Buying Rolex O/S

[abcde50]

Has anyone purchased a new Rolex through a gray dealer in the US and had it shipped to Australia? If so, how did it go and would you recommend doing it? Was there any issues with customs and who was the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

[Mars]

1st post on the forum - Yayyyyyyy

Not a new one (a 1970 DD 1807 in 18ct YG with Prez bracelet + original box), but do not see a problem other than making sure that the 'grey dealer' is legit. Anything over A$1,000 incurs 10% GST on the value over the $1,000 i.e. if watch is A$1,100, then you pay GST on the A$100. I would recommend buying from anywhere in USD as our dollar is kicking USD freckle for once. A 'grey dealer' can give a better price than an AD from my experience. No issue with customs. Only regulation is that you must bring in authentic - no replicas or fakes (which I support). If replica or fake, it gets confiscated. Use FedEx for delivery so you can track. Regards.......Mars

[rulessapt]

All of the above, with the added kicker that if using the post office a watch of Rolex value is considered a prohibited import. A little crazy, but it's true. FedEx will hammer you fee wise if you live anywhere outside a major capitol city.
I've found purchasing these big ticket items off ebay with Paypal to be an extra safeguard, but not foolproof. My experience only.
cheers
richard

[2careless]

Originally Posted by rulessapt

All of the above, with the added kicker that if using the post office a watch of Rolex value is considered a prohibited import. A little crazy, but it's true.

Interesting. I bought a watch from another TRF member in US and it was sent via USPS (US Post office) with insurance stating the full value in Customs declaration, no problemo.
You sure they didn't bs?
BTW, Customs charges 10% GST on (watch value + 5% duty + postage) so in the end it's approx 15% plus.
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5549

[daytona_mania]

Fellow Australian TRFers!!!

I think its high time that we banded together and went on a shopping trip!! With the current exchange rates it would be cheaper for us to fly to Hawaii and buy a rolex!

Rolex and a trip, bonus!!

Just a thought lol...