Beware! The real truth about purchasing a watch outside of Canada
by Dino Standjofski on August 14, 2008
tagged as: graham bell & ross rolex jewelry watches
I know you've been tempted seeing a watch in the islands or at duty free shops. What a great deal, I'll just put it on, and tell customs it's my watch if asked. The reality is, it is a criminal offense to not declare any luxury goods over $2,000.00.
We've had many customers tell us lately, that at the airport, there are plain closed customs agents doing nothing else but checking passengers wrists and neck lines for unclaimed luxury items. It used to be basically a Rolex watch that they could recognize, but they are much more sophisticated and knowledgeable now. High end items have serial numbers, and can be traced to the country to which they were exported. For all you fast talking travelers, even gifts must be declared and have the duties and taxes paid.
Bell & Ross, Glycine, Patek Philippe, Chronoswiss, and Graham are just some of the brands that have been spotted and questioned at customs here in Montreal. So, it's not just the Rolexes and Cartiers that are being stopped.
The result of lying to a customs officer (which, by the way, they are great at spotting) will get you a fine of 50% of the watches value, plus the duties and taxes. If the cost of such an offense isn't enough, it can go on record for 5 years, so your name pops up every time you cross the border. That, to me, is bigger than the dollar amount, the constant hassle of being on the blacklist.
The end result is that buying it from an authorized dealer with a warranty in your own country with all the duties paid is a no brainer and hassle free.
Matt Baily Baselworld Day 1 Report - Alpina and Graham Shine
by Marco Gagliano on April 4, 2008
tagged as: graham alpina baselworld
At the end of Day One of The Fair, Matt throws around a few names including Graham, Alpina products, and Bell & Ross.
The new Graham models really struck Matt as extraordinary timepieces. Models like the Oversize Chronofighter Diver and GMT, and the Swordfish Grillo that have been released over the course of this past year are good indications of what to expect from Graham. New, exclusive calibers are also on the way for these magnificent watches, as a collaboration with a respected, Swiss independent movement manufacturer will strengthen.
At the Alpina booth, Matt was shown the new Avalanche Extreme Regulator. It has a diameter of 46mm, with a brand new dial. The most amazing part of this watch, however, is found inside the case. The Regulator runs on a manufacture movement made by Alpina from the ground up, raising the company to a plateau of prestige with few other century-old Swiss manufactures. The caliber AL-950 movement will be automatic winding, with 25 jewels, and commemorates the company's 125th anniversary. More new models have also been released, and pictures will be available soon.
Finaly, Bell & Ross promises to dazzle with an array of new models that Matt Baily will report on after his official meeting with the company.
