Traveling with watches...customs???

[jed11]

Hey guys, sure this has been discussed before but hoping (and appreciate) some quick insight.
I'm traveling to Japan (from US) for a few days and considering bringing a watch or two...BLNR and maybe Speedy...maybe Sub, not sure. These watches were bought here in the US. Been trying to read up on declaring items at customs...what's the protocol? Do I need to declare these leaving the US, entering Japan, etc? I'll likely have one on the wrist and at most will have one in my carry on. Sorry for the rookie question. I don't think that I do but I just want to avoid any issues.

Thanks in advance.

[BumbleB]

It’s best to just wear one watch if it’s a short trip and avoid all the hassle.


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[Roger Lococco]

Maybe just take pictures of the warranty cards before you leave.


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[jed11]

Yeah, I'm either leaning on wearing/bringing just one watch...or just nothing at all which would kind of be a bummer.

[macrowatch]

If they look worn, shouldn’t have any issues. Mint maybe 1/1000.

If want piece of mind just have a photo of the dated warranty cards or purchase info. Never had this problem flying internationally multiple times a year.

[TC94]

You don’t have to declare anything in either end. Pack them in your carry on and go. Wear one. I’ve done this numerous times and never had an issue. The above advice about photos of warranty cards is a good idea though.

You could always pull them up to prove purchase date. But in a couple dozen trips with 2-4 watches in my bag, I’ve never had an issue.

Scratches and scuffs would probably help too. Assuming you have any.

[Tools]

There is a customs form that you can pre-fill, describing items that you are traveling with if it is a concern for you.

You can, of course, travel to most places with any number of watches you want and do not need to ask or tell anybody. There are Trademark laws in some countries that only allow you to transport into country a certain number of Trademarked items and so check with that country.

The problem is if you are transporting for sales, or if they believe that you are going to sell or leave any behind, because then you are importing.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by jed11

Hey guys, sure this has been discussed before but hoping (and appreciate) some quick insight.
I'm traveling to Japan (from US) for a few days and considering bringing a watch or two...BLNR and maybe Speedy...maybe Sub, not sure. These watches were bought here in the US. Been trying to read up on declaring items at customs...what's the protocol? Do I need to declare these leaving the US, entering Japan, etc? I'll likely have one on the wrist and at most will have one in my carry on. Sorry for the rookie question. I don't think that I do but I just want to avoid any issues.

Thanks in advance.

https://www.customs.go.jp/kaisei/you..._C/C5360-B.pdf

[Harry-57]

We travel abroad a minimum of twice a year. We each wear one watch and keep the receipts with our paperwork. We have never been pulled, so I can't say for certain what the outcome would be. We just do as seems sensible.

[jed11]

Yeah maybe I’m overthinking it...I will be with my wife who will have her engagement and wedding band that will far exceed any one watch I will be wearing. Seems as if I am wearing it (entering and leaving), should not be an issue...


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[Boaters]

I would only take what you wear.

[Kniazukay]

I travel internationally once every 6-8 weeks if not more at times. I travel with 2 maybe 3 watches at a time depending on what country I'm going to. I keep them in my backpack on me when flying and have never had a problem. I don't declare because I'm not buying or selling anything. I don't think it'll be an issue. I usually bring my two watch travel roll and the third is on my wrist. The only thing that varies is the value of them depending on where I travel. Certain places I have no problem wearing my high end watches, others.... it's time to break out the less expensive watches. And you're going to Japan? I think you'll be fine.

[Burlington]

You will be fine. No need to declare.

If you’re already concerned about things though, just take the one watch and wear it all the time. You will enjoy your trip that much more.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by Boaters

I would only take what you wear.

What Mike said.

WHY would you add potential grief with worrying about extra watches?

Having photo's on your phones of the watch (also with a serial number closeup), and photo's of the sales receipt and front/rear of the warranty card are also good to have, just in case of a rare theft and such.

That is just me; I like to be careful.

[ncampanella3]

My buddy just did this

He decided to wear one on each wrist for the two weeks he would be away

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[Time4aRolex]

You do not need to declare anything that you already own when entering a country or returning to the USA.

[Old Geezer]

My wife and I have traveled all over the world wearing our wristwatches and jewelry and never had the slightest glance from immigration upon entering a country or immigration/customs upon returning to the USA. If it makes you feel better, the picture of a sales receipt or warranty card is easy enough. If it were me, I'd only take what you plan to wear. I'd find it detracting from my enjoyment of the trip if I had to worry about extra high value items being safe. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Japan is a magical place.

[dukie748]

I only travel with one, too much hassle putting them in and out of hotel safes (not room safes). If worried, just take a photo of it on your wrist at the airport as you leave the US - photo will be dated etc.

[breed]

I usually travel with a 3 watch case in my backpack. I have my warranty cards saved a pictures on my phone, also almost always wearing either my BLNR or Polar 2 when flying internationally. I have never had a single issue, and only a couple of "nice watch" comments at border crossings in the last several years.

[AF_Rob]

I took two watches with me overseas before and won't do it again. It wasn't worth the mental bandwidth for me. It doesn't fit my personality.

[schonauerd]

No need to declare just put them in your carry on.


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[77T]

You should be fine.

Crossing customs with ordinary personal items, as long as they aren’t otherwise banned in the country, is a routine matter.

If you have a smartphone, you’ll have more trouble getting your international calling sorted than wearing your Rolex.


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[inadeje]

I take two watches almost every trip. One on wrist and the other in my hand luggage in a watch Roll, I’ve never been asked anything in any country

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by jed11

Yeah, I'm either leaning on wearing/bringing just one watch...or just nothing at all which would kind of be a bummer.

Just bring 1, less stress and risk.. Grab and go!

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[rkven]

Your best bet is to wear them.

[TswaneNguni]

This thread is from the pre-Covid era when their were still planes flying .

[campfire]

We travel a fair bit internationally...Japan included. Never an issue, nor even once asked about it.

That said, I agree. I just bring one watch worn on my wrist and not worry about it. If it's for work, then I'd rather not be bothered with safes, etc. And if it's for pleasure even more so. Rather not worry about taking care of extra valuables and just enjoy.

That said, as others suggested, pictures of warranty/receipts is an easy thing to do and could potentially come in handy.

Side story, when we travel to Japan, I wear a GS. Interestingly, from my experience, it gets less attention than Rolex which I like.

Safe travels either way. Enjoy Japan. Love visiting over there. Share pictures if you can. All the best.

[chtfse]

Bumping this thread. Anyone been to Japan recently with their new electronic customs forms? It requires you to enter the market value of the item even if it's for personal use during the trip.

[BillA]

Easy solution: Leave your Rolex watches home, wear a G-Shock, and lower your risk of getting mugged.

[Grapenut]

Originally Posted by chtfse

Bumping this thread. Anyone been to Japan recently with their new electronic customs forms? It requires you to enter the market value of the item even if it's for personal use during the trip.

Yes, I was there at the end of November. As a tourist I wasn't bringing in any items that required declaration so the form in Visit Japan Web was straight forward.