Duty Charge of GMT Master II from Japan?

[JeffreyD]

I am in the market for a GMT Master II BLNR and will be in Japan next month. If I buy it there, I can avoid taxes in Japan, but I SHOULD claim it upon returning to the U.S. and pay duty on it. Does anyone know what the duty for such a purchase would be? I don't want to be surprised and want to be honest with claiming it.

[doboy007]

I’ve heard it’s about 3% or so at US customs for SS models.

[yhzdude]

i think the tax is 8 or 9 % in Japan, there also like cash deal from what i hear.
and charge a little more if you use a credit card.
i gonna check some watch places in Tokyo..i am heading there next week.
will report back if i find this topic.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by yhzdude

i think the tax is 8 or 9 % in Japan, there also like cash deal from what i hear.
and charge a little more if you use a credit card.
i gonna check some watch places in Tokyo..i am heading there next week.
will report back if i find this topic.

Sales tax is 8% but it is refunded for foreign passport holders on a tourist visa at point of sale.

Cash/CC will likely depend on the dealer. I got an extra 5% off my Grand Seiko recently for using a visa card. I think this was a fairly long-running promotion, too.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by doboy007

I’ve heard it’s about 3% or so at US customs for SS models.

This (thereabouts)

U.S. duty on SS Rolexes is about the lowest in the world. You can look it up using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule published by the CBP.

[rollee1]

Chances are slim to find a BLNR in Japan, even if it is found the cost will be unattractive.

[Stew7]

You may have a tough time finding that Rolex model in Japan at MSRP depending on where you are going. In several trips to Tokyo the last couple years, I haven't had much success.

The grey market is very strong there with prices that are pretty high coming from the US.

If you fancy them, its a great place to get a Grand Seiko though as mentioned above.

[kaiserphoenix]

If you are after one at MSRP.....you won’t find one. We can’t even locate a submariner around here....But plenty of greys selling them and i think u can get tax back from them too.


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[MinMay]

I've received a bill from FedEX, the duty/VAT is based on the value of the watch BAND and CASE. It should be roughly 3-4%.

[Arthur Daley]

Originally Posted by JeffreyD

I am in the market for a GMT Master II BLNR and will be in Japan next month. If I buy it there, I can avoid taxes in Japan, but I SHOULD claim it upon returning to the U.S. and pay duty on it. Does anyone know what the duty for such a purchase would be? I don't want to be surprised and want to be honest with claiming it.

3.5% when I googled import duty on watches a month ago. I didn't Google Japan as origin - so may need to double check. The AD that sold me the watch outside the US confirmed the 3.5% rate.

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[jimcarver]

Originally Posted by rollee1

Chances are slim to find a BLNR in Japan, even if it is found the cost will be unattractive.

There are plenty about. You shouldn't have too many problems getting one for or around $10,000 (without tax).