Some great watches in the sales threads, but all the ones I like are in the US (e.g. the Ed White that's just been posted). So likely to get hit with taxes on arrival at customs. Anyone know how to avoid these?
Wait, hold on, didn't you send a nice Ed White overseas for repair? Why would you get dinged on customs for a repaired watch to be returned?
I think you have to ask each individual seller what they are willing to do or not do. The easiest way is to write a false declaration, stating it is for parts or declaring a low value. There are risks if the watch goes missing as any claim will be based on the stated value of the watch. These options are illegal of course. Another option is if you know someone going to the US and get the watch posted to their hotel and ask them to bring it back with them. Some may frown upon people avoiding taxes and will do everything by the book. That is their choice and should be respected. I am sure most watches can be bought within the EU but it just requires a bit of patience waiting for a watch you want to buy.
Ask the seller if they would describe the watch as being defective being returned for a refund. It's always worked for me.
Now you know why vintage watches are so much cheaper in the States than they are in Europe - 20% VAT and if it isn't declared as a vintage watch, 4% import duty. Whilst some US sellers are prepared to make false customs declarations, many will not because of the potential legal consequences. Depending on the value, as @Tiny Iota says, it may be cheaper to collect the watch and smuggle it in personally.
As noted above, if you state that it's being returned from servicing, you can typically get around the extra tax.
Don't forget that US prices do not include sales/use tax which range from 0% to 10+%, depending on where you live. And you (technically) don't get out of it by buying by internet or mail, although most states are extremely lax in collecting use tax on out-of-state purchases. It's a totally voluntary system on mail deliveries and it is illegal for states to directly tax items sent inter-state by mail. That's strictly a federal purview under our Constitution. That's why most don't bother. It would cost the states far more to pursue residents than they would ever collect in use tax. Then there's the matter that any state politician who attempted to enforce the law would be immediately recalled or voted out of office at the next election. If one stays away from private couriers and uses EMS for international transactions, imports to the US are rarely charged customs duty regardless of the declaration. But it does happen on occasion. We are not nearly as effective as our European brethren in tax enforcement. Hope this helps, gatorcpa