Buying a Rolex in Dubai - should I hold my breath?

[tom_hanx]

Hello awesome folks,

If all goes to plan, in the coming quarter I'll be flying on business a few times to Dubai. Forum legends vary from "meh, same thing, different city" to "OMFG, you should totally fly there to buy one".

I seek your feedback, and hopefully first hand experience, on whether or not Dubai is indeed a great place to buy a Rolex? Culture custom and tradition welcomes bargaining, so this should be alright - the question is, are they really better on prices than TRF trusted sellers?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one

[RJC]

Found Dubai pretty disappointing for Rolex.

No cheaper than Europe!

[brettpaul]

I live in Bahrain, have lived in the UK, and US....shopped in all three for watches...you should be able to get 20% on SS sports model at the AD in Mall of the Emirates.

PM if you want my local number (Bahrain) and I'll tell you who to speak with in Dubai.

Happy shopping!!

[tdnt]

Originally Posted by brettpaul

I live in Bahrain, have lived in the UK, and US....shopped in all three for watches...you should be able to get 20% on SS sports model at the AD in Mall of the Emirates.

PM if you want my local number (Bahrain) and I'll tell you who to speak with in Dubai.

Happy shopping!!

20% off is the thing of the past. These days the discount rates are about 5% to 10% on sports models.

[ASW1]

20% for cash all day long in Bahrain - as Brett says. Only exceptions are LV and Daytona. Prices in Dubai are similar.

However, worth bearing in mind that no tax paid, and list is pretty close to UK, so after exchange rate differences and the risk of getting caught for tax, the savings reduce.

Overall I've found current Middle East prices disapointing, but if you come here with your expectations managed, then you may strike lucky with a dealer that comes up trumps.

[Sean.c]

Originally Posted by tdnt

20% off is the thing of the past. These days the discount rates are about 5% to 10% on sports models.

How many dirhams would it cost for an SS submariner or a TT GMT ? Last time I asked about the sub they said 26,000 dhs ? Does that sound right ? Was only 2 months ago?

[Foxglove]

Originally Posted by Sean.c

How many dirhams would it cost for an SS submariner or a TT GMT ? Last time I asked about the sub they said 26,000 dhs ? Does that sound right ? Was only 2 months ago?

26,000 dirhams is extremely low = $3255 USD.

assuming you're referring to a 16610? and even more way below if it's a 116610?

~Ross

[14060Perfection]

Originally Posted by Foxglove

26,000 dirhams is extremely low = $3255 USD.

assuming you're referring to a 16610? and even more way below if it's a 116610?

~Ross

26000 Dirham is about 7400 bucks. The only thing to me worth buying in Dubai is gold jewelry at 23K and just a bit above spot price. And competition is fierce. Ive seen Rolex there and the prices arent anything special. Buy here on the forum if you can find what you want.

[tdnt]

Originally Posted by Sean.c

How many dirhams would it cost for an SS submariner or a TT GMT ? Last time I asked about the sub they said 26,000 dhs ? Does that sound right ? Was only 2 months ago?

26,000 Dhs for a SS SubC is about right, Sean. However, I heard from The AD in Abu Dhabi that they've put the prices up a little for the Ss GMT and SubC. Not sure about the TT GMT, but the price after discount for the TT SubC was 36,000 Dhs two months ago. Reckon TT GMT would have been the same.

[tdnt]

I think I should mention that the 5-10% discount rates are for stainless steel sports models. You will of course get bigger discounts on TT and all gold Rolex.

[JIFF1975]

Dubai Mall is better than Emirates Mall... More and bigger watch shops...

You can get the same discount in the Dubai mall as in the Emirates Mall. Max 35% on gold etc. Max 15% on SS. If you don't get that just walk. Better to buy "grey" in your own country then.

Problem is there a only few SS models. No SS Subs...

Just got back last friday so my information is pretty up to date.