Rolex through customs

[Driver8]

And as I've just posted in the other "airport security" thread today, this kind of hassle is exactly why I don't bother to wear an expensive watch when flying anywhere. I'm more than capable of living without a Rolex on my arm for a few days to a couple of weeks, so a trusty old Seiko fits the bill nicely. No worries of jobsworth customs officials, thefts, etc. Just one less thing to think about.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Driver8

And as I've just posted in the other "airport security" thread today, this kind of hassle is exactly why I don't bother to wear an expensive watch when flying anywhere. I'm more than capable of living without a Rolex on my arm for a few days to a couple of weeks, so a trusty old Seiko fits the bill nicely. No worries of jobsworth customs officials, thefts, etc. Just one less thing to think about.

I have never allowed any external influences to dictate the watch I wear or the number of watches I choose to travel with.

I have never given a thought about travelling overseas with multiple watches and have never been questioned by customs (about my watches).

Could be luck or just a common occurrence for many others?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Nilechamp

Arriving at Gatwick 2 months ago wearing a Daytona and got pulled by Customs. They demanded to see my receipt which of course I didn't have. Guess it was a bored jobsworth. Anybody else have the same problems?

I am not sure what the problem is.

How about the rest of the story? I doubt you will be back

[DonRickles]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I am not sure what the problem is.

How about the rest of the story? I doubt you will be back

You callin bluff?

Hmmmm, why I asked for a pic!

[77T]

To answer the original question, I haven’t had issues in past travels to Caribbean, Mexico or Canada. Never been to Gatwick, nevertheless glad to hear they’re on their toes. My guess is OP was a random selection for additional screening was at play here.

OP shows Nevis in TRF profile - a colony of GB. Hard to fathom a regulation concerning the fabled “Rolex Import” customs question within the Empire.

Asking for a Rolex receipt may be a “throwaway” just to get into a deeper process. A “yes” answer would have been more suspicious methinks.


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[BroncoOne]

That has literally never happened to me, ever.

Even if it did, don’t you have some photo on your phone showing you wearing the watch back home at a prior date?,

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Andad

I have never allowed any external influences to dictate the watch I wear or the number of watches I choose to travel with.

I have never given a thought about travelling overseas with multiple watches and have never been questioned by customs (about my watches).

Could be luck or just a common occurrence for many others?

It’s probably just me, but to be honest I always travel as light as possible - I always have. Smallest bag, least amount of unnecessary kit, etc. I’ve certainly never even considered taking more than one watch on my travels.

[NachoNeal]

Sir, it looks like your wearing a new pair of pants. Remove trousers so we can inspect!

[fsprow]

Probably 150 international trips in the last five years. Never a problem.

[franklee168]

Just ask customs if they've seen the displays at the Rolex ADs recently. That should be enough to prove that you didn't buy it on this trip.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by DonRickles

You callin bluff?

Yes

[brucethemanlee]

Just have a picture of sales receipt and warranty card on your phone

And if the watch looks worn I can’t see them questioning it


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[214270Explorer]

Seems like a troll story, smells like 3-day-old fish

[Rrpdc]

I always keep a photo of card and receipt on my phone when traveling in in eu and Caribbean. Heard way to many similar stories.

[mario1971]

Will there be any continuation of this amazing story?

Or was it a Daytona in the Egyptian version with big diamonds, which aroused the interest of customs?

[77T]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

Seems like a troll story, smells like 3-day-old fish

That…or maybe a new sleeper ID to be unearthed some months from now for a shifty purpose.


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[madgpol]

Happened to me years ago coming back into the UK. I think I was wearing the sub date. Stopped and asked where I purchased the watch, gave details and was on my way.

Now we're out of Europe I'm sure it will increase as VAT on a watch will help fund the Christmas party drinks for custom officials.

[Kinnakeet]

This happened to me once crossing into the US. I was bringing a tt yacht in the box to my home in Florida to leave it there. The car was searched , in they came with the watch. It took 30 minutes to resolve. We really pushed back and asked would it be better if the watch had been on the wrist? With that they handed my the box and off we went. If the watch had been any other brand it probably would not have happened.

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I am not sure what the problem is.

How about the rest of the story? I doubt you will be back

I’m with you on this… There seems to be much detail missing from this version of accounts.

With the UK now out of the EU there’s a far easier border to police for customs revenue. Random spot checks happen, particularly with Tobacco and Booze. I would think the individual doing their job may have just asked as part of a wider stop & check.

I’ve been asked before about what I’ve purchased on my trips - it’s not uncommon. Keep in mind that you’re innocent until they prove you are otherwise guilty.

[garyk]

I had a customs agent entering the US ask questions about my Deep Blue a few years ago. I told him how I managed to find it at a time when they were scarce and he seemed to be a WIS... Good conversation with him...

[minhc88]

Yeah this happens. I have a picture of my purchase receipt on phone in case I'm ever this situation. Makes everyone's life easier. Customs does do profiling. They also look at women's expensive hand bags and diamond rings.

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[dmash]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeet

This happened to me once crossing into the US. I was bringing a tt yacht in the box to my home in Florida to leave it there. The car was searched , in they came with the watch. It took 30 minutes to resolve. We really pushed back and asked would it be better if the watch had been on the wrist? With that they handed my the box and off we went. If the watch had been any other brand it probably would not have happened.

But you were liable for duty to import it if you bought it across the border from another country….you realize that right? Same as if you bought designer handbags VAT free in Paris. All of this should technically be declared.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by minhc88

Yeah this happens. I have a picture of my purchase receipt on phone in case I'm ever this situation. Makes everyone's life easier. Customs does do profiling. They also look at women's expensive hand bags and diamond rings.

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This is actually not necessary, you can fill out a form at most all international airports, I forget the name, but they’ll verify on the spot you have watch with you, fill out a form and then when you cross back into the states you have proof it originated there.

The name of this form is evading me right now.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dmash

This is actually not necessary, you can fill out a form at most all international airports, I forget the name, but they’ll verify on the spot you have watch with you, fill out a form and then when you cross back into the states you have proof it originated there.

The name of this form is evading me right now.

In Canada it’s a D265 form.

I simply keep copies of my receipt, watch and warranty card on my phone but I’ve never been hassled about ownership or where I bought the watch.

I have been asked to remove from my wrist going through security on several occasions, so to me, it’s just not worth the hassle not to mention the inconvenience I may cause other travelers in the line.

[Stevez]

Are we suppose to have the receipt of payment in our bags as we walk around daily?

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Stevez

Are we suppose to have the receipt of payment in our bags as we walk around daily?

How does walking around stateside = crossing borders where one may be trying to import goods bought in another country

[drrd]

Originally Posted by Nilechamp

Arriving at Gatwick 2 months ago wearing a Daytona and got pulled by Customs. They demanded to see my receipt which of course I didn't have. Guess it was a bored jobsworth. Anybody else have the same problems?

That was two months ago.

You've found your receipt by now and sorted everything out?

Or maybe that 'bored jobsworth' got a good spidey sense and scored.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by DonRickles

EDITED:

Two hints for ease of Global travel:

1. TSA Pre Check
2. Global Entry

If you have these, passing thru security at worldwide airports is a breeze......

*US travel

Neither of those are available at LGW ;)

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by dmash

But you were liable for duty to import it if you bought it across the border from another country….you realize that right? Same as if you bought designer handbags VAT free in Paris. All of this should technically be declared.

I think he should have paid import duties on his car as well. Don't you agree?

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

I think he should have paid import duties on his car as well. Don't you agree?

Lol you DO pay *massive* import duties to import a car to the states Have known people to import RHD vehicles from Japan. You realize these policies are in place to protect the integrity of your home country’s markets. Not agreeing or disagreeing with them it’s just the reality.

So not sure what point you’re trying to prove