Seeking Opinion : Buying Watch in Switzerland

[mavfia]

Buying Rolex in Switzerland (Zurich)?

Advise needed..
I'm looking at the GMT II and was wondering if buying in Switzerland (Zurich) would be chaeper. However, I've heard from my colleagues in Germany that everything in Switzerland is expensive even including time pieces even though that's where they are made.
Would be great if I get some comments / advise. Thanks in advance

[mavfia]

Ok, a list of similar threads pops up after I post this and it do seem it not cheaper here in Switzerland..
But if someone who might had just visited Switzerland, I would like to hear from you...
Btw the exchage rate aginst Swiss Francs is 1.47.

[Haolian King]

I was in switzerland last june. Bought a gmt2c for S$8500. Based on 1.25 exchange rate. But it is cheaper in holland, i paid S$8k for another one. Dont know why ppl say it is cheaper in sin. Def cheaper there for most sports model. Cheers.

[mavfia]

Thanks Haolian King for the info, with the exchange rate now I think the savings would not be as great. Maybe I should just try my luck at Frankfurt airport, just like what I did for my SS Daytona. Btw anyone can advise how much a GMT II (Half gold) is gg for in SGP?

[breitling77]

Since the exchange rate is favorable, it may be a good deal to get in Switzerland. But it still depends on the model. For those popular ones, may be hard to find. And if it comes with discounts and VAT refunds, can consider.

[triton]

factors affecting pricing of rolex includes

1) exchange rate
2) refund of VAT
3) discount available on the model in concern.

as mentioned, with favourable exchange rate, don't discount that the VAT refunded is also different. so my suggestion is check locally the price you can get before buying.

besides, check out the pricing in garage section by gray dealers.

with all the information, when you are there, make an inquiry on the watch(es) in concern and compare the final price after discount if any, the VAT refunded, exchange rate.

[Submariner Guy]

the only models that are cheaper are those sport models that are presently selling for a premium in s'pore like the ss sub or daytona (at list price with no discount except for the 7.4% tax refund which you get at the airport.) for others, stick to s'pore bcoz it's at least 15% to 18% cheaper. also do not rely on the bank exchange rates for your calculations, your credit card company usually applies a much higher rate.

[Submariner Guy]

bought my ss sub date from an AD there last month for 7.1k chf.

[mavfia]

to keep everyone who had been following this thread.... I was at downtown Zurich earlier today and went on to one of the shop and checked out the GMT II (Half Gold). Stock was available and after tax rebate was about CHF10,250. So in view of the exchange rate currently, I would say it's much expensive to got it here in Zurich. I'll be heading for Germany tomorrow and I'll try my luck there... Cheers!

[jonchar]

Just been to Europe recently too. It is more expensive in Europe in general then compared to Singapore.

[bambam328]

Was at Munich airport 3 hours ago and the only sport model they have is the GMT IIC. After discount and VAT rebate abt S$8.9k. Expensive?

[armaggesin]

is watch cheaper in Switzerland vs singapore

Hi Bros!!

My friend is travelling to switzerland soon so I would like to ask if anyone know if the watch there is selling cheaper than in singapore. U know import tax, GST, exchange rates etc...plays a part in driving up the cost of watch here. I am looking at getting a Franck Muller Conquisdor Grand Prix.

thanks

[taxico]

no.

[Chen]

If you are comparing the AD price, it is cheaper to buy in Switzerland considering the VAT rebate which was 8% when I was there last year. But the grey market price in Singapore may still be cheaper.

Since you are in Europe, why not try to buy in France, Italy or Holland etc where VAT rebate could range from 15-20%? Couple with weakening of Euro currency, you can save up to 20% from Singapore AD price. Save even more if you pay by cash and ask for additional discount over there. They would give you unless the watch that you are looking for is on high demand.

Consider to buy watches in Switzerland only if you could not find the model you want elsewhere. Just my 2-cents.

[armaggesin]

thanks alot. but any idea how much difference between the 2 countries??

thanks