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Thread: Purchasing Rolex at Schipol airport

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  1. #1
    Journeyman
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    Purchasing Rolex at Schipol airport

    Hi all,

    I am going over to Amsterdam in a few weeks, and have emailed the AD at the airport. They duty free price that they have quoted, is for the bet price but includes the VAT element. Therefore, there wouldn't be any VAT to pay on my return to the UK, saving a few hundred quid. I am always the sceptic, and am wary as it would be in there interest to tell me that, and I get stuck will a bill coming back through. I have been looking through here and it appears that buying at Heathrow when I go to the states later in the year, I have to declare it as I come back through.

    Also, Gassan @ Schipol states in their email that they require a 20% deposit paid by Bank transfer. Again, I am a little bit wary of remitting £1300 to holland with no comeback, should the money be misplaced.
    Has anyone used this service before, and can give me a review to set my mind at ease?

    Anything would be appreciated.

    Thanks
    LondonRolex19

  2. #2
    Craftsman
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    Hi buddy

    I took a trip to gassan at the airport with the sole intention of watch purchasing. All good and save a bit of money - this was when the pound was strong.

    You will have absolutely no issues in taking them back etc.

    What watch was it your after


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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by andybaird22 View Post
    Hi buddy

    I took a trip to gassan at the airport with the sole intention of watch purchasing. All good and save a bit of money - this was when the pound was strong.

    You will have absolutely no issues in taking them back etc.

    What watch was it your after


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Thanks for the message.

    I am looking at a DJ2 with either a smooth or fluted bezel. I am sure I would be able to get one easily out there if I book in advance. I would also see what else they had to see if there was a bargain to be hand like a Daytona SS but I think I would be living in a dream world.

    Thanks for your help, I also considering going on a day return so that I don't have to carry the cash with me out there for the weekend. But a young guy returning from a day trip to Dam would look very dodgy 😂

  4. #4
    Master
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    There is a long thread about Schiphol Rolex - worth searching for. Lots of deals to be had before the pound tanked and before the EU rise.

    If you are going through anyway and can save a few hundred quid on something you were going to buy anyway, then go for it. They are reputable dealers, so I wouldn't be too concerned about making a deposit
    Last edited by mtagrant; 5th February 2017 at 11:20.

  5. #5
    Master W124's Avatar
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    This has been covered so many times.
    An item purchased in one EU country and directly imported to another EU country is never liable to VAT.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by W124 View Post
    This has been covered so many times.
    An item purchased in one EU country and directly imported to another EU country is never liable to VAT.
    Thanks for the message.

    I have seen arguments both ways on various forums for both sides. Also for the Heathrow duty, which dates back a few years.

    Just wanted to make sure incase I got back and was whacked with a bill which would make it dearer than home!

  7. #7
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by LondonRolex19 View Post
    Thanks for the message.

    I have seen arguments both ways on various forums for both sides. Also for the Heathrow duty, which dates back a few years.

    Just wanted to make sure incase I got back and was whacked with a bill which would make it dearer than home!
    Definitely no vat payable upon returning to U.K. as you are not purchasing VAT free - just discounted. This is the case at least for the next two years and two months :)

  8. #8
    I was going through Schiphol on a weekly basis for the past couple of months. The Rolex store always reminds me of an east European shop in the 90s, i.e. Lots of empty cabinets.

    They do tend to have the djs and air kings as well as a few of the higher end stuff. I've only seen a sub once and sea dweller a couple of times.

    You may get lucky and be there on the day of a delivery, but if you're making the journey just for the purchase sending the deposit makes sense.

    Personally I wouldn't bother, the weakness of the pound and the cost of the journey makes the savings slim.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Barton Red View Post
    I was going through Schiphol on a weekly basis for the past couple of months. The Rolex store always reminds me of an east European shop in the 90s, i.e. Lots of empty cabinets.

    They do tend to have the djs and air kings as well as a few of the higher end stuff. I've only seen a sub once and sea dweller a couple of times.

    You may get lucky and be there on the day of a delivery, but if you're making the journey just for the purchase sending the deposit makes sense.

    Personally I wouldn't bother, the weakness of the pound and the cost of the journey makes the savings slim.
    When I went there were 2 hulks, subs and a deep sea blue (which I bought and sold for a £1000 profit to iconic watches within a few hours)

    I was extremely lucky!


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  10. #10
    This is what I saw in Gassan at Schipol yesterday





    The mis-aligned bezels frustrate the OCD in me

  11. #11
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    If I remember correctly I went the last week of January 2016 (I may be wrong) and they told me they get a delivery in the last week of every month.

    Got a hulk for £5000 and sold it to a member on here for the same. Pretty sure I could have got 6k for it


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  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by andybaird22 View Post
    If I remember correctly I went the last week of January 2016 (I may be wrong) and they told me they get a delivery in the last week of every month.

    Got a hulk for £5000 and sold it to a member on here for the same. Pretty sure I could have got 6k for it


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    Don't worry Andy it's being well looked after.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr_Mac View Post
    Don't worry Andy it's being well looked after.
    Buy it back off you for 5k hope your enjoying it buddy!! It's a great watch


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  14. #14
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    Just to confirm, that Schipol discounts the watches within the EU. How comes T4 doesn't do the same? Or do they?

    I am flying to Dam from Heathrow, if so it would be cheaper to get it at T4.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by LondonRolex19 View Post
    Just to confirm, that Schipol discounts the watches within the EU. How comes T4 doesn't do the same? Or do they?

    I am flying to Dam from Heathrow, if so it would be cheaper to get it at T4.
    Schiphol only airport in Europe that does this for some reason


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  16. #16
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    No. Schipol discounts the price to the value of vat, but vat is still paid= you do not have to pay vat in another EU country. Heathrow doesn't.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  17. #17
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    Hi all,

    Spent some time looking at the old Schipol threads. Seen that people have been able to get GMT BLNR if they are lucky. I know I'll 99.9% be shot down in flames but has anyone ever seen a SS Daytona there?

    Also are Milguass relatively rare there?

  18. #18
    Master adesmith's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LondonRolex19 View Post
    Hi all,

    Spent some time looking at the old Schipol threads. Seen that people have been able to get GMT BLNR if they are lucky. I know I'll 99.9% be shot down in flames but has anyone ever seen a SS Daytona there?

    Also are Milguass relatively rare there?
    Whenever I went there was alway milgauss there in all colours. Never saw a SS Daytona though.

  19. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by LondonRolex19 View Post
    Hi all,

    Spent some time looking at the old Schipol threads. Seen that people have been able to get GMT BLNR if they are lucky. I know I'll 99.9% be shot down in flames but has anyone ever seen a SS Daytona there?

    Also are Milguass relatively rare there?
    They had the milguass in white and the black face on Wednesday. A few seadwellers and a deep sea. They've had the bi metal Daytona in stock for a while. Prices are a couple of hundred cheaper than a U.K. Ad, not worth making a special trip for really.

  20. #20
    Old thread I know. If anyone has a trip shortly they have had a delivery today. 8 Daytonas which all went in an hour. 6 hulks, but only 3 left (4 when I went in:))

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by tiny73 View Post
    Just been through, air king at approx £4K, deepsea Cameron on both sides at ~£8100 (€9500). Didn't have time to browse or buy sadly.
    Deepsea not bad price I guess!!!!!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Barton Red View Post
    Old thread I know. If anyone has a trip shortly they have had a delivery today. 8 Daytonas which all went in an hour. 6 hulks, but only 3 left (4 when I went in:))
    which Daytonas?? Surely not the new SS. If so 8 is amazing

  22. #22
    He said they'd had four black and four white in the steel. They had only had one other steel Daytona this year and 2 or 3 lv subs (I've asked them about it pretty much weekly over the past 6 months). They had one blnr (now on my wrist). He said it was the biggest delivery they'd had for a while and he was surprised how many they got and didn't expect any more for quite some time "but we never know with Rolex"

  23. #23
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by John Wall View Post
    Not so...
    I was there just before Christmas
    Explorer 39mm was just over £4.2
    Quote Originally Posted by nunya View Post
    WOW, a grand more than in 2015, heck of a price rise
    This may be of interest. From my accounts package, following a visit to Gassans in Schipol.



    RRP was then £4.3K (now £4.8K) but the £ was doing a lot, lot better against the €.
    Thanks Nigel. Not.

  24. #24
    Master
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    I got an SS Daytona in 2015 for £6300 there!

  25. #25
    Master tiny73's Avatar
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    Just been through, air king at approx £4K, deepsea Cameron on both sides at ~£8100 (€9500). Didn't have time to browse or buy sadly.

  26. #26
    You missed the boat. Time to buy was Summer 2015 when you could get over 1.4 Euros for £1, and before the continental price rise

  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by noTAGlove View Post
    You missed the boat. Time to buy was Summer 2015 when you could get over 1.4 Euros for £1, and before the continental price rise
    I know what you mean, but back then they weren't much cheaper than the greys, and besides, my current contract pays in Euro:)

  28. #28
    Grand Master ryanb741's Avatar
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    I've had 2 Deepsea Camerons from there - they seem to get a lot of them for some reason

  29. #29
    Master
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    I used to travel through Schipol regularly - indeed a few years ago it was superb price wise, though I was always skint when passing thru!!

  30. #30
    Grand Master Andyg's Avatar
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    I will be going through Schipol in about 1 hours time - fingers crossed for a ceramic Daytona or Red Seadweller (however I expect to be disappointed if T5 was anything to go by yesterday)

    Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
    Friedrich Nietzsche


  31. #31
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    Slightly off subject but I work in both T5 and T4 as a contractor every 3 months and always stick my head in both stores just before they close. If the last 12 months is anything to go by T4 always seems to have a decent SS selection. T5 is terrible

  32. #32
    No mention of magical / mythical lists yet?


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  33. #33
    Master
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    Im off to the dam in two weeks and was wondering if anyone has been recently and can advise on pricing?

  34. #34
    Master
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    Slim pickings today. YM2, Milgauss, Exp1 and Deepsea on the SS front

  35. #35
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    This may ha e been mentioned before, and I apologise if that is the case, but if one buys a watch in schipol will there be anything more to pay up on renetering the UK?

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  36. #36
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    Quote Originally Posted by Robsmck View Post
    This may ha e been mentioned before, and I apologise if that is the case, but if one buys a watch in schipol will there be anything more to pay up on renetering the UK?

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    No - it is a tax equivalent discount

  37. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by mtagrant View Post
    No - it is a tax equivalent discount
    Thanks

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  38. #38
    Quote Originally Posted by mtagrant View Post
    No - it is a tax equivalent discount
    Schipol yes.....geneva no. You will have to pay VAT if purchased in Switzerland which is not in the EU.

    Lots of people forget this.

  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nansbread1 View Post
    Schipol yes.....geneva no. You will have to pay VAT if purchased in Switzerland which is not in the EU.

    Lots of people forget this.
    But the question was asked by someone in the EU about buying in Schiphol

  40. #40
    Master Tony's Avatar
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    Only SS sports spotted today has been the Deep Sea.

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  41. #41
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Anyone been through here this month?

  42. #42
    Master Tony's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    Anyone been through here this month?
    I was there Tuesday. Nothing of note. I don't recall seeing a single SS sports.

  43. #43
    Master sean's Avatar
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    Given that the shop's stock can change from hour to hour, no matter day to day, how is knowing what it had on display anytime in the last month of any use?

  44. #44
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sean View Post
    Given that the shop's stock can change from hour to hour, no matter day to day, how is knowing what it had on display anytime in the last month of any use?
    Might be going next weekend. Just trying to see in general what stock levels are like. I know it's all luck of the draw but when you want an Exp2 less luck is usually required.

  45. #45
    Master sean's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    but when you want an Exp2 less luck is usually required.
    True. Good luck to you sir!

  46. #46
    Master tiny73's Avatar
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    I went through on Sunday and last night and can confirm no SS sports models on either side (Gassan or Rolex boutique).

  47. #47
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    Its good to know that the stories of buying a sought after watch at Schipol is not just a myth!

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by Allwatches View Post
    Its good to know that the stories of buying a sought after watch at Schipol is not just a myth!
    Pics or it never happened 😉

  49. #49
    Master
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    A tip about Schiphol based on my personal experience from Feb 2015 ... what you see on display may not necessarily be all they have. I was hunting a GMT II LN and the Rolex boutique at Schiphol told me they didn't have it. I went to the Gassan shop there and was given the same answer. After a lot of persuasion, one was 'found inside' and I returned to London very happy. Obviously it is possible they really don't have any of the more popular models at a given point in time and persistence may not work with every salesperson. It didn't make much sense though. Why hide stock from an ordinary passenger? They are an airport shop, it's not like they would have a big list of loyal, local customers.

  50. #50
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by FK77 View Post
    A tip about Schiphol based on my personal experience from Feb 2015 ... what you see on display may not necessarily be all they have. I was hunting a GMT II LN and the Rolex boutique at Schiphol told me they didn't have it. I went to the Gassan shop there and was given the same answer. After a lot of persuasion, one was 'found inside' and I returned to London very happy. Obviously it is possible they really don't have any of the more popular models at a given point in time and persistence may not work with every salesperson. It didn't make much sense though. Why hide stock from an ordinary passenger? They are an airport shop, it's not like they would have a big list of loyal, local customers.
    They may have put it away for a regular customer, but saw the opportunity to sell one to you, and re-stock for the original person it was intended for.

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