I am going to Hawaii next month hoping to score a Rolex. If I don’t find it there should I order it back home in Cali or wait to get it in Europe when I go again in 3 years? Are the prices in Europe so much better that it will be worth the wait? Or should I just get it in California and enjoy it now, savings be damned? I am a total newbie when it comes to the world of Rolex so would totally appreciate any and all input. TIA
Rolex-Where’s the Best Pricing?
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First of all congrats on wanting to purchase your Rolex. Rolex tend to have the same price when they are sold new. What you can save on is the tax refund. I know that places like Andorra in Europe there is no tax and it can turn out to be a little less. I haven’t been to Hawai I don’t know. I purchased mine in Singapore at Hour glass and the prices are almost the same worldwide good lucky with your purchase can’t wait to see your Rolex
Thanks. I really hope to get it in Hawaii. If I get it in Hawaii I'll save a little on tax (4 something vs 7.75% where I'm from in Cali). Anyone know if Heathrow has a good selection?
BTW, this is the one I want:
https://www.rolex.com/watches/datejust/m279384rbr-0019.html
I was at Heathrow 8 weeks ago and visited the Rolex store I have been hunting the Daytona. They had a few date just I am not sure if they had yours but just try I am sure you will find one.
This is what I have. I found that they have lots of the ladies not in the Man size. Good luck and keep us posted.
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the_black_tie_diyer
I'd say right now it's not so much about savings but rather if you can actually get ahold of the model/ ref# you want. (Although that might work out considering exchange rates, sales tax, vat, and return thereof!)
You might also have luck given your choice of a white gold Lady-Date-Just w/ diamonds - but don't count on it.
Currently, if I was after a Rolex and had the actual chance of buying the exact model/ ref# I want, I wouldn't hesitate and buy it right away. The market is crazy, mostly for everything steel/ sport models. But I've actually seen a lot of empty displays lately. Definitely more of a seller's market right now.
Kind regards,
Oliver
You might also have luck given your choice of a white gold Lady-Date-Just w/ diamonds - but don't count on it.
Currently, if I was after a Rolex and had the actual chance of buying the exact model/ ref# I want, I wouldn't hesitate and buy it right away. The market is crazy, mostly for everything steel/ sport models. But I've actually seen a lot of empty displays lately. Definitely more of a seller's market right now.
Kind regards,
Oliver
You have a point. Savings are nothing if I can't find the one I want. If I can get it now, I should.
These are the ones we picked up recently in Paris...41mm DayDate for DH (who is the watch guy of the family) and 31mm DateJust for me (I’m much more into bags and jewels
). About 4-5 years ago we got 3 in Europe, but the exchange rate was higher at the time and I don’t think they discounted as much, so savings vs. US was more like 17-18% on those. The exchange rate and any discount you can negotiate will have an affect on your actual savings. I will say that the particular model you are looking at was readily available in the boutiques I visited (can’t speak for any airports since I didn’t look there), but there is no telling what the availability will be in three years when you go. GL!
Very nice purchases! What do you mean when you say negotiate? I thought aside from the exchange rate and VAT refund, that was the only saving you could get?These are the ones we picked up recently in Paris...41mm DayDate for DH (who is the watch guy of the family) and 31mm DateJust for me (I’m much more into bags and jewels
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Thanks! DH has been wanting that DayDate for a couple years now and I’ve had that DateJust model on my wishlist, but struggled with the face color (was torn between black and ruthenium). At the boutique, we simply asked what their best price was and they offered a bit of a discount off retail. Might be because we purchased more than one, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Also, Rolex in Paris (not sure if this applies to throughout EU) processes their own VAT Refunds, so you get closer to 17% back vs. 12-13% when retailers have a third party process the VAT Refunds (which is the case with most retailers). Of course, anything can change in three years time when you go to Europe (price increases, etc). If you want to get the watch sooner rather than later have you considered a trip to Oregon, where there is no sales tax? Not sure where you are in CA, but that might be an easy option for you.
That info on Rolex in Paris processing it's own VAT refunds is good to know. I did consider Oregon, but my friend whose from there says the only place that you can get Rolex is from Ben Bridges and their selection is not good. Thanks for the info and recommendations.
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So I was browsing online at Costco and found this.
https://www.costco.com/Rolex-Lady-D...t-Dial-Automatic-Watch.product.100513711.html
What do you all think of Costco selling Rolex? I know it is not an authorized dealer and there would be no manufacture's warranty, only Costco's. The face is actually what I was wanting, but couldn't find on the Rolex site: white face with diamond markers and the diamond bezel. I was originally thinking of getting a Rolex in size 26 mm, which I think Rolex is phasing out and actually stopped making in the DateJust in 2019. Appreciate your feedback.
https://www.costco.com/Rolex-Lady-D...t-Dial-Automatic-Watch.product.100513711.html
What do you all think of Costco selling Rolex? I know it is not an authorized dealer and there would be no manufacture's warranty, only Costco's. The face is actually what I was wanting, but couldn't find on the Rolex site: white face with diamond markers and the diamond bezel. I was originally thinking of getting a Rolex in size 26 mm, which I think Rolex is phasing out and actually stopped making in the DateJust in 2019. Appreciate your feedback.
Thank you for sharing your immense knowledge about Rolex. DH is searching for a sports model and have located one in Europe that’s selling at MSRP which in this day and age is considered a deal! I think we are up for a quick trip..
Would you please chime on how the VAT tax refund works on luxury items?
It’s been a few years since I’ve done major shopping, last time was a LV for me from Denmark.
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the_black_tie_diyer
Hi!
Thanks! I think it's best if I provide you with these links:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_custo...rs-leaving-eu/guide-vat-refund-visitors-eu_en
This is official, up to date, information from the European Union.
If you happen to shop in Germany, here's the official site and information of Germany's customs, also with reliable, up to date information.
https://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-indi...Tax-free-shopping/tax-free-shopping_node.html
I'm sorry I can't possibly help you with the factual process for every European country. It's probably easiest to ask the store to provide you with the necessary forms and explanation. Any of the larger stores should have plenty of experience and should be able to guide you through it. Be aware that not every shop participates in tax free shopping.
Kind regards,
Oliver