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Hit with an insanely high duty tax on used PO 2201.50

rahul718
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At this point I am going to reach out to C24 and initiate a return via their Escrow. In parallel I will reach out to the seller and offer to pay return shipping and a restocking. This way I can hopefully get it resolved before DHL deals with it on their own. There’s absolutely no way I’m paying $1800 on duties alone. I wanted a 2201.50 2500D, but not this bad.
 
Larry S
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Evitzee Evitzee
They aren't 100% either.
They still buy Hairsprings and bits they can’t make themselves or source domestically. They also don’t pretend to be 100% because “Made In USA” is a stricter standard than “Swiss Made” …
 
Porteroso
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Let us know how the return goes. They might have quite the volume of returns these days.
 
SOG53
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rahul718 rahul718
At this point I am going to reach out to C24 and initiate a return via their Escrow. In parallel I will reach out to the seller and offer to pay return shipping and a restocking. This way I can hopefully get it resolved before DHL deals with it on their own. There’s absolutely no way I’m paying $1800 on duties alone. I wanted a 2201.50 2500D, but not this bad.
I agree best option is try to work it out with seller. If seller is dealer there is some return policy obligation on Chrono24. If they are private seller it states no legal obligation to accept returns. I assume it stated buyer is responsible for taxes and duty so if buyer has not done their homework on this it may not be reasonable grounds for return. But hopefully seller will be reasonable good luck
 
Foo2rama
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Speed2Sea Speed2Sea
My understanding is U.S.A., China, Malaysia and Switzerland depending on the model.
No
 
Archer
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rahul718 rahul718
You might be correct, but this was the very reason I confirmed with C24 beforehand as well, because I've read conflicting pieces of info on this. This is certainly a predicament now. Someone should be calling from the DHL Duty office, so I'll see what happens
It's not like C24 had any interest in making sure the sale would be completed, right?
 
STANDY
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rahul718 rahul718
At this point I am going to reach out to C24 and initiate a return via their Escrow. In parallel I will reach out to the seller and offer to pay return shipping and a restocking. This way I can hopefully get it resolved before DHL deals with it on their own. There’s absolutely no way I’m paying $1800 on duties alone. I wanted a 2201.50 2500D, but not this bad.
Don’t be disappointed if they say No.

You not wanting to pay the duty is not enough for them to accept a return.
 
Archer
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STANDY STANDY
Don’t be disappointed if they say No.

You not wanting to pay the duty is not enough for them to accept a return.
Exactly - it's up to the importer (buyer) to know the rules, even in this time of insanely changing rules.
 
pdxleaf
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OP might claim the recent ruling that the tariffs are not valid means he should not pay it. But that's questionable. He still owes it and the tariffs are in still effect. He could hope (little chance) to be refunded in the future.

This situation is a bummer for both buyer and seller.
 
Foo2rama
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pdxleaf pdxleaf
OP might claim the recent ruling that the tariffs are not valid means he should not pay it. But that's questionable. He still owes it and the tariffs are in still effect. He could hope (little chance) to be refunded in the future.

This situation is a bummer for both buyer and seller.
They are still active as per the ruling untill in about a month so that they can appeal to SCOTUS.
 
Donn Chambers
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pdxleaf pdxleaf
OP might claim the recent ruling that the tariffs are not valid means he should not pay it. But that's questionable. He still owes it and the tariffs are in still effect. He could hope (little chance) to be refunded in the future.

This situation is a bummer for both buyer and seller.
I think the only way he’d be able to argue that is after a ruling to that effect by SCOTUS, and then he’d have to seek a refund for the duty paid. Doubt a seller in Europe would care.
 
rahul718
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Here is a breakdown of costs for anyone curious. I did speak with the seller and I’m thankful that they’re understanding of the situation. They said no problem and they’d be happy to take it back. I intend on leaving them a great review on C24. Little things remain, such as how to deny the shipment and duty payment, but I’ll get there.

Crappy situation for sure. I’m thankful for all the replies here from everyone.

IMG_7265.webp
 
D
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Here's hoping you get the situation resolved.

You should be able to find a good 2201 example from a USA seller and avoid the hassle.

I bought mine second-hand shortly after their introduction (and a couple of new 1st generation AT's around the same time).

The 2201.50 is a favorite of mine and my only Omega "dive watch."

The introduction of the 85XX and other movements (not criticizing) have unfortunately priced me out of the contemporary Omega market. Glad I have my dozen plus "near modern" and vintage examples.

Mine says hello.
20250901_125737.webp
 
dsio
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STANDY STANDY
DHL has had nothing to do with the 26 page rule book that replaced the 14 page rule book they previously had.

And pretty sure with DHL and FedEx you have 10 days before parcel goes back. (This applies in countries only not internationally) And technically DHL can treat it as abandoned goods after 30 days

Did you have a condition on sale that said it’s the buyers responsibility to pay all country’s fees and yada yada…

DHL has no obligation to return the parcel 📦

If duty is not paid it will end up in a customs auction as abandoned goods.
So... where does one view the catalog for these abandoned goods auctions? They could be starting to get very tasty about now.
 
JimInOz
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dsio dsio
So... where does one view the catalog for these abandoned goods auctions? They could be starting to get very tasty about now.
Here in Oz, it seems that First State Auctions run a lot of seized good auctions.
 
R
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Glad the OP found a solution. Watch looks wonderful, hope you can find another soon.

There is a wonderful irony seeing the President who imposed massive import tariffs on Switzerland appearing in the Rolex box as their guest at the US Open Tennis men's final.

Aside from tarrifs, the de-minimis exemption from duty and taxes for small packages that we enjoy in the UK and the EU is in danger. It's really useful for individuals, no administration and add on costs, but in aggregate its having an impact on local companies. I think its highly likely it will end soon, which will make it very difficult for personal imports - a spare part from Germany for a German made machine perhaps. Who's going to pay a £20 handling fee on a £10 imported item?
 
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