can you get a good deal on rolex watches on the island?? if so where??? thankyou

Not many choices in Aruba.

Gandelmans...Is the only dealer on the island....They are everywhere.
Downtown
Radisson
Wyhndham
Hyatt

On the other hand if you are willing to look at other high quality watches, there are many to choose from.

Check Little Europe and Diamonds International.

Not in Aruba. There aren't bargains on that stuff in any of the islands.

I own 2 Rolex watches. Bought my first one in the States from a bonified Rolex dealer in lower Manhattan. He didnt break the Rolex rules of no discounts, he changed them! I managed to get about 25% off of retail. Factory warrenty and all the rest included.
My second one came from little Switzerland yrs ago when they carried Rolex's in Aruba.
Another rule change. I assume they were losing their francise and they sold Rolex's 15 up to almost 28% off of retail.
Gandelmans will go maybe 10% discount and maybe a little more on a very high priced model. Jewelry stores all over the world are in line waiting for a Rolex francise so the company can be very strict and hold their prices where it benefits them.

They will revoke a francise if they feel their policies are not followed. They have plenty of stores in line waiting to get a Rolex francise.

Even owning 2 Rolex watches, I'd be the first to admit they are not the best of time keepers. Their considered prestige watches and I think most people buy them to impress themselves and others as well.
I personally spoke to a watch salesman in Shivas and his information was very interesting.
A Rolex dealer may have as an example 25 top of the line models in his case.
Presidents, all gold, diamond bezels and dials etc. Almost every yr. they are increased in price percentage wise, meaning if they have a watch that doesn't sell for two yrs in their case, it is going up in price as it sits there. An all gold President that was $13,500 in 2002 has risen to over $17,000 in 2005. They can not ligitimately discount the 2002 model sitting in his case. There is no year attached to a watch. Buying an all new designed model has a date attached to it as being a new item in the first year it comes out.
This is why you can get a discounted Rolex from a factory warrented dealer. Denials of this are spoken, but sales are being made everyday with discounts.

If you want to own a Rolex for whatever reason thats your choice.
I have a top line model but it certainly is not unique. I see many all over the place.

If you want to see a beautiful watch that is unique, go to Shivas and look at their new line of all gold and diamond dialed Piaget's. Everyone has their own idea of what is beautiful. I personally think the Franc Mueller, spelling?? is ugly.
You definately wont get a good deal on a Rolex in Aruba.
If you want a great time keeper in a good watch, Movado is way better.
My pet peeve is that a Rolex made in 2000 and is sold a few yrs later is way more money than it sold for in 2000! Not so in automobiles. They depreciate a lot even in the first several months of their production, not so with a Rolex. Remember a solid gold Rolex, band and case without diamonds has about $4500.00 at best in actual gold value in it at current prices.
Yet it sells today for over $17,000!!! Thats a ton of money your paying for that "R" name.
PS did you know that Japan makes many Rolex's dials now? Hey, I knew all of this when I bought my watches but I still wanted a Rolex. I did however get great prices. Shop wise and if you do geta Rolex, be proud and wear it well!!!

I found that I got a better price at home (N.J.). Plus I didn't have to pay extra duty to customs or worry about not declaring it & possible problems.

"Not in Aruba. There aren't bargains on that stuff in any of the islands"

You need to know the prices of what you want before you go. There are discounts ranging from 10 to 35 percent on various brands. Even with the duty you can do better than buying at home. Personally I do not like Rolex so I cannot comment on their pricing policies. I can state that I found excellent prices on Breitling, Glashutte, Oris and Omega.

thanks to all!!! larisa