Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FDNY]

I'm going to buy a new watch pretty soon. Probably spend around US$1000.00 Where do you think is the best place to buy? Costco has some nice watches. Online also has lots of watches. Has anyone ever seen an Incheon Airport price list for they're duty free shops?

[IS-F]

[FDNY]

I am thinking of a Tissot or a Tag.

[Yaya]

lotte.com has deals AND is reliable as in no fakes. I would also avoid duty-free stores in Korea as they aren't cheap. Buy a watch the next time you travel but NOT from a Korean store.

[young_clinton]

Isn't duty free shopping generally a rip off. You pay higher prices then you don't pay a duty. Where's the savings?

Another thing, considering watches, don't buy anything like that in SE Asia. I wouldn't buy a watch even at the high end department stores. That area is too corrupt. You could pay a lot and end out with a high end fake that looks exactly the same. Even if you find out its fake and have a receipt, lots of luck getting it replaced with a real one.

[cdninkorea]

Duty free is *more* than at a normal department store? Does this mean they raise the price above what the tax would be? Then why does anyone buy luxury goods there, let alone travel for it?

I don't think I've ever bought a luxury item at duty free, only things like cologne (in Canada duty free, and it was cheaper than at Sears), chocolate, liquor, etc.

[sendittheemail]

This is definitely a purchase that should be made in a foreign country, while traveling. Save your cash for when you go back home, and buy a nice watch there.

If you try to get one online, customs will tax you, no matter how you ship it.

Another alternative is to get a used, but still nice model. There are used shops in Apkujeong, and a pretty nice one in the basement of Dongdaemun (yes, they actually sell authentic models, not knockoffs).

I usually pick up used watches in Tokyo, because they have tons and tons of shops selling them, and the prices are actually somewhat reasonable. More variety too. Selection is kind of limited in Korea, but I've heard that Shinsegae near express bus terminal might have the best selection.

[FDNY]

[Who's Your Daddy?]

ㅅㅅ I don't agree it is always cheaper for booze at duty free. The ice-wine they sell at the Toronto airport duty free costs more than at a regular store (LCBO) outside the airport.

The stores have to pay their high airport rent.

Cigars in Canada are cheaper than duty free at Incheon. [I don't know, but I'd guess booze is cheaper in the US than Incheon duty free.]

I think in Korea, there's so little competition for luxury goods, the prices are higher than Hong Kong or the USA. Just look at a pair of Levi's jean - they're luxury prices here:)

==

You could go visit one of the "duty free" stores not in the airport. I know in Busan the Lotte department store will let you in to browse. When you purchase they ask to see your ticket. Then you could get an idea of the price.

Then go to amazon and check their price. I'd think get it shipped to your parents, and pick it up on your next visit.

[oldsurly]

Duty free.

I have purchased many watches at the duty free and have always found the prices to be good. If you are from the US there are some online stores that sell brand name watches, in most cases, at really great prices.

I usually go to the Walker hill duty free as they usually have some decent discounts. Just a few examples below.

30% off on my Oris.

15% off on my Tag Heuer.

15-20% off on my Hamilton.

The most important thing IMO is to choose a style and brand you like and shop around to find the best price. I guess that is common knowledge though. That being said, the US has the best prices on any watch, anytime. However they are sometimes grey market resellers. Meaning, they do not offer a manufacturers warranty, but rather their own, usually two years. When you buy from the duty free you can be sure they are authorized distributors and you could have your watch fixed or serviced in Korea instead of having it sent to the US. There are also some pretty awesome watches you can purchase straight from the manufacturer, they are boutique brands, not main stream brands like the ones listed above. But they are great.

What kind of watch are you looking at buying?

[cdninkorea]

Can you buy a watch at duty free of any value and not pay tax on it? I've heard of people buying jewelry on a trip home, then getting a big fine on their return to Korea. How does that work? Do you have to be gone a certain length of time?

[oldsurly]

[madoka]

[FDNY]

[oldsurly]