Where in the world??? Best vacation for a watch nut?

[Steven79]

Hey everyone,

So Im getting married in December and would like to take a vacation for 2 weeks to anywhere in the world. The focus of the trip for me is to shop for and buy my fiance and I each a new watch. And for her to see some wonderful sights in a foreign country.

Where is a great vacation place with plenty of wonderful sights and sounds PLUS great watch shopping?

Please take into account the US dollar exchange rate, etc..

Im looking for the best value for the dollar when traveling.

Gimme some ideas please! Thanks!

[Jedi]

Geneva or Zurich to see nice pieces and to deal with the most knowledgeable watch sales staff in the world... arguably.

But do you know what kind of watches you're after?

If Rolex, then go to Hong Kong.

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Geneva or Zurich to see nice pieces and to deal with the most knowledgeable watch sales staff in the world... arguably.

But do you know what kind of watches you're after?

If Rolex, then go to Hong Kong.

Im definitely in the market for Rolex only.. lol im not done with fulfilling my collection yet.

Hong Kong would definitely be interesting.

Maybe I'll do a Taiwan/Hong Kong trip.

[casadecamporolex]

Having spent some time thinking about your lovely dilemma, I have arrived at two choices. One is based on the uniqueness, quality and price for a journey. The other, is more tuned to the shopping.
First place I would recommend is Buenos Aires. A wonderful city with great food, great people and a value in today's dollar stricken tourist world. Whether there are Rolex AD's there, you will need to determine....it is a exceptional place to visit.
For shopping alone, with Rolex AD's on every corner, nowhere can beat Hong Kong. Another great city with a standard of excellence not seen in the USA, I have traveled here many times and I never am disappointed. Other than the hassle of getting there, I highly suggest Hong Kong.

[rx5zigen]

Mexico is also nice for a vacation. Plenty to do and plenty of choices for watches. Exchange rate is still good. A plus is you can haggle on the price.

[GoldenBear]

I would agree with Mexico. I was just there. Tons to do, great weather, easy access and I saw a bunch of unique Rolexes at the AD that hadn't been marked up yet. Besides, the activities like snorkeling, marlin fishing and swimming you get to wear your rugged Rolex out in the wild.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Congrats on getting married!

My vote goes to Geneva, as well.

Or how about New Zealand?

[vercingetorix]

If you buy a Rolex in the Sub/Sea family, any dive site will do.

[Steven79]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! I've been to Mexico (Cozumel) and some of the Caribbean Islands before.

I think with the exchange rates, europe is out of the question for at least a few years.

Hong Kong sounds wonderful! As long as the prices on Rolexes there are good, I'm happy!

I will also definitely look into Buenos Aires!

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by Steven79

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions! I've been to Mexico (Cozumel) and some of the Caribbean Islands before.

I think with the exchange rates, europe is out of the question for at least a few years.

Hong Kong sounds wonderful! As long as the prices on Rolexes there are good, I'm happy!

I will also definitely look into Buenos Aires!

LOTS of Rolexes sold in Asia. HK is awesome for watches and you could also checkout the mainland on a day trip. Orchid St in Singapore is pretty amazing too and you could add a quick stop there without being too expensive. Just a thought.
Used to hit both places while in the USMC and really enjoyed it. Can't comment on current prices, but they both used to be better than CONUS.

[-Subsevens]

Las Vegas!!!

Tons of AD's in the area and plenty to choose from. There are several large shopping areas within walking distance of the strip.

There is a Tourneau (two stories) in Ceasar's Palace Forum Shops
There is an AD in the Mirage Hotel

No better pace to show off a new Rolex then in Vegas, at least in my opinion!

Congratulations and Enjoy!!!

[Thani]

Geneva for sure

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by Thani

Geneva for sure

How are new Rolex prices in Geneva when compared to the USA?

[Thani]

Originally Posted by Steven79

How are new Rolex prices in Geneva when compared to the USA?

dunno the price difference exactly but Geneva has good prices for sure and as i recall the tax is 17% and you can always refund your tax

[Steven79]

How would I go about getting the tax refunded when purchasing in Geneva? Must the watch be shipped?

[Perdu]

Not alot goes on in Geneva itself, but you have the Alps, Mont Blanc, the Jura, Annecy, Italy, etc. Great place to day touring.

[danberger]

St Barts in the Carribbean - WIS heaven

[Qatari]

London london london for shaping refund Tax 2.

[B-ling88]

I vote Hong Kong as to me it's Rolex paradise there

[gmt master x]

Zurich, . I have found some deals in Zurich on hard to find items. , The franc is high against the dollar but that may change down the road,, Or worsen.

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Congrats on getting married!

My vote goes to Geneva, as well.

Or how about New Zealand?

Yeah, New Zealand, that's the ticket!
best,
dan

[Art 1]

Palm Beach, Florida.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Steven79

Hey everyone,

So Im getting married in December and would like to take a vacation for 2 weeks to anywhere in the world. The focus of the trip for me is to shop for and buy my fiance and I each a new watch. And for her to see some wonderful sights in a foreign country.

Where is a great vacation place with plenty of wonderful sights and sounds PLUS great watch shopping?

Please take into account the US dollar exchange rate, etc..

Im looking for the best value for the dollar when traveling.

Gimme some ideas please! Thanks!

Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong...

[CPCC]

Manhattan?

[Steven79]

Originally Posted by CPCC

Manhattan?

was just in manhattan a few weeks ago. plenty of selection but all rolexes were msrp + tax.


im just looking for countries where the AD's are known to offer substantial discounts on new rolexs.

[subdownunder]

I have spent a lot of time in Hong Kong and China recently. Check out Cathay Pacific Airways packages to Shanghi or Beijing with a stopover in Hong Kong. There is enough to do in Hong Kong for about 5-10 days and China would be an experience. As the currencies are basically pegged to the $us prices are fairly low, especially 5 star hotels in China. AS for watches Hong Kong seems to have a AD on every corner, prices are excellent. Sales staff in HK seem to be aloof and at times rude UNTIL they realise you are a genuine buyer then out come the drinks and smiles! (this is a Chinese cultural thing) As I can speak basic Manderin (Putonghua/Guoyu) and my wife is fluent in Cantonese we hear all the comments without letting on we can understand, see the faces when us Caucasians scold them for their rudness (it's a 'face' thing).. we get better discounts.


Go this way... great watches... HK and China are wonderful places for a honeymoon... and you don't realise that the $US is about as valuable as peso's

[Warren]

I vote nowhere but Hong Kong.

[Jedi]

Hong Kong is best, duty free and usually 8% off list on non-hyped items like Milly or Daytona.

In Geneva / Zurich, you pay for the watch after negotiations, and then take the receipt and VAT refund form to the customs desk at the airport and they'll refund you in cash. But you need to show the item. Just the watch. Pack the boxes and papers in your check through.

[TempoKing]

Best value for your U.S. dollars is CHINA
Best sightseeing in the world
Best (lowest) prices for Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Audemars, Patek, Vacheron, Jaeger, IWC..etc.etc.etc.

Switzerland in December/January..?
Best mountains
Best timetables
Everything runs correctly
Best trasport
Best square faced people
Maybe a little more relax in Italian Canton of Ticino, Lago Lugano etc. also a quick trip to Lago di Como, stay at villa d'Este..she would love it...but in the middle of the winter will be a waste..
Forget about Schwyzerdütsch (Swiss German) parts like Zurich..these guys are colder than mount everest and do not utter the word discount..they will look at you ..like you are some peon from outer space.
The good part is that COLD brings "couples together"
About prices..?
Deep, very deep pockets are needed, if you want to stay first class.

[spoon1]

HK to buy your rolexes and then you can always travel around Asia over the 2 weeks. You'll find shopping, beach resorts, casinos, cultural destinations all over here.