Overseas Shipping on a Higher End Piece

[JPS3]

Hi guys,

I hope this is in the correct forum. I'm working on a deal for Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver which is located in Eastern Asia (confirmed authenticity with full box, papers, and some very nice up close pictures to look through). My one concern is this: if I end up getting this watch, I am absolutely stricken with fear at the prospect of having this thing shipped over here and possibly damaged/stolen (definitely more so stolen). The seller listed as standard shipping to US, but if this works I'll definitely be getting it registered and insured on its way over here just to be safe.

Can some people who have purchased higher end pieces from overseas comment on this and just tell me about your experience?

Also, as a side note, how was it handled with customs?

Anyone, please let me know about your experiences!

Cheers,
PS

[AAWATCHES]

I have had a few pieces sent in, never had any major problems other than slight damage to box, also plan on delays in customs as well as customs duties. On high end stuff I would pay extra and use shipping other than standard and definitely get insurance.

[Navitimer]

I have had a few high-end watches shipped and I always use Jewel Systems for my shipping.

They will send you a FedEx shipping sticker and collect the package. I simply email the seller my shipping label and that's that. The seller is happy that they don't have to pay shipping and they get peace of mind knowing that you have insured it. The package is then fully trackable using Fedex and insured through jewel Systems. Further, they specify that the watch value must not be declared on the package itself to reduce the likelihood of theft. Should you declare it as worth $50 for customs then that is the value shown on the package. Should it be lost then you can claim the full value regardless of the customs declared value.

I would however note that I've never had to make a claim so I don't know how smooth the claims process is.