Does anyone understand how watch tariffs work currently for watches coming into the US?

Meme-Dweller

Get it shipped via their postal service so that it delivers in the US via USPS. 99% of the time, they don't even bother collecting any customs at all, even if the value of your item exceeds de minimis.

Archer

Only until they have the manpower to do it for all. At least that was the last that I heard, but things change by the minute, so who really knows?

• Following the Secretary of Commerce’s notification that adequate systems are in place to collect tariff revenue, President Trump is ending duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong starting May 2, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
  • Imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to all applicable duties, which shall be paid in accordance with applicable entry and payment procedures.
  • All relevant postal items containing goods that are sent through the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption are subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025). This is in lieu of any other duties, including those imposed by prior Orders.
• Carriers transporting these postal items must report shipment details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), maintain an international carrier bond to ensure duty payment, and remit duties to CBP on a set schedule.
• CBP may require formal entry for any postal package instead of the specified duties.
• The Secretary of Commerce will submit a report within 90 days assessing the Order’s impact and considering whether to extend these rules to packages from Macau.

pdxleaf

Not the point. Just because you can afford a luxury item doesn't mean you want to burn money.

If I can buy a nice condition watch from Japan for $2800 but might need to pay about $500 in tariffs (per the seller's estimate), I should just buy the same model domestically for $3300 ( assuming it's available). But I don't want to pay more for a domestic purchase if the tarrifs are disappearing, so I don't buy anything.

This has been my experience. I have purchased several watches and bracelets from Japan with help from forum members. But not now. I was recently looking at a watch in Japan but decided against it because of the uncertainty around tariffs.

As an aside, before Trump introduced new tariffs, I also experienced irregular enforcement. Sometimes I was charged duty fees and often was not. I assumed I would pay them and would be happy if I didn't. Now I don't know how to calculate how much it'll be.