Horological Meandering

First of all, it was the only time that I was selected for secondary inspection during numerous international returns to the USA over decades, both before and afterwards. I don’t know if I happened to fit the profile of the day, or more likely it was a random selection. I did not declare the watch because it was not a new purchase. They found it in my briefcase and I guess they wondered if it was an undeclared new purchase. Their quick perusal of the signed and stamped document settled the matter. 

I don’t know what to expect when doing the process at the airport upon departure. I happen to live 15 or 20 minutes away from a general aviation airport which is a Port of Entry. I called the CBP office and scheduled an appointment for the next day. I downloaded the forms to complete in advance and I took a magnifying glass so that the officer could confirm the serial numbers. I was back home in an hour or so.