Airport Security / Customs with Replica watch

[daytonadude]

Breezed through French customs with 5 watches on me in total. Agreed that they seemed more interested in women’s purses, looking twice at the lady a few steps in front of me

 

[CycleBuyer]

Hi everyone, I’m working as a UK airport security, and we don’t have an issue with watches. Unless it’s a bag full of watches, customs will be more concerned. If you travel with your watches from the UK then don’t worry about security checks. I hope that will clear up some confusion here. Cheers

Thank you!

 

[CycleBuyer]

I don't know if you've come across articles regarding this nightmarish scenario that occurred back in 2019 to people who were attending the annual watch convention and staying in neighboring countries.

From The Archives: Swiss Customs Targeting Watch Show Attendees

A personal experience with Swiss Customs on the way to Baselworld 2019 resulting in thousands in fines and taxes on personal watches.

www.fratellowatches.com

I saw that and have re-read it a couple times, with dread for anyone traveling into Switzerland with watches.

However I used plural on purpose. Watches. This person was carrying multiple watches, and they weren't his etc.

Most people are just wearing a single watch.

I think even with that account, the question of transiting through a Swiss airport to change flights from inside Schengen to outside Schengen remains?

 

[TESLA760]

I just flew into Pyongyang. Brought a few APs and and Rolexes. No questions were asked. Supreme Leader did comment on my Navy Themes during lunch.

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

^ I was at that lunch but some cockwomble at the airport kept trying to measure the rehaut angle of my Daytona using a protractor so I had to leave early.

 

[f4bi4n]

I‘m living close to the Swiss border and use Zurich as my main airport for travel and do it quite often with reps. Never had any issue but I’m always a bit afraid of getting asked at both customs stops. Usually I travel with max 2 watches, one at the wrist and one in the bag.

My main concern is not that’s a rep, it’s that they could think it’s a gen and I need to pay taxes

but I think as long as you avoid taking to many and also no boxes etc with you, you could be fine

 

[Karbon74]

what's the tax law for Switzerland? you need to pay taxes even on your personal stuff???

 

[f4bi4n]

what's the tax law for Switzerland? you need to pay taxes even on your personal stuff???

yes, if you buy it outside of the country and import it into the country. There are quite a lot of people coming from other countries (Dubai e.g.) and buying watches there and trying to avoid the import tax. I think it can get complicated, especially with German -> Switzerland -> EU/Non-EU and back. Would really love to have an invoice until then I will always have an image on my phone from before the trip and hope they would accept it

 

[f4bi4n]

It's even worse: https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/h...y-free-limit/transit-through-switzerland.html

 

[yodog]

funny though that I ship reps into Zurich all the time via Fedex. Actually the safest out of other European countries lol

 

[Got20Mate]

I honestly think taking everything people have said above, no airport worker is gonna give two hoots. There's always someone with a better watch, better bag, better coat etc etc. They see so many people all the time

 

[CycleBuyer]

It's even worse: https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/h...y-free-limit/transit-through-switzerland.html

Aha!

Thank you!

This is the official answer!

So -- from your link, if one transits via CH, one is no longer within the EU customs umbrella. One is still within the Schengen travel upbrella but subject to CH customs.

For transiting, if the item is authentic, one in theory would have to pay the deposit on the tax and then reclaim it upon exit.

So we have the answer! Ha! This is great info.

For counterfeits, they are expressly prohibited here (I followed the link from your own link):
It is strictly prohibited to import into or export from Swiss customs territory counterfeited trademarks and counterfeited designs. This also applies to tourist traffic goods for personal use which are imported, exported or are in transit. Counterfeits may be confiscated and destroyed when crossing the border. It's thereby not important whether these goods are new or already used.

 

[SubNot]

To be honest I didn’t even know this could be an issue. Always travelled with both gen and rep and never had any problems. I suppose it’s the quantity of the watches that can raise some flags as many of you said

 

[tomriddle]

Hello everyone,

I've seen a lot of threads on this topic, however, many opinions differ, so let's clarify this.

Traveling with a replica watch - wearing one piece for personal use (more common watch model - Rolex Oyster Perpetual silver). The final destination is Spain and Italy, but I am interested in the case of any other country.

Is there any chance of facing a problem (Airport Security / Customs) in such a case, regardless of the airport? Thank you fellas.

a timeless question.. but let me tell you since I've traveled and taken my watches with me thru countries and continents..

not once has ANYONE ever stopped me or question me about any of my replicas.. granted: I only wear 1 and do not bring another in the bag checked in or carried on

I think the only time they'll "question" you is if you for example, bring, 2+ in your bags and mostly because of the declared value/rules/etc for customs purposes

otherwise, travel without any worry/concern or reservation

Philippines, Dubai, Korea, Japan, Bahamas, Qatar, USA and counting.. not once have I encountered a problem. Even at a place once whispered to check for reps, Dubai it's fine.. you'll be fine

 

[KGZ]

Simply put, airport security does not give a fuck about your watch unless it's a bad AP replica with bracelet edges sharp enough to slit a throat.

For customs, there's the theoretical answer and the practical answer.

In theory, almost all countries in the world have declaration requirements if you are introducing goods that are above a certain value threshold. This threshold varies from country to country but I can safely bet that no Rolex will be below this threshold. If you are coming into a country/unified customs territory (such as the EU) as a non-resident, transit rules will apply. These vary much more as some countries may require a declaration (sometimes coupled with a deposit) and others will not.

The above applies only to genuine watches as counterfeit watches are considered illegal goods anyways and cannot be introduced in any country.

In practice, customs at airports have too many passengers incoming to control them all (same with packages). In fact, you are not likely to be controlled by customs unless you are coming from or have transited in a country that is considered as customs risk. Even if you are controlled by customs, there is an even lower likelihood that the control will cover the watch on your wrist unless if you are coming from a country or an area known to be a big watch market (such as Dubai) or a big counterfeit market (such as Southeast Asia).

But overall, travelling with a rep carries much less risk than having a rep delivered from China. So if one is fine with the latter then I see no reason to worry about the first.

 

[Trish Rashford]

Hello everyone,

I've seen a lot of threads on this topic, however, many opinions differ, so let's clarify this.

Traveling with a replica watch - wearing one piece for personal use (more common watch model - Rolex Oyster Perpetual silver). The final destination is Spain and Italy, but I am interested in the case of any other country.

Is there any chance of facing a problem (Airport Security / Customs) in such a case, regardless of the airport? Thank you fellas.

I’d say you are unlikely to face any issues at the airport itself, but I generally find it risky to take reps or gens on trips to foreign countries. Some of these European destinations have lots of thieves (London, Barcelona, and Napoli are probably the worst)

 

[flashu]

It is confirmed now, airport security are shooting down with live ammunition the guys wearing reps

Special tools developed are now available, never seen before, weighing the watch on your arm when you pass the security check, instant tell red siren on and next you dead

Guess you’re ok if wearing SS not so much difference in weight, you might survive

 

[Got20Mate]

It is confirmed now, airport security are shooting down with live ammunition the guys wearing reps

Special tools developed are now available, never seen before, weighing the watch on your arm when you pass the security check, instant tell red siren on and next you dead

Guess you’re ok if wearing SS not so much difference in weight, you might survive

In addition to the above, they will swab the watch to see if the correct cleaning cloths are being used along with the correct directional rubbing. If not, your rep will immediately be called out and you'll be made to stand in front of everyone in the security queue and explain why you're wearing a rep.

 

[EM9]

Coming back through customs in Dec they we're far more concerned with what booze I might have had lol. Sir, did you buy anything on your stay? Yes, this shirt with a cock on it that I'm wearing. Nice rooster, please procced.

 

[Ridece]

When I bought my genuine Day-Date new, I was stopped at customs six months later on my return journey from Italy back to Switzerland and they wanted a plausible explanation of where the watch had been bought. Fortunately, I was prepared and had a copy of the invoice in the glove compartment of my car....
The seller in Switzerland gave me this tip...