American Buying in Europe

[ekyles]

Ladies / Gents -

Know there has been some talk in the past, but lots were from EU folks.

I'm an American, and wifey and I will be going to Europe for our anniversary: ZRH to MXP to VCE to FLO to FCO.

I am seeking her first Rolex for our anniversary gift. Any advantage to buying overseas - pricing, VAT refund, etc.? Any good used dealers? Thank you.

[themast]

You should be able to snag a decent deal in Italy between the 'weak' Euro, the VAT refund, and the willingness to negotiate.

I recently bought from a dealer in Italy and I was pleased with the result. Send me a PM for more details.

[Quailhunter]

How about buying the watch for her before you leave from a local AD? It would be a lot less complicated.

[Kippers]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

How about buying the watch for her before you leave from a local AD? It would be a lot less complicated.

Cos it would be cheaper

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[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

How about buying the watch for her before you leave from a local AD? It would be a lot less complicated.

He would be potentially looking at quite a substantial saving

[AK797]

Don't come here, UK stock now resembles a Nuclear War aftermath.

[Amex4711]

Germany is perfect place to buy a new/preowned Rolex

[Quailhunter]

Probably correct in the savings, but when I buy an expensive item, I want to know the seller and be able to look them in the face if something goes sour.

[Gus2]

I bought a Cellini at the Rolex Boutique in Ponte Vecchio (Florence) and saved a ton of money from MSRP.

I had it shipped to the US and it got home a few days after we returned from our trip. Stop by the Cassetti Boutique in Florence and work with Lorenzo, you won't be disappointed!

[TJModz]

My friend got very good deals in Florence on a watch for himself & one for his wife. This was a while ago, but have seen in other threads on this subject that you can get good deals in Italy & Florence.

[ptxl]

I dont know for how long you are going to stay in ZRH, but in MXP Milano, I know a good AD which sells watches for a good price.
The Swiss franc is expensive these days, and their VAT is only 8%.
Italian VAT is 22%, more tax refund.

pm me if you need more info.

[ekyles]

Thank you all.

[jldl]

anybody have recommendations of where to buy in Rome?
Will be there in Sept and looking for a black SubC

Thanks in advance!

[Eva123]

Originally Posted by jldl

anybody have recommendations of where to buy in Rome?
Will be there in Sept and looking for a black SubC

Thanks in advance!

I bought in Haussmann AD in via del Babuino (in Rome). I was able to negotiate 15% discount on TT DJII. Service is good, saleswoman was exceptionally nice looking. Overall I am very satisfied customer

[PatrickJ]

How about Greece? They have had some bad financial issues there. Get a good deal there.

[ptxl]

Originally Posted by PatrickJ

How about Greece? They have had some bad financial issues there. Get a good deal there.

All the ADs have good contacts with buyers around the world to sell their stock.

[Bya]

Originally Posted by ekyles

Ladies / Gents -

Know there has been some talk in the past, but lots were from EU folks.

I'm an American, and wifey and I will be going to Europe for our anniversary: ZRH to MXP to VCE to FLO to FCO.

I am seeking her first Rolex for our anniversary gift. Any advantage to buying overseas - pricing, VAT refund, etc.? Any good used dealers? Thank you.

Depending on the particular piece you want (stock issues) the UK is the best place to buy in Europe, after you get your VAT back no European place will be able to come near the prices (unless they aren't ADs). There's a couple of Watches of Switzerland or Mappin & Webbs in London, have a look there

[Esoteric]

Given that Rolex List prices are highly consistent from country to country (to within a few%), your best bet would be to target countries (on your itinerary of course) with the highest Tax/VAT rates.

For example, Sweden/Denmark 25%, Ireland 23%, Italy 22% etc. That gives you the largest tax off price from which you can negotiate lower :) I have personally had good success in Ireland, usually obtaining a 10% discount and the VAT refund.


For complete list of EU Vat Rates see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe...alue_added_tax

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

Probably correct in the savings, but when I buy an expensive item, I want to know the seller and be able to look them in the face if something goes sour.

If you're buying new from AD then it will come with a 5 yr global Rolex warranty so not a big deal

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

How about buying the watch for her before you leave from a local AD? It would be a lot less complicated.

Certainly would seem that way..

[jldl]

Originally Posted by Eva123

I bought in Haussmann AD in via del Babuino (in Rome). I was able to negotiate 15% discount on TT DJII. Service is good, saleswoman was exceptionally nice looking. Overall I am very satisfied customer

Thank you! Will check them out.

If anyone has any other recommendations, please do share!

[ekyles]

Currently in Milan. Though I would double check any advice for purchasing in Florence or Rome. Gratzie. Heading to Florence in a couple of days, Rome after that.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by ekyles

Currently in Milan. Though I would double check any advice for purchasing in Florence or Rome. Gratzie. Heading to Florence in a couple of days, Rome after that.

Florence is wonderful,,,sadly work related so my wife missed out,,,
great place to be with a loved one,,,,
safe journey home and good luck with the watches

[Amex4711]

I agree, Florence is Perfect
go to the Rolex Boutique at Ponte Vecchio and ask for Andrea Nemi, very friendly and helpful salesman and best wishes from Thomas from Germany to him !

[ekyles]

Gratzi Gratzi Gratzi! :) Great first day in Venezia.

[outtatime]

Originally Posted by Amex4711

Germany is perfect place to buy a new/preowned Rolex

Not sure if serious?

I'm going to Germany on Saturday. Frankfurt area. Recommendations?

[Amex4711]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Not sure if serious?

I'm going to Germany on Saturday. Frankfurt area. Recommendations?

No, not in Frankfurt, sorry
I live in the Cologne / duesseldorf area there are many AD and TR

[ap1]

Originally Posted by AK797

Don't come here, UK stock now resembles a Nuclear War aftermath.

is it safe for my Rolex if near an atom B blast?