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jas55 · 23 May 2009, 06:22 PM

Hey,

I just got back from a week in Singapore, and thought I'd give a little review of what I found there. The number of AD's is truly amazing, I must have counted at least 10 Rolex dealers, and countless more with Omega Tag etc.

Coming from Perth, Western Australia I rarely get to see a full range of Rolex watches on display, they had everything. They even had all the top end diamond encrusted Daytona's. They were willing to drop the price on most of their watches by 20%, plus when leaving the country you can also claim back the GST tax of another 5% at Changi airport.

I think if you walked in with the cash and were serious about a purchase, they would have given a good deal. You can walk down Orchard Road (their main shopping street) and count mutliple Rolex dealers.

I tried on quite a few pieces, alas I couldn't really afford to buy a new one on this trip. I bought my new Explorer 2 in Perth last December, I calculated I would have saved at least $1500 Australian dollars if I had have bought in Singapore. I had my first encounter with Patek Phillipe, and some other high end brands. Funnily enough Panerai was very hard to find, only a few dealers seem to carry them. They are such a great watch, and I did try on a few models too.

Also tried on a few IWC models, and was very tempted with the Classic pilots mark XV1 model. It's a very elegant watch.

I think I will try and head back that way if I want to purchase another new model anytime soon.

116520 · 23 May 2009, 06:29 PM

You can claim 7% GST from the airport... not 5%...

jas55 · 23 May 2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 116520

You can claim 7% GST from the airport... not 5%...

7% thanks:)

2careless · 23 May 2009, 07:26 PM

Hmm, I don't see we can save much buying in Singapore. If I had the time and money to visit UK, UK would offer the best deal at the moment. BTW, you have to use the prevailing exchange rates to do comparison. When it was Dec 2008, A$ was like 63c to USD. Now it's 78c - totally different ballgame.

P.S. and don't forget you are legally required to declare that watch you bought overseas when you enter Australia. If you travel a lot and wear this piece in and out, chances are that customs would notice it and tax you with penalty.

P.P.S. that 7% refund from Singapore is debatable. I think that organisation doing refunds charges a processing fee or something so in the end you get approx 5.5% back only.

vip4u · 23 May 2009, 08:04 PM

Just gone taken a few pic for u guys,did not want too look to obiouse incase they thought i was planning a robbery

Here are a few shops in Dubai Mall ,in about a 23 km radius were i stay there are anywere from 3/6 dealers around of most brands except Penarai one i know of otherwise good variety here.
Only problem me no money for this stuff.
But wow is it tempting.

TheVTCGuy · 23 May 2009, 09:11 PM

Ok, so here's a stupid question... but I wear my Rolex overseas quite a bit. I've worn it on trips to Japan, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribeaan. Have never been questioned about it at all. Now, let's say I leave my watch at home. I travel to.. Singapore, buy a Rolex at a discount, and ship the box/papers home through UPS or FEDEX or something. Then, when I return to the US, I am wearing my new Rolex.

I'm not supporting the conecpt of smuggling or anything, but how does the customs inspector know I just bought that watch and wasn't wearing it when I left the US (like I've done a hundred times before)

vip4u · 23 May 2009, 09:49 PM

Normally if i sneak a watch through,and get away with it ok. but when i leave again ,my country i make sure i fill in a form at customs with serial no.that i all ready had it,this is valued for 12 months.So if i come back and get search i show them the slip that i left with it.Computers etc,mp3 etc.
For we have a threshold and if over you pay 25% what ever.
But if you have had it over 12 months with proof of purchase also ok.

So can be a bit of lottery ,but yes generally hard to control i would think.

Imtiaz · 23 May 2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Ok, so here's a stupid question... but I wear my Rolex overseas quite a bit. I've worn it on trips to Japan, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribeaan. Have never been questioned about it at all. Now, let's say I leave my watch at home. I travel to.. Singapore, buy a Rolex at a discount, and ship the box/papers home through UPS or FEDEX or something. Then, when I return to the US, I am wearing my new Rolex.

I'm not supporting the conecpt of smuggling or anything, but how does the customs inspector know I just bought that watch and wasn't wearing it when I left the US (like I've done a hundred times before)

Paul this is what most people who buy expensive watches overseas do when they come back home.

I travel about 6 times a year. The customs don't ask me about watches, these they seem more interested in drugs and fake watches and handbags.

Re the singapore GST refund, in my experience there was about 2% fee that was charged to process the refund.

Raam · 24 May 2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jas55

Hey,

I think if you walked in with the cash and were serious about a purchase, they would have given a good deal. You can walk down Orchard Road (their main shopping street) and count mutliple Rolex dealers.

Hi Jas55,

There are more shops at other part of Singapore, check the list of ADs on Rolex Official site if u coming again, you be spoilt for choice..

.

allanofcalifornia · 24 May 2009, 01:54 AM

I have two questions:

Did the ADs have all the different models?
Were the prices that much less than buying in the US?

Allan

sea-dweller · 24 May 2009, 02:02 AM

Singapore does have excellent shopping for Rolex and other brands.

jas55 · 24 May 2009, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

I have two questions:

Did the ADs have all the different models?
Were the prices that much less than buying in the US?

Allan

Yes the AD's had a very good range of models. Every model that I could think of, with possibly the exception of the deepsea was there. I wasn't really looking for a deepsea in particular, I just don't recall seeing that many. They also had solid gold models which I haven't seen alot of before. Solid Subs and GMT'S.

I can't really answer the cheaper than US part, as I haven't been there yet. However I went into Chinatown and there was a shopping centre which had 3 Rolex AD's in the same centre. They would have to offer you a good price purely to be competitive.

jas55 · 24 May 2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raam

Hi Jas55,

There are more shops at other part of Singapore, check the list of ADs on Rolex Official site if u coming again, you be spoilt for choice..

.

Yeah I stumbled accross a few in Chinatown, and at the shopping centre where you can cross over to Santosa. Also there's Changi airport itself, which has quite a few shops to choose from.

Many of the high class hotels also have them. The Raffles hotel had a Rolex AD, as did a couple of the other hotels, such as Swiss Hotel.

allanofcalifornia · 24 May 2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jas55

Yes the AD's had a very good range of models. Every model that I could think of, with possibly the exception of the deepsea was there. I wasn't really looking for a deepsea in particular, I just don't recall seeing that many. They also had solid gold models which I haven't seen alot of before. Solid Subs and GMT'S.

Must have felt like being in a candy store!!

How did you resist the temptation to buy?

Allan

Starwalker · 24 May 2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 116520

You can claim 7% GST from the airport... not 5%...

technically its 7% but then the airport takes a chunk out for their own admin charges and you get o/a 5.5% back in cash.

Cato · 24 May 2009, 03:23 AM

Chinese really appreciate luxury goods. Here in Southern California, the best ADs, those with the greatest selection, are in Chinatowns.

allanofcalifornia · 24 May 2009, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cato

Chinese really appreciate luxury goods. Here in Southern California, the best ADs, those with the greatest selection, are in Chinatowns.

Just curious, where are the Chinatowns in Southern California?

Allan

Atomant · 24 May 2009, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jas55

Hey,

I just got back from a week in Singapore, and thought I'd give a little review of what I found there. The number of AD's is truly amazing, I must have counted at least 10 Rolex dealers, and countless more with Omega Tag etc.

Coming from Perth, Western Australia I rarely get to see a full range of Rolex watches on display, they had everything. They even had all the top end diamond encrusted Daytona's. They were willing to drop the price on most of their watches by 20%, plus when leaving the country you can also claim back the GST tax of another 5% at Changi airport.

I think if you walked in with the cash and were serious about a purchase, they would have given a good deal. You can walk down Orchard Road (their main shopping street) and count mutliple Rolex dealers.

I tried on quite a few pieces, alas I couldn't really afford to buy a new one on this trip. I bought my new Explorer 2 in Perth last December, I calculated I would have saved at least $1500 Australian dollars if I had have bought in Singapore. I had my first encounter with Patek Phillipe, and some other high end brands. Funnily enough Panerai was very hard to find, only a few dealers seem to carry them. They are such a great watch, and I did try on a few models too.

Also tried on a few IWC models, and was very tempted with the Classic pilots mark XV1 model. It's a very elegant watch.

I think I will try and head back that way if I want to purchase another new model anytime soon.

Hi Lach, if you happen to visit Kuala Lumpur drop by starhill gallery. You will be truly amazed by one level of watchmaker's boutique. I know cause I just came back from KL 2 weeks ago. Glad you enjoyed your stay in Singapore.

Cato · 24 May 2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

Just curious, where are the Chinatowns in Southern California?

Allan

Certainly, Downtown LA, around Alameda and Broadway. Then I am also refering to San Gabriel/Monterey Park/Temple City. Chong Hing and Hing Wa Lee both have awesome watch selections. Chong Hing is a Patek/AP AD and Hing Wa Lee is a Rolex/Omega/VC AD.

allanofcalifornia · 24 May 2009, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cato

Certainly, Downtown LA, around Alameda and Broadway. Then I am also refering to San Gabriel/Monterey Park/Temple City. Chong Hing and Hing Wa Lee both have awesome watch selections. Chong Hing is a Patek/AP AD and Hing Wa Lee is a Rolex/Omega/VC AD.

Thanks for the information!! I live in Northern California but it is good to know.

Allan

2careless · 24 May 2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I'm not supporting the conecpt of smuggling or anything, but how does the customs inspector know I just bought that watch and wasn't wearing it when I left the US (like I've done a hundred times before)

Well, I think for customs the burden of proof is on you to prove them wrong, i.e. you have to prove to them that your watch was duty paid, or they have the authority to hold on to it until you show them the proof. By this time there's no point arguing unless you really have proof (e.g. receipt at home).

jas55 · 24 May 2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

Must have felt like being in a candy store!!

How did you resist the temptation to buy?

Allan

That was exactly the feeling that I had visiting the stores:)

jas55 · 24 May 2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomant

Hi Lach, if you happen to visit Kuala Lumpur drop by starhill gallery. You will be truly amazed by one level of watchmaker's boutique. I know cause I just came back from KL 2 weeks ago. Glad you enjoyed your stay in Singapore.

Thanks for that, I haven''t been to KL yet.

DaveInLA · 25 May 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cato

Chong Hing and Hing Wa Lee both have awesome watch selections. Chong Hing is a Patek/AP AD and Hing Wa Lee is a Rolex/Omega/VC AD.

Actually, Hing Wa Lee does not sell Omegas. I bought my Explorer from the one in San Gabriel. However, the Chong Hing that's in the same shopping center IS an Omega AD.

sea-dweller · 29 May 2009, 05:07 AM

Ditto. I travel to Pasadena, CA about once a month for business, and I know that these two cities are fairly close by. I will stop in and take a peek next time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

Thanks for the information!! I live in Northern California but it is good to know.

Allan

23 May 2009, 06:22 PM	#1
jas55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Lach Location: Western Australia Posts: 759	Singapore Hey, I just got back from a week in Singapore, and thought I'd give a little review of what I found there. The number of AD's is truly amazing, I must have counted at least 10 Rolex dealers, and countless more with Omega Tag etc. Coming from Perth, Western Australia I rarely get to see a full range of Rolex watches on display, they had everything. They even had all the top end diamond encrusted Daytona's. They were willing to drop the price on most of their watches by 20%, plus when leaving the country you can also claim back the GST tax of another 5% at Changi airport. I think if you walked in with the cash and were serious about a purchase, they would have given a good deal. You can walk down Orchard Road (their main shopping street) and count mutliple Rolex dealers. I tried on quite a few pieces, alas I couldn't really afford to buy a new one on this trip. I bought my new Explorer 2 in Perth last December, I calculated I would have saved at least $1500 Australian dollars if I had have bought in Singapore. I had my first encounter with Patek Phillipe, and some other high end brands. Funnily enough Panerai was very hard to find, only a few dealers seem to carry them. They are such a great watch, and I did try on a few models too. Also tried on a few IWC models, and was very tempted with the Classic pilots mark XV1 model. It's a very elegant watch. I think I will try and head back that way if I want to purchase another new model anytime soon. __________________ Explorer 2-Polar Omega Seamaster Quartz

24 May 2009, 01:54 AM	#10
allanofcalifornia "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Allan Location: California Posts: 3,210	I have two questions: Did the ADs have all the different models? Were the prices that much less than buying in the US? Allan

24 May 2009, 02:02 AM	#11
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Singapore does have excellent shopping for Rolex and other brands. __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

23 May 2009, 06:29 PM	#2
116520 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Dennis Location: Singapore Watch: 116520 Posts: 181	You can claim 7% GST from the airport... not 5%...

23 May 2009, 07:26 PM	#4
2careless "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Melbourne, AU Watch: Pepsi Posts: 4,370	Hmm, I don't see we can save much buying in Singapore. If I had the time and money to visit UK, UK would offer the best deal at the moment. BTW, you have to use the prevailing exchange rates to do comparison. When it was Dec 2008, A$ was like 63c to USD. Now it's 78c - totally different ballgame. P.S. and don't forget you are legally required to declare that watch you bought overseas when you enter Australia. If you travel a lot and wear this piece in and out, chances are that customs would notice it and tax you with penalty. P.P.S. that 7% refund from Singapore is debatable. I think that organisation doing refunds charges a processing fee or something so in the end you get approx 5.5% back only.

23 May 2009, 09:11 PM	#6
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	Ok, so here's a stupid question... but I wear my Rolex overseas quite a bit. I've worn it on trips to Japan, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribeaan. Have never been questioned about it at all. Now, let's say I leave my watch at home. I travel to.. Singapore, buy a Rolex at a discount, and ship the box/papers home through UPS or FEDEX or something. Then, when I return to the US, I am wearing my new Rolex. I'm not supporting the conecpt of smuggling or anything, but how does the customs inspector know I just bought that watch and wasn't wearing it when I left the US (like I've done a hundred times before)

23 May 2009, 09:49 PM	#7
vip4u Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Peter Location: Dubai Watch: TUDOR Hydronaut 1 Posts: 44	Normally if i sneak a watch through,and get away with it ok. but when i leave again ,my country i make sure i fill in a form at customs with serial no.that i all ready had it,this is valued for 12 months.So if i come back and get search i show them the slip that i left with it.Computers etc,mp3 etc. For we have a threshold and if over you pay 25% what ever. But if you have had it over 12 months with proof of purchase also ok. So can be a bit of lottery ,but yes generally hard to control i would think.

24 May 2009, 03:23 AM	#16
Cato Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Land of the Lost Watch: 116610LN Posts: 2,201	Chinese really appreciate luxury goods. Here in Southern California, the best ADs, those with the greatest selection, are in Chinatowns.

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