Hello everyone, sorry ahead of time if this post is not allowed. Recently I purchased my dream watch. A two toned datejust. In a few days I’m going to be traveling to japan. I would like to take my watch with me. The only problem that’s keeping me from taking it is my paranoia. I’m not scared that it’s going to get stolen but I feel like I would have a problem with customs. I don’t want to declare the watch or have it holding me back at the airports. It’s more logical for me to take a g shock but I feel like it would give the DJ more meaning. Taking my dream watch on my dream trip. Sounds stupid but it is what it is lol. Any advice from anyone. Thanks to all who answer.
Traveling with a luxury watch
Aokan
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I think one of the watch podcasts I listened to in the run-up to Watches and Wonders had a little fun with this subject:
podcasts.apple.com
More seriously, if you are travelling with just one watch and it is on your wrist it is highly unlikely to be a problem. Having a scan of your receipt and your stamped warranty card should mitigate against any concerns.
Only one person I know has ever had an issue with a watch and customs, and this was more than three decades ago and at the time they were an incredibly frequent international flyer; I suspect that he was "noticed" for that rather than anything else.
Fratello Talks: How To Travel With Your Watches
Podcast Episode · Fratello.com · 02/03/2023 · 29m
podcasts.apple.com
More seriously, if you are travelling with just one watch and it is on your wrist it is highly unlikely to be a problem. Having a scan of your receipt and your stamped warranty card should mitigate against any concerns.
Only one person I know has ever had an issue with a watch and customs, and this was more than three decades ago and at the time they were an incredibly frequent international flyer; I suspect that he was "noticed" for that rather than anything else.
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I’m just over thinking it.
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I would not take it with me because the Japanese yen is so weak vs. USD, so I would take advantage of that and buy something there.
Millions of people travel wearing personal luxury items. Like someone said, the only person who will notice the watch the whole trip will be you.
Millions of people travel wearing personal luxury items. Like someone said, the only person who will notice the watch the whole trip will be you.
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First time I took my watch off to pass through customs I was paranoid someone would swipe it. As for having bought it abroad, if you're wearing it customs won't care. My only issue would be getting mugged. Is it insured would be a more important question.
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Wow great point that I didn’t not think of. I was going to look at jdm seikos or even a grand seiko. Plus it’s tax free for travelers. I will try to take advantage of it.
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No, I figured japan is relatively safe but it could still happen regardless of country. I concluded that the g shock would be the best bet.
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I will be going through jfk first. As a New Yorker I could imagine a tsa agent trying to…
P.S love your username
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Customs has never asked about any watch I've worn. You do have to keep an eye on TSA and security. I've heard from law enforcement that occasionally they work in teams to distract you from your items if they think it's worth the effort.
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I put my watch, keys and wallet in my briefcase prior to going through screening....still not fool proof, but at least they are 'supposed' to have you in front of them prior to rifling through the case...
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Why would you want to declare the watch? There’s no requirement to do so.
Now if you’d bought it in Japan and we’re importing it into your own country, that’d be a different matter.
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True plus one less thing on your mind while traveling. I might hike or swim depending on weather. I don’t want to take it off at any point.
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I'm assuming you're American, as am I. I'm in and out of Japan multiple times a year. I'm typing this from my hotel room in Tokyo, before I head out to jog the imperial castle park and then hop on the train to Nakano Broadway to NOT buy another watch.
U.S. Customs has become even more lenient than pre-pandemic. They do not even bother asking you about overseas purchases when you return. No more declaration forms, nothing but the "are you carrying more than $10k" question at the booth. That means, officially, in theory, you could have a suitcase full of luxury watches and you wouldn't have to declare them. Not saying you should skirt the law, but like I said, I'm NOT buying another Omega for $2k below MSRP with full international warranty today when I hit Nakano Broadway after a few drinks at my favorite bar.
U.S. Customs has become even more lenient than pre-pandemic. They do not even bother asking you about overseas purchases when you return. No more declaration forms, nothing but the "are you carrying more than $10k" question at the booth. That means, officially, in theory, you could have a suitcase full of luxury watches and you wouldn't have to declare them. Not saying you should skirt the law, but like I said, I'm NOT buying another Omega for $2k below MSRP with full international warranty today when I hit Nakano Broadway after a few drinks at my favorite bar.
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[
Sense it’s like that. Any shops you recommend for watches. I’m also NOT interested in buying a watch. Just want to LOOK…
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, wear whatever you like; no one will bat an eye on your Rolex. Oth 👆 is likely the weakest security link on your trip.
All the stores @ NB are concentrated on a couple of floors, just roam and enjoy the variety and selection.
No customs agent anywhere in the world has ever asked me about my watch in my many years of travel.
If you're still concerned just leave the grail at home and bring the g-shock (leaves a window to acquire a new piece(s) from Jpn). It's no fun to be anxious on vacation.
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I don't understand where this paranoia comes from... it's a wristwatch. You aren't carrying gold bars or diamonds out in the open.
You'll be fine. Just wear it.
You'll be fine. Just wear it.
Totally okay to overthink when traveling with a Luxury watch however Japan is relatively safe enjoy your watch.
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