Moving internationally with Watches

DLT222 · Sep 12, 2016

Lets put it this way...

In my bag was the following:

19 watches
Macbook Pro
Macbook Air
iPad
iPod
2nd phone (uk number)
All the cards for the watches - Boxes can be purchased again a little bit difficult for the matching cards!

You catch my drift...

Jonatan · Sep 12, 2016

DLT222
Lets put it this way...

In my bag was the following:

19 watches
Macbook Pro
Macbook Air
iPad
iPod
2nd phone (uk number)
All the cards for the watches - Boxes can be purchased again a little bit difficult for the matching cards!

You catch my drift...

Yes I catch you drift and I hope someone with the same items is in line just in front of me when it comes time to pass customs.

VanDamme · Sep 12, 2016

Also making a move in December and will approach it by sending all accessories separately of which nothing is dutiable if you have owned it for at least 12 months and fill in a personal items form. Both my wife and I will be double wristing it GMT style which takes care of 4 watches while the others will go in my carry on. I may just find some sort of proof of purchase for the watches in case the question is asked. My biggest worry is my AJTT which is huge and weighs 5kg. Don't want to get it damaged. So while Mrs VanDamme thinks about accommodation and the exchange rate, shipping my AJTT is my biggest concern of the move

BlueBoy · Sep 12, 2016

Jonatan
We have planned to sell pretty much everything and move with the bare minimum. Meaning mostly clothing and outdoor gear. We have started looking into shipping some stuff but companies don't seem to be in a hurry to reply to our messages.

And yes you're right I must check with the Canadian Gov. about these allowances. If I can bring in some of my wine it would be great.

You could drop off all the Wine in London, I am sure we could look after it at the next GTG 👍

grizzlycanuck · Sep 12, 2016

I think carryon and with you is the way to go. They are your personal collection. I'm more concerned when I leave and come back, having to prove that I had the watches previously, especially watches obtained in trade, or where I was waived through without paying duty and then have no receipt for the importation.

You may have more trouble if you were bringing back 12 Rolexes.....just the way customs works right now 😁

Jonatan · Sep 12, 2016

VanDamme
Also making a move in December and will approach it by sending all accessories separately of which nothing is dutiable if you have owned it for at least 12 months and fill in a personal items form. Both my wife and I will be double wristing it GMT style which takes care of 4 watches while the others will go in my carry on. I may just find some sort of proof of purchase for the watches in case the question is asked. My biggest worry is my AJTT which is huge and weighs 5kg. Don't want to get it damaged. So while Mrs VanDamme thinks about accommodation and the exchange rate, shipping my AJTT is my biggest concern of the move

Will be doing the same and even thougth about butting some in my ankles but quickly realized that ankles are much bigger than a wrist.

tapaptpat · Sep 12, 2016

BlueBoy
You could drop off all the Wine in London, I am sure we could look after it at the next GTG [emoji106]

Hear, hear and here. [emoji16] [emoji12] i second that suggestion. Pissed equals photos..

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PaulC77 · Sep 12, 2016

Jonatan
Since I know that watch pictures tend to attract more interest, here are the watches I think noble leather would enhance.

Yes noble leather would definitely enhance these, I think the first one would definitely suit an Hermés style leather.
What reference are the first two?

BlueBoy · Sep 12, 2016

Maybe it might an idea, to take any paperwork, relating to the purchases of the watches with you, to prove that they have been in long term ownership, if that is possible!

VanDamme · Sep 12, 2016

Jonatan
Will be doing the same and even though about butting some in my ankles but quickly realized that ankles are much bigger than wrist.

Isn't that why they invented nato straps???

Jonatan · Sep 12, 2016

PaulC77
Yes noble leather would definitely enhance these, I think the first one would definitely suit an Hermés style leather.
What reference are the first two?

Good question.

I'm still looking into the IWC and hope to write a piece (when I've completed another written project that is occupying all of my time) about it with the information I gather. Nice and oversized at 38mm.

The Universal Geneve is ref. 20704 bought recently from a an Alpha male member of this forum. Serial number dates it to the early 40s.

gostang9 · Sep 12, 2016

Jonatan
Good morning OF members,

I had questions regarding moving internationally with your watches.

I will be returning to Canada after spending five years and starting my watch collection in Switzerland. Last night I realized that I have 12 watches, and most will be moving with me (some will be sold). I will, of course, be carrying them with me, and I started getting a little worried about customs. Would anyone know if there's any chance I can get in trouble or have them confiscated?

First off, welcome back to Canada (soon anyhow...).

Second, I cross the border into Canada very often and I know several colleagues who have moved into Canada. What I have seen is that the majority of crossings go smoothly, a few random crossings lead to unforeseen trouble where either they say/do something that unknowingly triggers the customs officer who is looking out for something or might be having a bad day. In every instance, being honest is always the best policy. They are trained to spot liars (who are usually nervous) and while they're not primarily focused on someone moving into Canada with a personal watch collection, if you lie or try to hide something when they ask then they will give you a harder time than if you're truthfull.

If I were moving back with 12 watches, I would pack them safely and securely in my carry-on bag (making sure not to pack into something that might not fit in the overhead bin and therefore be forced to gate-check), I would include any/all documentation I have. When asked what I'm declaring upon seeing the officer I wouldn't elaborate up front and simply say I'm bringing my personal belongings. If they asked for more details, then I would add the various items that are included like laptop, cellphone, ipad, watches, shoes, clothing, etc. If during this list they asked for more details on items of value or the watches specifically, then I would be prepared to tell them.

Check out this website in advance... http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ifcrc-rpcrc-eng.html

gostang9 · Sep 12, 2016

You will have to fill out a CBSA Declarations card if arriving by air. You are required to enter the total 'value' of all goods purchased outside of Canada. If you're bringing back watches in worn/used condition you should have some liberty to declare the value as you believe it to be or even pretend you had them when you left Canada. If you're bringing all packaging from when they were purchased, you're taking a risk if you try to assign too low a value or pretend you owned them before.

For me, I would do a serious list of pieces, their new value, the estimated current "used" value for each (using eBay or OF to back up values), I would then calculate duties owing on all pieces purchased while abroad and declare it properly. There is a chance they'll let you in and not make you pay for it, but if they catch you lying or making any false claims, they can and are likely to make your entry very difficult/painful.

Now, if you want to pretend you owned before, or put a false value on the card and cross your fingers you won't get questioned/searched, that's a risk only you can decide to take. Also, if you choose to take the risk, please do not respond in any post in this thread with such an intention. In such a case, do not have any documentation in your possession that might contradict your story and declaration. I have heard people will sometimes send receipts/documentation/packaging in the mail separately and then carry articles as if pre-owned (I'm not advocating this, just informing...)

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Moving internationally with Watches

DLT222

Jonatan

VanDamme

BlueBoy

grizzlycanuck

Jonatan

tapaptpat

PaulC77

BlueBoy

VanDamme

Jonatan

gostang9

gostang9

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