Singapore is a major business and shopping hub that doesn’t charge import duties or luxury taxes on watches, which makes pricing comparatively lower than in countries like Australia, Canada, or parts of Europe.

The only tax you’ll encounter is the 8–9% GST, which you can claim back if you’re a tourist through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). That’s a nice discount for a brand that rarely offers one.

In short, if you’ve ever wanted a Rolex, an Omega, or a Bulgari and you’re on a short trip to Singapore, now’s the best time to make your move. Still, how do you find a trustworthy retailer that fits your budget when you’ve got only three days to roam around? We’ll tell you.

Do Your Research Before Reaching Singapore

The city is also home to some of the world's most prominent and reputable authorized luxury watch retailers, such as Cortina Watch, The Hour Glass, and Sincere Fine Watches. They provide 100% assurance of authenticity and the full five-year international manufacturer's warranty.

However, they may be difficult to reach on such short notice since they have a long waiting list for the most popular models and may require a purchase history. So, if you want to buy Rolex watches in Singapore on short notice, your best bet is on smaller, less crowded local dealers.

This is why it’s important to research reputable local dealers online before you land in Singapore. Many smaller authorized sellers also have online shops where you can browse available models and schedule an in-person visit to their boutique.

There’s no need for a purchase history, and you can try on the watch before making your purchase. You can even consult with a specialist who can answer all your questions. Plus, the prices may be friendlier.

Try Pre-Owned/Grey Dealers

There’s no denying that Rolex watches match every special occasion, whether it’s a personal celebration or a professional setting. After all, there’s a reason why they cost a fortune and why newer models are difficult to find.

The best part, though? Older models are still in fashion now and look even better with a bit of patina on them. This is true for most high-end luxury watches with a timeless design. If you’re truly in a hurry, why not try dealers that sell pre-owned pieces?

They provide all original papers, boxes, and international warranty cards. Singapore has a highly reputable pre-owned market, where many dealers maintain physical shops and a long-standing reputation to protect. These dealers stake their business on authenticity, so no one would dare to sell a fake. It would instantly destroy their reputation.

Plus, many of the so-called "pre-owned" watches have never actually been worn. They were purchased by others to build a purchase history with a large authorized dealer.

How to Avoid Scams

Yes, scams happen in every corner of the globe, especially when you’re trying to purchase luxury items in a hurry.

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Always buy from a registered dealer: NEVER buy from a private seller on a marketplace like Carousell for your first luxury purchase in an unfamiliar market. Stick to brick-and-mortar stores.
• Demand the full set: The watch must come with its original box, papers, and an international warranty card. Counterfeiters struggle to replicate the complete documentation.
• Inspect the watch closely: Look for signs of poor craftsmanship, like crooked text, misaligned logos, blurry date window magnification (for Rolex), a lighter weight, or a ticking sound (most genuine Omega/Rolex mechanical watches should not have a loud tick).
• Know your prices in advance: Research the current market price for the specific model you want. If a price seems too good to be true, it’s a huge red flag.

In Summary

It is possible to buy a Rolex or an Omega watch on a short trip to Singapore, but you have to do the research before leaving home. Also, educate yourself on recognizing scams, and everything should go smoothly