The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 18 January 2016, 11:56 PM   #1
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Anyone local to Norway?

Good morning, fellow TRFers.

As some of you may know, I am planning a trip to Norway (cheapest place to get a Rolex! -- Well, cheapest when converting to USD) and I am in the process of reserving two pieces to pick up while there. The sole AD in Oslo has proven to be very, very pleasant in email communications and, lucky for us, they actually have in stock the two pieces we want. They are willing to reserve them for us with a deposit (originally they asked for 15%, but ended up quoting me a deposit of 10,000 NOK each, for a total of 20K NOK) and everything is looking good.

I have three questions for those who may be local or with more experience:
- am I limiting my options for negotiating a final price by putting down a deposit now? (as we all know, ADs will not discuss or negotiate discounts via email or phone :banged:)
- the price I was quoted on a 116334 (blue index dial) is about 5% higher than what was listed in the chart on this first page (76300, instead of 72500) so I was wondering if there any locals in Oslo that could verify and post the price of that piece. I am waiting for final price on the second piece (116203) since I was quoted a price with the wrong bracelet (we want oyster, they quoted jubilee).
- Finally, does anyone have any feedback and/or personal experience with the local AD (Urmaker Bjerke)

Thank you!
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:13 AM   #2
joli160
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joli160's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,759
Putting a deposit down is like you bought it. There can be no more haggling about price imho. I would try to fix the deal before the increase on 1st febr.
(source German forum)
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.
joli160 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:16 AM   #3
m1911a1
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Mark
Location: Maine, USA
Watch: 42mm Explorer-II's
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodhipooh View Post
Good morning, fellow TRFers.

As some of you may know, I am planning a trip to Norway (cheapest place to get a Rolex! -- Well, cheapest when converting to USD) and I am in the process of reserving two pieces to pick up while there. The sole AD in Oslo has proven to be very, very pleasant in email communications and, lucky for us, they actually have in stock the two pieces we want. They are willing to reserve them for us with a deposit (originally they asked for 15%, but ended up quoting me a deposit of 10,000 NOK each, for a total of 20K NOK) and everything is looking good.

I have three questions for those who may be local or with more experience:
- am I limiting my options for negotiating a final price by putting down a deposit now? (as we all know, ADs will not discuss or negotiate discounts via email or phone :banged:)
- the price I was quoted on a 116334 (blue index dial) is about 5% higher than what was listed in the chart on this first page (76300, instead of 72500) so I was wondering if there any locals in Oslo that could verify and post the price of that piece. I am waiting for final price on the second piece (116203) since I was quoted a price with the wrong bracelet (we want oyster, they quoted jubilee).
- Finally, does anyone have any feedback and/or personal experience with the local AD (Urmaker Bjerke)

Thank you!
Just curious....are you only going to Norway to buy the watch because it's cheaper?
You probably know this already, but Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.....along with Zurich, Tokyo, etc....
How much will you spend just getting and staying there?

I'd buy the watch in the U.S. then travel there on leisure sometime.
Nice place....
m1911a1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:21 AM   #4
Alpino
"TRF" Member
 
Alpino's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Paris
Posts: 2,557
.

Using the same source than the one where I got 72.500nok for a 116334 , a 116203 is 84.100nok on Oyster and 88.200nok on jubilé.
Alpino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:33 AM   #5
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpino View Post
.

Using the same source than the one where I got 72.500nok for a 116334 , a 116203 is 84.100nok on Oyster and 88.200nok on jubilé.
Hmm. Very interesting, Alpino. Thank you very much for this reference. I may just have to wait until I get there to pull the trigger since the prices I am being quoted are not matching up with the prices your source is providing. I wish it was easier to get MSRP (list price) information without having to play detective or having to mobilize friends around the world. The price I was quoted on the jubilee was 90200, so the difference is only 2K, which is less than 2.5%.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:36 AM   #6
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by m1911a1 View Post
Just curious....are you only going to Norway to buy the watch because it's cheaper?
You probably know this already, but Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.....along with Zurich, Tokyo, etc....
How much will you spend just getting and staying there?

I'd buy the watch in the U.S. then travel there on leisure sometime.
Nice place....
Actually, if you look at what's happening with their currency, you would find that:
1) things are not as expensive as they used to be (USD has appreciated 50% against the NOK in the past three years)
2) the difference in price in the watches (especially when factoring in VAT refund) is about 3K each, for a total of 6K, so that is paying for a weeklong trip throughout Scandinavia
3) air fare to Scandinavia for March (when I am going) is extremely cheap. I am paying less money to fly there r/t (non stop flights) than I would to fly to California or the Caribbean for the same date ranges (r/t to Oslo is under 600 USD)
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 12:48 AM   #7
m1911a1
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Mark
Location: Maine, USA
Watch: 42mm Explorer-II's
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodhipooh View Post
Actually, if you look at what's happening with their currency, you would find that:
1) things are not as expensive as they used to be (USD has appreciated 50% against the NOK in the past three years)
2) the difference in price in the watches (especially when factoring in VAT refund) is about 3K each, for a total of 6K, so that is paying for a weeklong trip throughout Scandinavia
3) air fare to Scandinavia for March (when I am going) is extremely cheap. I am paying less money to fly there r/t (non stop flights) than I would to fly to California or the Caribbean for the same date ranges (r/t to Oslo is under 600 USD)
I haven't been there in a few years.....but all-in....every expenditure you have leaving your house, until you arrive back home......what's the net difference?
And oh by the way.....Oslo is a great place to go.....even if you only want buy a watch and return.
But once you get there, you may want to stay longer....great place!
m1911a1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 02:24 AM   #8
Loevhagen
"TRF" Member
 
Loevhagen's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: The aperture
Posts: 4,941
I reside in Norway.

a) NOK:USD ratio is historically favorable - for USD
b) a deposit is just a deposit. Aka can be returned
c) Norway has 25% VAT. That means you get 20% of the already favorable price under litera a)
d) Urmaker Bjerke (the AD) is indeed trustworthy
Loevhagen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 03:51 AM   #9
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by m1911a1 View Post
I haven't been there in a few years.....but all-in....every expenditure you have leaving your house, until you arrive back home......what's the net difference?
And oh by the way.....Oslo is a great place to go.....even if you only want buy a watch and return.
But once you get there, you may want to stay longer....great place!
All in, based on the prices I have been quoted, and after taking into account the actual Global Blue VAT refund (which is going to be 18%, not the full 20%) I'm looking at a 30% discount (14,900 USD, instead of 21,300) when compared to purchasing at a local AD (after local NJ taxes). Of course, this is assuming full prices at both the Norwegian and New Jersey ADs. Even if I was able to secure a 15% discount at a local AD, and not get one in Oslo, I am looking at a savings of over 3K. That will cover the majority of the expenses of our 10 day trip to Scandinavia (certainly our various air fares, and our hotels) and we would have a great story and related memories to go along with the watches. Ultimately, this is a trip I have always wanted to make, so the ability to make it an almost free trip is just a bonus.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 04:02 AM   #10
Loevhagen
"TRF" Member
 
Loevhagen's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: The aperture
Posts: 4,941
Please note that Rolex prices will very likely rise 8% ultimo January in Norway. Weak NOK.
Loevhagen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 04:03 AM   #11
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loevhagen View Post
I reside in Norway.

a) NOK:USD ratio is historically favorable - for USD
b) a deposit is just a deposit. Aka can be returned
c) Norway has 25% VAT. That means you get 20% of the already favorable price under litera a)
d) Urmaker Bjerke (the AD) is indeed trustworthy
Thank for this information, Bjoern. Based on the information from the Global Blur website, I'll be able to get back 18% instead of the full 20%, and I'm ok with that.

My experience with the AD so far has been great so far (all via email) but it's always great to get additional feedback and first hand stories from others. I am hoping I'll be able to secure a discount (especially given that it is two watches we are buying) but even if I don't, I'm getting a great deal compared to local prices. Heck, I may even pull the trigger on a third one (BLNR or LVc) while there if they have either in stock.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 04:07 AM   #12
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loevhagen View Post
Please note that Rolex prices will very likely rise 8% ultimo January in Norway. Weak NOK.
That's my concern and also part of the reason why I want to complete a deal now. The AD alluded to a possible raise in our emails by asking for the deposit before February. They are willing to set aside the watches until we get there in late March, so they are being very accommodating. Very happy with the experience so far.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 04:17 AM   #13
belligero
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: EUR
Posts: 487
Quote:
Originally Posted by bodhipooh View Post
Thank for this information, Bjoern. Based on the information from the Global Blur website, I'll be able to get back 18% instead of the full 20%, and I'm ok with that.

My experience with the AD so far has been great so far (all via email) but it's always great to get additional feedback and first hand stories from others. I am hoping I'll be able to secure a discount (especially given that it is two watches we are buying) but even if I don't, I'm getting a great deal compared to local prices. Heck, I may even pull the trigger on a third one (BLNR or LVc) while there if they have either in stock.
Yes, there will be a price hike for Norway at the end of January.

It should be possible to get a full refund deposited directly from the dealer instead of having a third party take a bite.

You may get a discount, but don't count on it, as Rolex inventories are pretty much depleted around here lately due to the weak currency.
belligero is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 05:37 AM   #14
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by belligero View Post
Yes, there will be a price hike for Norway at the end of January.

It should be possible to get a full refund deposited directly from the dealer instead of having a third party take a bite.

You may get a discount, but don't count on it, as Rolex inventories are pretty much depleted around here lately due to the weak currency.
Thank you for the additional feedback, belligero!

To be honest, I don't put much stock in price increase predictions (history shows that ADs only find out about increases when they are announced and official) but I also think that the NOK has lost too much value and that a price increase is inevitable. The AD (Urmaker Bjerke) has been very, very pleasant to deal with, and I much rather close the deal now and avoid surprises later. If the AD is willing to commit to a price (and that seems to be the case) then I rather pay the full price they are quoting as opposed to "rolling the dice" and waiting until March and risk a price increase. As of right now, the Norwegian prices are ridiculously low for those using USD (and also Euro, but to a lesser extend) so I am sure that a price increase will come sometime soon.

As for inventory being depleted, I am slightly surprised to hear that since the AD has told me that the very two pieces I have inquired about are in stock. I am tempted to ask them to hold a third piece for me. At these prices, I am tempted to pull the trigger.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 05:48 AM   #15
Loevhagen
"TRF" Member
 
Loevhagen's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: The aperture
Posts: 4,941
You said "...I am in the process of reserving two pieces...". While you are in the process, the stock might be sold. ;)
Loevhagen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2016, 07:15 AM   #16
bodhipooh
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loevhagen View Post
You said "...I am in the process of reserving two pieces...". While you are in the process, the stock might be sold. ;)
Ha! Don't go and steal my pieces now!!

BTW, I sent you a PM.
bodhipooh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 06:11 AM   #17
major_error
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oslo
Posts: 15
Have a nice trip to Oslo!
It is a nice place and you can trust "Urmaker Bjerke"!

8-)
major_error is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 06:29 AM   #18
dera
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,372
I'm here until tomorrow, I'll go check them out tmrw afternoon and send you a msg.
dera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 06:39 AM   #19
goog53
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Mike G
Location: Ohio
Watch: Rolex-Patek-AP
Posts: 3,076
DONT TRUST GLOBAL BLUE!!! I bought a Cartier love bracelet in Venice in May and was due back €1165 and never received it. Sent in all of the paper work and it was supposedly "lost". I emailed them and had copies of all of my forms and even a picture of the global box I put them in and a picture of the global blue teller at the airport and they still refused to refund my VAT. Don't depend on that because it is NO GUARANTEE. If the retailer can't refund you the VAT on the spot I highly recommend passing. I ended up paying more for my bracelet in Italy than I would have if I just bought the damn thing in the US. Google Global Blue and you will read many horror stories. (Sorry for the rant)
goog53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 11:55 AM   #20
climbwithahelmet
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: new york
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by goog53 View Post
DONT TRUST GLOBAL BLUE!!! I bought a Cartier love bracelet in Venice in May and was due back €1165 and never received it. Sent in all of the paper work and it was supposedly "lost". I emailed them and had copies of all of my forms and even a picture of the global box I put them in and a picture of the global blue teller at the airport and they still refused to refund my VAT. Don't depend on that because it is NO GUARANTEE. If the retailer can't refund you the VAT on the spot I highly recommend passing. I ended up paying more for my bracelet in Italy than I would have if I just bought the damn thing in the US. Google Global Blue and you will read many horror stories. (Sorry for the rant)
Ouch, that truly sucks. I haven't had an issue with them so far, but that is definitely always my concern. I also take pics of my receipts, but it seems like even with all the backups that you covered, you still got the short end.
climbwithahelmet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 01:17 PM   #21
goog53
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Mike G
Location: Ohio
Watch: Rolex-Patek-AP
Posts: 3,076
Quote:
Originally Posted by climbwithahelmet View Post
Ouch, that truly sucks. I haven't had an issue with them so far, but that is definitely always my concern. I also take pics of my receipts, but it seems like even with all the backups that you covered, you still got the short end.
Pics of the receipts and copies are not accepted. Global Blue has a strict policy that all the paperwork must be original with no exceptions. Complete BS and unfortunate that so many EU retailers use their services
goog53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 03:01 PM   #22
climbwithahelmet
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: new york
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by goog53 View Post
Pics of the receipts and copies are not accepted. Global Blue has a strict policy that all the paperwork must be original with no exceptions. Complete BS and unfortunate that so many EU retailers use their services
Wow, so what is the alternative because they take the original receipts when you fill out the paperwork.

I'm surprised there isn't a Euro BBB who can help you dispute that. Not sure how long ago that happened to you, but you might be able to contact either the credit card company and/or AD for a duplicate receipt?
climbwithahelmet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 09:03 PM   #23
bardm
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Bård
Location: Oslo - Norway
Watch: None
Posts: 1,014
I live in Oslo, Norway.

1) I don't think you can get a discount on a new Rolex in Norway.
2) I bough my SS GMT IIc at Urmaker Bjerke. It was a great experience

Good luck!

PS: You should visit "Frognerparken" / "Vigelandsanlegget" while you are in Oslo. It's a large sculpture park near the centre of town (Urmaker Bjerke almost IS the centre of town)


__________________
Bård
bardm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 09:11 PM   #24
@chris@
"TRF" Member
 
@chris@'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Right Here :)
Watch: SubC & GMT 2 BLNR
Posts: 79
With GB, u can always lose a little more to ask for cash instead of crediting back to your card. Cash is instant and I have never had problem with that.
@chris@ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 10:12 PM   #25
2JHead
"TRF" Member
 
2JHead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Western Europe
Posts: 609
Don't want crash your party but given 18% tax return only, travel expenses and most likely little or no discount you stand to lose substantial money compared to just buying from TRF GMD's
2JHead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2016, 10:27 PM   #26
goog53
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Mike G
Location: Ohio
Watch: Rolex-Patek-AP
Posts: 3,076
Quote:
Originally Posted by @chris@ View Post
With GB, u can always lose a little more to ask for cash instead of crediting back to your card. Cash is instant and I have never had problem with that.
Cash can only be given if it is a small refund. That is what I was told when I requested cash first. The teller told me I had to have it go back on my card because the return was over €1100
goog53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2016, 12:07 AM   #27
DCgator
"TRF" Member
 
DCgator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PNW
Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2
Posts: 8,123
Icon6

Quote:
Originally Posted by bardm View Post
I live in Oslo, Norway.

1) I don't think you can get a discount on a new Rolex in Norway.
2) I bough my SS GMT IIc at Urmaker Bjerke. It was a great experience

Good luck!

PS: You should visit "Frognerparken" / "Vigelandsanlegget" while you are in Oslo. It's a large sculpture park near the centre of town (Urmaker Bjerke almost IS the centre of town)


Agree with Bard. Love Oslo and always dropped in at U.B. Store every single time I am in Oslo. They offered me beverage, BTW. Lots of places nearby to buy leather straps, etc. Not a huge store but they've got first class inventory and staff are always first class in treating customers.

Enjoy Oslo!

-JD
DCgator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2016, 12:38 AM   #28
@chris@
"TRF" Member
 
@chris@'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Right Here :)
Watch: SubC & GMT 2 BLNR
Posts: 79
Quote:
Originally Posted by goog53 View Post
Cash can only be given if it is a small refund. That is what I was told when I requested cash first. The teller told me I had to have it go back on my card because the return was over €1100
I guess it depends on whether the counter had sufficient cash/big notes. I certainly know of cases where cash refund was of no issue and the amount was in excess of €1000 as well.

I have not come across the rule stating the threshold limit for refund to go to the card vs cash. Have u ?
@chris@ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2016, 02:18 AM   #29
dera
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,372
I went there today, few comments;

For some reason I first walked past it. It is located right next to the (currently under renovation) main entrance to the Grand Hotel.

They had very limited stock - bunch of Datejusts, one Platona, and a WG Pepsi.

Their prices for Datejust 2's after the "discount" were;

116300, sales price 56600NOK, 10188NOK tax return, end price 46412NOK.
116334, sales price 76300NOK, 13734NOK tax return, end price 62566NOK.

BUT; and this was VERY worrying to me.
They only had a blue stick dial smooth bezel DJ2 in stock, and a diamond dial 116334. They said it is not a problem at all to swap the dial over from the blue to the fluted bezel watch, they said I could pick it up in 3-4 hours.
That is very questionable, given that the warranty card would then state wrong dial type...

Not very cheap, those prices are 10-12% more expensive in their neighboring country, where a 116300 is around 4550USD after tax return and discounts.

Good service though and a nice selection of all the high end brands, including a few complicated Pateks.
dera is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.