their service is spectacular. They filled out all the paperwork to get your VAT back at the airport. And getting the VAT at the airport is pretty straight forward. Just give yourself some time in case there's a long line. The customs line and Global Blue inside the checked area (past immigration) is usually fairly short. This area is mainly for VAT refunds on high value purchases. Folks that normally claim lower value VATs are done at the airport entrance area.

[dera]

Originally Posted by tjjma

The customs line and Global Blue inside the checked area (past immigration) is usually fairly short. This area is mainly for VAT refunds on high value purchases. Folks that normally claim lower value VATs are done at the airport entrance area.

The difference between these areas is, that the area at the entrance deals with exported goods in checked-in luggage. The area after immigration does the hand luggage exports.
And obviously no-one in their right mind ever checks in a bag with a Rolex in it

[tjjma]

Originally Posted by dera

The difference between these areas is, that the area at the entrance deals with exported goods in checked-in luggage. The area after immigration does the hand luggage exports.
And obviously no-one in their right mind ever checks in a bag with a Rolex in it

That is correct. I remember the customs officer at the airport entrance location wouldn't stamp my VAT paper because it was too high value. I didn't know the right customs office & global blue to get VAT back for high value purchase items was after the immigration control exit. They probably do that so people who actually get VATs back are actually leaving the country and not just scammers.

[MATCH1969]

Hassan SCHIPHOL is the place for sure in term of price.

Regarding availibility, you must be lucky, they don't keep popular models for a long time and you cannot make any reservation.

[Pangit]

With the weak pound, great deals can be had in Heathrow at the moment. I bought a TT blue dial Submariner just over a week ago and saved about 12 % on the price quoted in the Qatar airport duty free.

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by tjjma

Bought my LVc last year in Amsterdam. I don't know what kind of Rolex you're looking for but SS sport models are hard to come by even in Amsterdam and especially today with the low euro. Well maybe inventory have caught up a bit since there was a price increase just last month.

The replies on Gassan Schiphol not telling you what they have currently in inventory is true. It's their company policy. You're taking chances with Gassan Schiphol. They may or may not have the model you're looking for. I believe they receive new inventory every few weeks, or about once a month, so if you're in the tail end before the next shipment from Rolex then you may be out of luck. My best advice is to shop in Amsterdam. There's two Gassans in town and also two Schaap en Citroens that carry Rolex. I bought my LVc at Schaap en Citroen. Their service is spectacular. They filled out all the paperwork to get your VAT back at the airport. And getting the VAT at the airport is pretty straight forward. Just give yourself some time in case there's a long line. The customs line and Global Blue inside the checked area (past immigration) is usually fairly short. This area is mainly for VAT refunds on high value purchases. Folks that normally claim lower value VATs are done at the airport entrance area.

Very very helpful, thanks. I will actually be in Amsterdam city for a few days and have no problems visiting them. I hate VAT paperwork (and the time associated with it) so would be great to get some help there.

I'm looking for a SS GMT2 Black, a popular model, which may not be available when I'm there. It's ok, will take my chances!

[Moving Chicane]

In Zurich at this very moment and have not found a deal I couldn't beat back in the U.S. (unfortunately). My watch-buddies here tell me there is no "bargain" to be had, and what I've seen substantiates that. But for eye-candy, it's fun and you can move from store to store much quicker when not having to bargain. :)

Enjoy your trip!

[Raemondo]

Originally Posted by Moving Chicane

In Zurich at this very moment and have not found a deal I couldn't beat back in the U.S. (unfortunately). My watch-buddies here tell me there is no "bargain" to be had, and what I've seen substantiates that. But for eye-candy, it's fun and you can move from store to store much quicker when not having to bargain. :)

Enjoy your trip!

Enjoy Zurich!

[KelvinC]

Originally Posted by Raemondo

Very very helpful, thanks. I will actually be in Amsterdam city for a few days and have no problems visiting them. I hate VAT paperwork (and the time associated with it) so would be great to get some help there.

I'm looking for a SS GMT2 Black, a popular model, which may not be available when I'm there. It's ok, will take my chances!

I highly recommend Schaap en Citroen. The service was excellent and they had more inventory than Gassan. The only thing is that they are much further away from the main part of the city, near the Heineken Brewery.

They might even help you if you email or call ahead for the model that you want. I bought a LVc and they even offered me a black daytona when I was there.

They helped me fill in the VAT and yes, you have to claim the VAT after checking past customs but it was a very easy and quick process. There were no lines inside the airport but there was quite a bit of a line at the outside of the airport to claim VAT.

Best to ask for a refund in cash, rather than wait for the funds to be credited back to your credit card.

[Sarko]

Originally Posted by -Ally-

From a VERY recent exchange with them, they will not tell you availability of certain watches over the phone or by email. They will reply quickly with a price which is always good but it comes down to luck at the time of travel through Schipol.

Exactomundo They never tell u if something is available since that would hurt their 2 Gassan boutiques in Amsterdam City. Then people will buy the cheapest ticket and go buy the watch at the airport.

In Amsterdam you have 3 AD shops, Gassan on Dam square, Gassan Rolex Butique close to Nieuwmarkt and Schaap & Citroen at PC hooftstraat. At S&C and Gassan butique don't expect discounts except the VAT. Maybe you can get some at Gassan Dam Square. The Gassan shop at the airport is 18% cheaper (-VAT) then in the city. Only problem is that the models such as HULK, BATMAN and DAYTONA are alomst never on stock.. Good luck!