Purchasing a Rolex

Has anyone purchased a Rolex in this port? How'd it go? Did you get a good price? I will be cruising here in the near future and look to possibly purchase one.

Never heard of anyone purchasing a Rolex in San Juan. I'd be careful.

There are some higher end boutiques, as we looked in them for other brands. But not being a Rolex fan, I don't recall if there were any there. Hublot and Zenith were there for sure.

One note- make sure they know you are a ship tourist- otherwise you are facing the local 11% sales tax.

Look at inventoryadjusters.com

I buy my watches here.

I would buy from a jeweler in my home town or near by if I were you.

I would buy from a jeweler in my home town or near by if I were you.

I agree. Find a reputable jeweler in your area. The base prices are going to be very similar and you'll know what you are buying and get the warranty and service you may need. If you can afford the watch, the taxes shouldn't be an issue.

Since Puerto Rico is inside U.S. Customs territory, brand anti-piracy rules or whatever they're called apply. It's easy enough to look up authorized dealers on the manufacturer's website, and you will find several in and around Old San Juan.

Not that they will be any cheaper in San Juan than on the mainland U.S. One thing, if you declare on purchase that the item will be taken off Puerto Rico ("export") you might save on the sales tax.

Thanks for the responses everyone. For the record, I did plan on going to an Authorized Dealer or a reputable jeweler like Little Switzerland. I know a lot of ADs here in the states won't discount the watch at all. I was wondering if any of you were able to negotiate the price of the watch down in the Caribbean. I will try to do so, if not I'll just pay full price and be happy with the sales tax savings.

I think 5% is about all you'll be able to get off the price in an authorized dealership.

However, what they can do is give you something else at a large discount, or even free.

I was looking for a Rolex for my dh a few years back and they offered me a couple of bracelets for free with 5% off the Rolex. (He ended up purchasing a Breitling.)

While I was doing my search, however, the best price I found was in a casino in Biloxi (Beau Rivage). No one in the Caribbean could come close.

Thanks for the responses everyone. For the record, I did plan on going to an Authorized Dealer or a reputable jeweler like Little Switzerland. I know a lot of ADs here in the states won't discount the watch at all. I was wondering if any of you were able to negotiate the price of the watch down in the Caribbean. I will try to do so, if not I'll just pay full price and be happy with the sales tax savings.

Most authorized dealers outside the states will discount about 15%, much more than that and they risk violating their agreements with the manufacturer that can end their relationship.

I would just make sure you buy from an actual AD. If not there will be no warranty from the manufacturer and you will be on your own.

Rolex is on my list. But I have bought a few watches overseas and always had a good experience. Many people loathe Diamonds International but I’ve always had great service and since prices on watches don’t really change between retailers I know I’m getting a good price.

Most authorized dealers outside the states will discount about 15%, much more than that and they risk violating their agreements with the manufacturer that can end their relationship.

 

I would just make sure you buy from an actual AD. If not there will be no warranty from the manufacturer and you will be on your own.

 

Rolex is on my list. But I have bought a few watches overseas and always had a good experience. Many people loathe Diamonds International but I’ve always had great service and since prices on watches don’t really change between retailers I know I’m getting a good price.

I will absolutely look on Rolex's website for ADs before I leave the states. I definitely don't want to get stuck without a warranty.

I think 5% is about all you'll be able to get off the price in an authorized dealership.

 

However, what they can do is give you something else at a large discount, or even free.

 

I was looking for a Rolex for my dh a few years back and they offered me a couple of bracelets for free with 5% off the Rolex. (He ended up purchasing a Breitling.)

 

While I was doing my search, however, the best price I found was in a casino in Biloxi (Beau Rivage). No one in the Caribbean could come close.

Hmm I will look at other states as well. I'm in California, so I know I won't get a great price here. I can definitely contact other ADs in other states though.