All Posts

Omega Trilogy Set 1957 Limited Edition - Full-Set New/Unworn full-stickers 2018 By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne · Updated June 2026 Buying a luxury watch from Switzerland is not just a statement of taste; it's also a smart investment. Especially when you're purchasing internationally, understanding how Swiss VAT (now 8.1%) and import customs duties apply is crucial. Let’s break it down clearly. What is Swiss VAT? As of January 1, 2024, Switzerland ap

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne · Updated May 2026 Fifty years ago, at the 1976 Basel Watch Fair, Patek Philippe unveiled a watch that confused, divided, and even offended part of its own clientele. It was made of stainless steel. It had an octagonal bezel with rounded ears, a horizontally grooved dial, and an integrated bracelet that flowed directly from the case as a single sculptural object. It was priced like a gold

Tudor booth at W&W 2026 A century after its founding, Tudor is no longer anyone's little brother. Here is the story, the investment case, and the watches worth knowing in 2026. A brand built on a clear mission In February 1926, Hans Wilsdorf — already the architect of Rolex — registered a second trademark in Geneva: The Tudor. His rationale was stated simply in his own words, which Tudor's official history preserves to this day: he had been considering the idea of producing a

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne · Updated May 2026 Selling a luxury watch is rarely as simple as posting a listing and waiting for an offer. For most people — whether they've inherited a watch, are thinning a collection, or simply want to move on from a piece they no longer wear — the process raises the same questions: What is it actually worth right now? Who are the right buyers? And how do you sell without leaving money on the table or taking unnec

All you should know about buying a watch from Switzerland By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Buying a pre-owned watch from Switzerland is an increasingly common path for international collectors. The selection is strong, the market is mature, and certain references are simply more available here than in many other countries. But a listed price in Swiss francs is only the starting point. Before committing to a purchase, understanding which costs can be e

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne, published in January 2026 The year 2026 stands as a landmark moment in horological history, with an unprecedented concentration of significant anniversaries spanning from individual watch models to entire manufactures. From Seiko's 145th anniversary already underway to the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, collectors and enthusiasts face a year filled with commemorative releases, limi

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne, published in March 2026 The certified pre-owned (CPO) luxury watch market enters 2026 at a pivotal moment. After the speculative frenzy of 2021-2022 and the subsequent correction of 2023-2025, the secondary market is stabilizing into what industry experts describe as a rational, opportunity-rich environment for informed collectors and first-time buyers alike. Drawing on recent analys

Statue of Liberty From crisis to resolution: the tariff journey concludes The turbulent tariff saga that shook the Swiss watch industry throughout 2025 has officially concluded. On December 10, 2025, the United States and Switzerland formalized their agreement reducing import tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%, with the rate applying retroactively to November 14, 2025. For watch enthusiasts and collectors who watched prices climb dramatically after August, this represents

Rolex Submariner "Starbucks" 126610LV Why collectors call it the "Starbucks" When Rolex introduced the Submariner reference 126610LV in September 2020, watch enthusiasts immediately recognized its significance—a return to the classic black dial and green bezel combination last seen on the beloved "Kermit" (ref. 16610LV). The nickname "Starbucks" emerged organically from the watch community, inspired by the distinctive green Cerachrom bezel that mirrors the iconic color of the

Most recent updates from January 2026 can be read here. Relief arrives, but challenges remain On November 14, 2025, the United States and Switzerland announced a significant development for the luxury watch market: the US has cut import tariffs on goods from Switzerland from 39% to 15%. For watch enthusiasts and collectors who have watched prices climb dramatically since August, this represents meaningful relief—though the situation remains more complex than a simple return t

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona In the world of haute horlogerie, finding that one exceptional timepiece, whether it's a vintage treasure or the latest release, requires expertise, connections, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. At Waltana, nestled in the heart of Lausanne's prestigious watchmaking region, we've dedicated ourselves to mastering the intricate art of luxury watch sourcing, connecting discerning collectors with their horological dreams. Understanding luxury

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne The savior: Nicolas G. Hayek and the Swatch revolution When Swiss banks hired Nicolas G. Hayek in the early 1980s to oversee what many assumed would be the liquidation of Switzerland's two largest watchmaking groups, ASUAG and SSIH, few could have predicted what would follow. Born in Lebanon in 1928, Hayek had studied mathematics and physics before building a successful management consulting c

The crossroads: when everything changed In the luxury watch industry, where heritage spans centuries and tradition governs nearly every decision, a single strategic choice can elevate a brand to global dominance or condemn it to irrelevance. These aren't subtle course corrections or incremental improvements. They're watershed moments when visionary leaders bet the company's future on radical departures from conventional wisdom—investments in celebrity partnerships, controvers

The parallels between wheels and gears Watch collectors and automotive enthusiasts share more than disposable income and garage space—they share a fundamental appreciation for mechanical excellence, heritage, design philosophy, and the emotional resonance of objects engineered to perfection. Both industries feature established titans, innovative disruptors, artisanal craftspeople, and brands that prioritize either conservative elegance or bold statements. This comparison isn'

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 561 by Marc Newson By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne The forgotten art of haute horlogerie clockmaking In the world of luxury watches, where auction records regularly shatter expectations and waiting lists stretch for years, there exists a parallel universe of horological achievement that remains largely unknown to collectors: the rarefied realm of clocks created by the world's most prestigious watch manufactures. These aren't me

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Rolex nicknames are collector shorthand — colorful, evocative labels that point to a watch’s bezel, dial, bracelet, or a famous wearer. Here’s a clear, readable guide to the most-known nicknames you’ll hear in the market, why they matter, and what visual details give each name meaning. Color-based nicknames (the easiest to spot) Rolex Wimbledon Datejust Wimbledon, Datejust Named for Rolex's long-standing sponsorship of

Rolex Daytona In the world of haute horlogerie, certain timepieces transcend their functional purpose to become cultural touchstones, investment vehicles, and symbols of refined taste. These watches represent the pinnacle of design innovation, manufacturing excellence, and enduring appeal. Understanding the distinction between established evergreen icons, emerging modern classics, and potential future legends provides essential perspective for collectors, enthusiasts, and tho

Patek Philippe 5712R-001 By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne When discussing the pinnacle of luxury sports watchmaking, two names inevitably dominate the conversation: the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut. These extraordinary timepieces represent not merely instruments for telling time, but symbols of refined taste, horological excellence, and timeless design philosophy. Understanding their histories, distinctions, and enduring appeal provides invalu

Omega Speedmaster First in Space By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne In the pantheon of legendary timepieces, few watches command the respect and admiration of the Omega Speedmaster and Seamaster. These two collections represent the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking excellence, each with a distinct heritage that has shaped horological history. While one conquered the cosmos and the other mastered the depths, both have transcended their original purposes to b

Cartier boutique By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne When discussing iconic timepieces that have shaped the landscape of luxury watchmaking, two names invariably rise to prominence: the Cartier Tank and the Cartier Santos. Both creations emerged from the visionary mind of Louis Cartier, grandson of the maison's founder, yet each tells a distinctly different story. These watches represent more than mere timekeeping instruments, they embody over a century