Watch shopping in Italy

[Ek lex]

Hi all fellow members, will be travelling to Italy in a few days time, particularly in Rome and some yet to decide out skirt spots, do you guys have any experience or recommendation for watch shopping?

Obviously Tripadvisor.com does not provide much info...

Cheers 

[Timeless]

Any particular brand/model u are looking for?

[Ek lex]

Nothing particular, Italian doesn't make much watches compared to their fashion and  beautiful automobiles...

Not sure if the price is good with VAT refunded, I don't mind to get another Rollie if the price is good, or some nice looking pre-loved pieces... 

[ck77]

Panerai Firenze boutique edition


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[Timeless]

Vat in Italy should be around 22%, Panerai would be a good choice in Firenze aka first shop for public.

[Ek lex]

Thanks Ck77, Panerai is never my cup of tea, but who knows after a few round of authentic Italian pasta and wine, i may change my taste... hehe... BTW, I think Panerai is no more Italian brand now though it started from designing watches for the Italian army?

Timeless, Yes the VAT in Italy is 22% but I think we will never get back in full, there is always some deduction Here and there,  may end up only 15% or less... same for our previous purchase in France... 

[Timeless]

Ya.. there is some minor deduction around 4% +/-. Perhaps hunt for a rollie there, u may get retail price for hot model instead of goreng price if u are lucky enough.

[ck77]

Thanks Ck77, Panerai is never my cup of tea, but who knows after a few round of authentic Italian pasta and wine, i may change my taste... hehe... BTW, I think Panerai is no more Italian brand now though it started from designing watches for the Italian army?

Ya it is now under Richemont Group.

[Ek lex]

This one is tempting.... goreng watch....

http://www.brandizzi.com/index.php?id=13568&sub=acquits

[engkow]

going there end of next month group tour thru Parlo tours recent matta fair, if time permit will look see what they have.

[yume]

hi,

for your reference. 
http://www.hausmann-co.com/en/2015/05/24/buy-watches-in-europe-italy-tax-free/

[@tsw@]

going there end of next month group tour thru Parlo tours recent matta fair, if time permit will look see what they have.

They don't serve walk in customers, whatever you're interested in. Better email them in advance and make an appointment to avoid disappointment.

Also no VAT refund because its pre owed watch

Regards
tsw

[Ek lex]

Also no VAT refund because its pre owed watch

Oh TSW i think you are right, thanks for enlightening me.

[Kayjay]

Just back from Rome last week. From what i surveyed, prices not that attractive even after less VAT, mostly due to poor MYR conversion rate.

We'll only get back 12.5% of VAT.

No Firenze editions available at the Florence 1st boutique when i was there as well. Happy hunting

[Ek lex]

Many thanks Rolexer... yeah... i guess so... lotsa deduction from the 22% down to 12.5% + the exchange rate from Euro back to Rm, probably will end up windown shopping only

Anyway, could you share with us the area or shop in Rome you visited for watch looking/ shopping?

Thanks!

[Kayjay]

Went to a few boutiques only. So can't say was scouting seriously.

Went to Haussmann & Omega somewhere near the Spanish Steps, and the boutiques on Ponte Vecchio Florence. Also d Panerai boutique at the duomo Florence.

Transit in Dubai airport also nothing interesting watch-wise

[Ek lex]

Thanks 

[artyca]

With the current state of the MYR, it's not worth purchasing watches overseas anymore.

[Ek lex]

Hi guys,  my Roma trip is coming to an end, so I have done some watch shopping but unfortunately no luck in netting one, more like a window shopping on watches. They have quite a bit of vintage pieces, sold exclusively in some high end watch dealers, of course price is definitely not cheap, and I have confirmed with the dealers, preloved pieces have zero VAT, so this is not helpful for non-EU citizen. Not many watch shop around Rome, but if anybody is interested in Rolex, I think the best spot is in FCO airport itself, it has 19% off direct deduction of VAT, all the sport models avail as of today, GMT master, Sub, Milg,…

Alright, ciao ciao! 

[seale_navy]

do you guys know what is the VAT/GST refund rate at Singapore?

[rnsm1979]

do you guys know what is the VAT/GST refund rate at Singapore?

7% but there would be admin fees

[seale_navy]

do you guys know what is the VAT/GST refund rate at Singapore?

7% but there would be admin fees

thank you for the info !!!

[lowcheetoong]

Wow...thanks for the headup. I m heading to Italy bologna somewhere in august this year. Definitely will survey in airport.