The watch calculation sheet has basically three values: movement, bracelet/strap, case. On a $5,000 watch you'll have something like $3800 movement, $600 bracelet, $600 case. Duty on movement is just a couple of dollars. Experienced sellers know how to fill out the sheet.
This is correct. Where customs duty becomes more of an issue in the US is when you have a precious metal case and/or bracelet. In my experience, if the watch is sent via a traditional express carrier like FedEx or DHL, you will nearly always get a bill for customs duty from the carrier, but it is seldom more than a couple hundred dollars at most for a $6-10k watch. If the watch is sent via postal mail (Japanese Post, EMS, Royal Mail, etc.), often no duty is charged at all.
Good info here but not enough pictures.
Coincidentally just arrived today from my new best friend, @krogerfoot
Almost too nice to wear. Supposed to go on a Constellation 14900 but my wife might take that, in which case she'd get the 1036 since this 1037 is longer.
Thanks, K.
I imported from Japan once and am planning another purchase. I used a proxy service for shipping, and it worked seamlessly (but I was nervous!). They shipped it EMS and no duty was charged on a $5K watch.
Does anyone else use a proxy shipper?
