Import Watches
Anyone purchased a watch internationally? Specifically off eBay? Pros & Cons please.
Also duties & taxes applied?
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Anyone purchased a watch internationally? Specifically off eBay? Pros & Cons please.
Also duties & taxes applied?
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I got my Tag from a shop in Japan. Very nice people and great service. There weren't any duty fees placed on it, but it also wasn't all that expensive.
Not from eBay but dealer and boutique in UK, JP, HK etc. DHL will contact you to pay the duties or the AD can take care of it for you. My only anxiety is delivery since it cannot be insured for more than 1k with any carrier. Also, DHL and FedEx have a bad habit of delivering my packages to the business across the street instead of my residence, and I have to track it like a hawk and run to the business and collect it from there.
I've bought a few watches and have to say "Your actual mileage may vary." I bought a watch from Seagull through Chrono24 and it went smooth as silk but then I tried to buy a Ulysse Nardin from a Spanish dealer through chrono24 and the guy was selling watches that he didn't own and couldn't get. I have had a Grand Seiko from a Japanese dealer through eBay go so smoothly. I have had a watch from Christopher Ward held up in customs for Duty expenses.
After researching it appears that if the value is kept under $800 and is for personal use US Customs does not apply any duty fees. I’m sure each platform has its bad actors and buyers have to be careful & try to vet them as best as you can. Appreciate the feedback.
I purchased a $425 watch from an eBay seller in Japan and it was super smooth. I did not pay any import duties or taxes, only my local sales tax.
New and used from multiple countries. Always buy the seller and never, never, NEVER buy from India.