Buying a Rolex at LHR

[Stitchesmumanddad]

EDITED - Megaflyer has pointed out Duty Free shopping of big items / electronics etc is now removed from UK airports So it looks like I’ll be buying it from a UK shop

Ive never owned a Rolex before ( always always wanted one), but I have a sudden desire to actually buy one to celebrate the birth of my new grandson due in July.

Has anyone bought one at Heathrow duty free ? It looks like Im (hopefully ) flying out of T2 with Virgin in September. There are a few I like so if a ladies one that I like is in stock I’ll buy it.

I presume as its bought duty free, I don't declare it on the way home ?

Im scared of having it on holiday though. I guess Id just wear it 24/7. Savings the VAT is tempting.

Any advice ? Tips please ?

[Mr Tom Morrow]

No help sorry about LHR or Duty Free. However have you thought about a pre owned one from a UK reputable jeweler?

The savings can be excellent and they come with a warranty and fully refurbished. Just a thought.

[sparklegirl]

Hiya, I don’t know all the answers but harking back to my customs training you do have to declare it on return. That’s unless things have changed since I left a few years ago which is likely as Brexit has changed some rules. Am sure there is likely to be someone with current experience who could advise.

As an alternate to taking it could you collect on return? It used to only be available when travelling domestically or in EU but I see it has opened to all countries so that may be an option.

boutique.heathrow/en/collect-on-return.html

Also check your travel insurance will cover items of that value if you do take it to Florida. I am not sure if some have an individual item limit.

[megaflyer]

TaxDuty free shopping at London airports has now been stopped (hence why Dixons and other stores are closing their outlets) - if you buy goods there they will be the same price as high street now

standard/business/...s-b932097.html

[munmun]

Have you considered a vintage Rolex, hold its value more and more cache?

[gl20]

I don’t think I’d bother buying in an airport for the reasons above added to which they may be less likely to bring in a specific model for you to look at (easier done in a regular Rolex shop).

FWIW when we bought two Omegas in 2013 from an Omega shop we were able to get the saving equivalent to the VAT on the premise we’d otherwise buy them next time we were at an airport. But I guess that bargaining lever is now gone and Rolex shops generally stick to their pricing.

(Coincidentally, I was looking at watch prices yesterday. My Speedmaster was £2,900 in 2013 (before discounting) and is now £5k. It like I could trade mine in for more much than I paid. So whatever you get, it should hopefully hold its value)

[colin39]

In all honesty the only place i know local to me is goldsmiths in Chelmsford the service Dads and are always so helpfull and professional 👍.
I can understand why you would want new, to commemorate new baby with a new watch, congratulations.

Colin

[daytonababe]

Originally Posted by Stitchesmumanddad

Ive never owned a Rolex before ( always always wanted one), but I have a sudden desire to actually buy one to celebrate the birth of my new grandson due in July.

Has anyone bought one at Heathrow duty free ? It looks like Im (hopefully ) flying out of T2 with Virgin in September. There are a few I like so if a ladies one that I like is in stock I’ll buy it.

I presume as its bought duty free, I don't declare it on the way home ?

Im scared of having it on holiday though. I guess Id just wear it 24/7. Savings the VAT is tempting.

Any advice ? Tips please ?

See more...

Thanks to brexit there is no longer any duty free ( apart from
Alcohol and cigarettes)
So no big savings to be had now in the luxury shops .

[Stitchesmumanddad]

Originally Posted by megaflyer

TaxDuty free shopping at London airports has now been stopped (hence why Dixons and other stores are closing their outlets) - if you buy goods there they will be the same price as high street now

standard/business/...s-b932097.html

See more...

Oh cheers for that info ! They sneaked that in didnt they ! Ive edited my OP

[Stitchesmumanddad]

Originally Posted by colin39

In all honesty the only place i know local to me is goldsmiths in Chelmsford the service Dads and are always so helpfull and professional 👍.
I can understand why you would want new, to commemorate new baby with a new watch, congratulations.

Colin

See more...

Cheers - I have one of those in Lakeside and Bluewater

And yeah, I cannot wear any jewellery - my skin is too sensitive. A watch would need to be new - plus I want it the similar gold to my car lol