So how did Rolex get this special treatment from the customs authorities? Did they offer back handers to officials and their political masters? Maybe a few free watches or the old favourite, a sugar bag full of cash?
I’m not making accusations, just posing questions that are never likely to be answered
Are you suggesting that a “charitable trust” would engage in something questionable? You risk much, sir. You could join the ranks of widows and orphans who have felt the wrath of the crown.
So how did Rolex get this special treatment from the customs authorities? Did they offer back handers to officials and their political masters? Maybe a few free watches or the old favourite, a sugar bag full of cash?
I’m not making accusations, just posing questions that are never likely to be answered
Believe it or not Many luxury brands do actually pay a fee for many customs agencies to have their name protected. This is paid at an agency level and not an officer/airport level.
Believe the old USA rule (which expired in 2017) was by the USA Rolex dealerships and not Rolex itself. It was to stop USA dealerships not getting undercut by other countries Rolex dealers.
I know there is still several big companies of luxury goods and pharmaceuticals that still are known as Brand Partners in many countries when it comes to customs. (Channel being one of the biggest)
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/ipr/bestpractices
It still stinks, one has to question the motives of the politicians for letting this happen, by all means pick up on the fakes, to protect the consumers, but to hassle legitimate owners, to protect and promote the profits of a few vested interests is borderline criminal
Referring to Rolexes as overpriced Seikos is a bit unfair and insulting to Seiko
😁
Rolex really gets under your skin huh? The constant bashing of Rolex make you feel better?
It varies by country, Rolex Australia yes. That’s why they don’t even let independent watchmakers buy parts in this country and force us to use RSC Melbourne and wait six months to get our watches back.
Rolex does get bashed here quite a bit, but I try to temper my cheap shots by hopefully making it clear that it’s all in good fun and that Rolex does indeed make very good watches and has brand awareness and value retention that makes Omega look, well, pathetic. I still prefer Omega though.
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=rolex+usa+lifts+customs+ban&sca_esv=76a168b65a348735&sxsrf=ACQVn0_jWtNCsvPg_QY_hS4hbYRFPQsuzg:1714485550100&ei=LvkwZpfkBfyM4-EP-re-2Ac&ved=0ahUKEwiXs76xjOqFAxV8xjgGHfqbD3sQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=rolex+usa+lifts+customs+ban&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiG3JvbGV4IHVzYSBsaWZ0cyBjdXN0b21zIGJhbjIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUiiugFQmhBYlK8BcAF4AZABAJgBjwOgAY9RqgEGMi00My4xuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIcoAKdNMICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgQQIxgnwgIGEAAYFhgewgILEAAYgAQYhgMYigXCAggQABiABBiiBMICCBAAGKIEGIkFwgIFEAAYgATCAgsQABiABBiRAhiKBcICChAAGIAEGBQYhwLCAg4QABiABBiRAhixAxiKBcICExAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGEMYxwEYigXCAg0QABiABBixAxhDGIoFwgIFECEYnwXCAgQQIRgVwgIHECEYoAEYCpgDAIgGAZAGCJIHCjEuMC4yNi4wLjGgB930AQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
First Rolex Forum explains the lifting in 2016/17
(I got banned for trying to join with “OverpricedSeikos” as a handle)
Believe the old USA rule (which expired in 2017) was by the USA Rolex dealerships and not Rolex itself.
What hurts Rolex are Rolex fan boys.
The religious zealotry of Chowder head wankers who can't appreciate how the brand fits into the wider universe of watches gets tiring. I can love Omega but also appreciate there are better and finer watches in the world. It doesn't have to be a pissing contest.
Unfortunately, this often comes off as Rolex bashing. I hate saying something negative about Rolex because there are plenty of positives. But after awhile you just can't take it anymore.
/EOR. [End of rant]
