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Best place to buy a new / cheap / authentic Rolex

Best place to buy a new / cheap / authentic Rolex

Old Jun 17, 2006, 6:43 pm
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Best place to buy a new / cheap / authentic Rolex

Any suggestions? I've found the US to be almost half the price of the UK (through exchange rates) but does anyone have any experience with this?

Much appreciated!

Serge
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Old Jun 17, 2006, 8:11 pm
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Originally Posted by Serge1977
Any suggestions? I've found the US to be almost half the price of the UK (through exchange rates) but does anyone have any experience with this?

Much appreciated!

Serge
You can get a great price on just about any street corner in NYC. Oh, wait.. you're looking for real ones. (Sorry...couldn't resist.)
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Old Jun 17, 2006, 8:20 pm
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Originally Posted by Serge1977
Any suggestions? I've found the US to be almost half the price of the UK (through exchange rates) but does anyone have any experience with this?

Much appreciated!

Serge
Hi Serge,
I bought an Omega from the jeweller at the Rockefeller Center, and found a lot of watch specialists in midtown-central NYC, but most stock is not new. It also seems a little overpriced compared to ebay sales.

Are any FTers aware of NYC or other major-city trade auctions where new stock may be sold at wholesale or less prices? In this way, could a jeweller/trader buy one for you at auction?

Some Asia-based FTers will probably be able to help with better pricing than US; many watches sold via ebay in Oz were originally bought in Hong Kong or Singapore (or perhaps somewhere with a declining exchange rate to the GBP like Oz or SA).

Is this for someone as a gift?
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Old Jun 17, 2006, 8:52 pm
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Originally Posted by Serge1977
Any suggestions? I've found the US to be almost half the price of the UK (through exchange rates) but does anyone have any experience with this?
After looking at the useless (and that's an understatement) Rolex website, I'd say that their Mumbai affilliate would probably be the place to go, although you'd have to definately visit the store instead of getting someone to mail order it to you. I wouldn't trust that you'd get an actual rolex!

Otherwise, Rolex in Melbourne might be a fairly good exchange rate for you, especially at the moment where $1AU = ~US$0.73.
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Old Jun 17, 2006, 8:52 pm
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What type of rolex are you looking for? A few years ago, my father got a very nice platinum band rolex in st andrews scotland for about 35% less than what the the local jewler (in michigan) was asking for the same model.

of couse, michigan is no nyc. I imagine that a good deal shouldn't be too hard to find there. Just make sure it says rolex and not rollex.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 6:07 am
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Originally Posted by dannyr
After looking at the useless (and that's an understatement) Rolex website, I'd say that their Mumbai affilliate would probably be the place to go, although you'd have to definately visit the store instead of getting someone to mail order it to you. I wouldn't trust that you'd get an actual rolex!

Otherwise, Rolex in Melbourne might be a fairly good exchange rate for you, especially at the moment where $1AU = ~US$0.73.
Thats not a bad idea mate. I'll have a mate in Melbourne check it out.
Thanks,
Serge
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 6:09 am
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Originally Posted by 3timesalady
What type of rolex are you looking for? A few years ago, my father got a very nice platinum band rolex in st andrews scotland for about 35% less than what the the local jewler (in michigan) was asking for the same model.

of couse, michigan is no nyc. I imagine that a good deal shouldn't be too hard to find there. Just make sure it says rolex and not rollex.
a simpel oyster perpetual. Not too big, something that would be a "modest"* rolex.

I'm in scotland next month and will check aroun there thanks!

Serge
*I'm aware of the contradiction in terms
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 7:12 am
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The bet places are either a few duty free ports where competition is tough in the Caribbean or certain high VAT places like Norway where after you get the VAT back they are much cheaper.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 7:23 am
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It would be difficult to find a genuine new Rolex online.

Overall, I'd say US would be a cheap market, but if you
happen to know what exactly you are looking for, I'd say
you may get a good deal in Switzerland. Most places give you
a discount (I believe 10%) and you wont pay VAT.


I'd say Singapore and Dubai(may be) might be good places.

Mumbai may or may not be cheaper, but the collection at any
given time would be limited and you may have to wait for them
to order it for you.

But I wouldn't look online for a new one.


For the fake ones.. China town and ofcourse
China (They have floors and floors of Watch shops in the malls
for the fake watches.. amazing)
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 7:36 am
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Originally Posted by hfly
The bet places are either a few duty free ports where competition is tough in the Caribbean or certain high VAT places like Norway where after you get the VAT back they are much cheaper.
Fair enough, not planning on heading down to norway soon though. Any idea about Zurich?
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 7:44 am
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Originally Posted by hfly
The bet places are either a few duty free ports where competition is tough in the Caribbean
Agree. Bahamas, St Thomas.

No tax, and about 5-10% off list.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 7:48 am
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There are no real deals to be had in Switzerland or Singapore or Dubai. W/o mentioning a watch brand, I was looking for one that the best price I could find in the UK was 2500 GBP, which mens about 2125 after VAT refund, or about $3900. The same watch retailed in NY (best price) $3000 (plus tax) so you are talking about $3250 or so. The same watch retailed in Norway for about $3800 which means after VAT also approximately $3000. The same watch again at a duty free outlet in GCM for $2600 and another island for $2800.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 8:13 am
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Originally Posted by hfly
There are no real deals to be had in Switzerland or Singapore or Dubai. W/o mentioning a watch brand, I was looking for one that the best price I could find in the UK was 2500 GBP, which mens about 2125 after VAT refund, or about $3900. The same watch retailed in NY (best price) $3000 (plus tax) so you are talking about $3250 or so. The same watch retailed in Norway for about $3800 which means after VAT also approximately $3000. The same watch again at a duty free outlet in GCM for $2600 and another island for $2800.
I'll check out zurich, dubai and melbourne on my way down there. Probably the best chance is with melbourne due to favourable exchange rates ponds - aussie dollar.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 8:16 am
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Originally Posted by Serge1977
I'll check out zurich, dubai and melbourne on my way down there. Probably the best chance is with melbourne due to favourable exchange rates ponds - aussie dollar.

I'm not so sure about Melbourne. I find things rather expensive in Australia
in general even after the exchange rate factor. I find US market relatively
cheaper.

Some things in Dubai are inexpensive and somethings inexpensive.
You may have a better luck in Zurich.
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Old Jun 18, 2006, 8:54 am
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singapore

so, historically singapore has been the best place for walk in and buy a rolex. Cheapest prices anywhere, even more so than the carribean.

In the past, when the euro was more reasonable, europe was fine compared to the US, AND in places like germany where the VAT was 16%, when you got all the VAT back then it was smokin'

today, since the euro is so high, historically so, I cannot imagine anywhere including home country switzerland would offer a reasonable price. It is nice to walk into a Wempe in germany though, get a watch and great service and get the 16% VAT back.

When I lived in Miami, there were many jewely shows where only licensed or retail jewelers were invited, and they had great deals on ALL watches, about 50% of retail and all certified of course, but you gotta find a jeweler to take you in. These shows are in most major cities throughout the year.

I would stay away from ebay, too risky, I have heard of too many scams.

checkout www.timezone.com and their forums, lots of great watch buyers, sellers and users there.
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