Posted by Mark Harris on May 22, 1999at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: rs138.arkansasusa.com (12.14.232.138)
OK here goes... I am a nube to hard core watches.
I have been planning to purchase a new watch thiss fall BUT have just found out that Iam going to Switzerland on business in June. Should I purchase my new watch while I amthere??? Can it be purchased less expensivly in Switzerland than here in the USA???
I am looking in the $2000 range for a sport chrono that WILL be warn every day. So anysugestions on a good candidate would also be nice. I am thinking Zenith, Baume etMercier-Capeland, IWC, ect.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Also, what of taxes, duty, customs, ect.
Thanks, Mark
Posted by MJ on May 22, 1999 at 18:53:57:
In Reply to: Going to Switzerland... purchase watch there??? posted by Mark Harris on May22, 1999 at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: den-co70-09.ix.netcom.com (206.214.78.137)
I've collected links to them -- click below.
Posted by Philip J. Kuhl on May 23, 1999 at03:26:23:
In Reply to: Going to Switzerland... purchase watch there??? posted by Mark Harris on May22, 1999 at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: 207-172-90-227.s258.tnt3.brd.va.dialup.rcn.com(207.172.90.227)
I asked the same question of a friend of mine who lives in Geneva last year before Ileft Belgium. I can't say we did a particularly scientific study of the matter, but fromthe few watches I checked there was no price advantage in buying in Switzerland.
My advice would be to shop around here in the US for the best price you can get on thewatches in which you are interested, then haggle over those same models once you are inSwitzerland. Then buy wherever the price is lowest. A couple of points to consider:
1. Check the rules before departure so that you know what you need to do to avoidpaying the Swiss value added tax that will usually be included in the prices you see inshop windows.
2. Don't forget to include the amount of estimated US Customs duty into your pricecalculations.
3. Remember that not buying from a local dealer cuts into his profits and makes it lesslikely that he'll be there to help with service or advice when you need him.
4. Be prepared to see watch models in Switzerland that don't exist in the US that youmay like better than the models you were thinking about buying before you got there.Decide before you go how much you can spend on a watch so that you are prepared in casethat happens.
Bon voyage, and let us all know what happened on your trip after you get back!
Phil
Posted by Leehu Z. on May 23, 1999 at05:34:11:
In Reply to: Going to Switzerland... purchase watch there??? posted by Mark Harris on May22, 1999 at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: (199.203.82.40)
Hi
Mark
I've recently purchased an Omega Speedmaster professional in Zurich Switzerland, aftera long search so I hope I can be of use to you-
Prices of watches in Switzerland are useally a bit less than the official list price inUS for many models (not all of them though...).
If you're thinking of buying in the "grey market" buy in the US - quite cheaperrelative to Europe as a whole. but if considering a purchase only from the officialdealers you can try Switzerland.
If you dont intend to buy a gold Rolex or something like it - forget about US customs -wear the watch and cross the border.
Remember that non-European get approx 7.5% discount off the tag price once they leave theairport - but you must ask the salesperson at the store to supply you with the neededpaper-work (available in most high end stores). an additional discount can be expectedespecially for cash (or traveller's cheques) payment - so take approx 10-12% off the tagprice of the watch when you look at Swiss store's vitrines...
Noe for my suggestions for a watch (chronograph - as I understand):
Omega - Speedmaster (Pro or Automatic - both are just good)
Seamaster chronometer -a bit more expensive but wirth the money.
Dynamic chrono - nice watch, very accurate (and costs quite less
than your budjet)
Longines - Avigation models - Retro looks and fine mvt.
Breitling - Navitimewr, Chronomat - manly, with a lot of presence.
will cost a bit more than 2K...
Eterna - they have just launched a retro looking chronograph which sells for lees thanyour budjet looks a real classic and contains a good reliable mvt.
if you like the bolder looks - the Kontiki chrono is great.
also look for some of these names:
Porche design (Eterna make some of them), Tutima, Ventura, Zenith (Prime model iswithin your proce brackets).
Enjoy your visit and (perhaps) your purchase
Leehu Z.
Posted by MJ on May 23, 1999 at 07:26:58:
In Reply to: watch purchase in Switzerland posted by Leehu Z. on May 23, 1999 at 05:34:11:
Posted from Host: den-co65-31.ix.netcom.com (206.214.76.31)
"forget about US customs - wear the watch and cross the border"
I don't agree with this. You need to fill out and sign a declaration form, and thepenalty for failing to declare (very intentional, in this case) is severe.
I would suggest that breaking the law and exposing oneself to criminal and/or civilpenalties is a very bad idea.
Posted by Phil Baker on May 23, 1999 at 06:56:37:
In Reply to: Going to Switzerland... purchase watch there??? posted by Mark Harris on May22, 1999 at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: pm3-ppp-7-37.millennianet.com (206.71.181.133)
I was there twice this year, and as hard as I looked, found no bargains compared towhat you can buy in the US at a good discount or through several of the reputable on lineTZ dealers. The retail prices in Switzerland are slightly lower than the US (perhaps by15-20%), but you can save more than 20% here. One suggestion is to order a watch here fromMarkus Tschopp, one of the favorites on TZ, and arrrange to pick it up in Switzerland fromhim.
Posted by MJ on May 23, 1999 at 08:34:40:
In Reply to: Will cost more posted by Phil Baker on May 23, 1999 at 06:56:37:
Posted from Host: den-co65-31.ix.netcom.com (206.214.76.31)
You could pick up the watch, but then you will likely have to pay duty when you comeback into the US, unless you sumggle the watch in, which I don't recommend.
On the other hand, when I have received watches shipped to me from Switzerland, no dutywas collected. I am off the hook, because I made no declaration. Customs simply failed torequest payment, or perhaps the carrier failed to collect it.
Posted by jkingston on May 23, 1999 at08:37:19:
In Reply to: Going to Switzerland... purchase watch there??? posted by Mark Harris on May22, 1999 at 18:49:18:
Posted from Host: b1.brobeck.com (192.216.131.15)
My experience in trying to buy watches in Switzerland has been poor. The full retailprice in Switzerland is approx. 20% less than full retail here. However, one can easilybeat 20% off in the states. The problem in Switzerland is that they rigidly refuse todeal. This is so even though watch stores nearby--Paris for instance--will deal. I havetried to argue with the Swiss pointing out better competitive prices nearby. Theirresponse has uniformly been--fine go buy there. One option I have not pursued is MarcusTschopp. That might be the best of both worlds. I think the ideal thing to do is try toarrange a visit at one or more of the great factories and buy a watch from Marcus or inParis. Forget the shops in Geneva or Zurich. Jeff
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