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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 to normalcy. According to Swiss Economics Minister Guy Pa

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 applies an 8.1% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods, including luxury watches. Prices listed on Swiss websites, including Waltana.ch , typically include VAT f

Are you looking to sell your luxury watch without the stress of managing the process yourself? We’re here to make it simple, secure, and transparent from start to finish. At Waltana, we offer a consignment service that allows you to leave your watch with us while we handle everything — from valuation to sale. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible price while ensuring a smooth and reliable experience. Jaeger-LeCoultre watches Which brands do we accept? We handle mo

Rolex 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 watch sourcin

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak The Swiss watch industry as we know it today exists because of a handful of extraordinary individuals who refused to let centuries of horological tradition disappear during the quartz crisis of the 1970s. These men didn't simply preserve an industry—they reimagined it, creating the modern luxury watch market through innovation, marketing brilliance, and unwavering dedication to mechanical excellence. The savior: Nicolas G. Hayek and the Swatch revolu

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 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 merely oversized timepieces. They represent centuries of inn

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 Worn by Roger Federer, the roman numeral hour makers are outlined in dark green, as a hint to the Champ

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 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 invaluable insight into what makes these watches among the most

Omega Speedmaster First in Space 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 become cultural icons worn by astronauts, secret agents, an

Cartier boutique 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 of design philosophy, cultural significance, and horologica

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rose Gold Few watches in horological history have transcended their functional origins to become canvases for artistic expression. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, born in 1931 from the necessity of polo players in British India, has evolved from sports watch to Art Deco icon to a platform for collaboration between haute horlogerie and high fashion. Its reversible case—initially designed to protect watch glass from polo mallets—has become a blank canvas

The bracelet or strap can make or break a watch. While collectors obsess over movements, dials, and complications, the piece connecting watch to wrist often determines comfort, wearability, and overall aesthetic. From Rolex's iconic Oyster to military-born NATO straps, from Renaissance-era Milanese mesh to modern rubber, each bracelet type carries its own history, advantages, and character. This comprehensive guide explores every major bracelet and strap type, helping you und

Royal Oak Designed by Gerald Genta It's hard to imagine that arguably the most significant watches of the 20th century all flowed from the pen of one man, Gérald Genta. From the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that revolutionized luxury watchmaking to the Patek Philippe Nautilus that defined elegant sports watches, from the Universal Genève Polerouter to his own brand's Grande Sonnerie—one of the world's most complicated wristwatches—Genta's influence permeates modern horology. Chr

Panerai Luminor At first glance, the Panerai Radiomir and Luminor may appear similar—both featuring large cushion-shaped cases and minimalist dials. But these two collections represent fundamentally different chapters in Panerai's remarkable history, separated by technological innovation and wartime necessity. The Radiomir (1936) saved Italian frogmen with its revolutionary luminous material, while the Luminor (1950) introduced the iconic crown-protecting bridge that became s

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak At first glance, the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore may appear to be siblings—but they represent fundamentally different design philosophies, separated by 21 years of watchmaking evolution. The original Royal Oak (1972) saved Audemars Piguet from financial collapse and revolutionized luxury watchmaking. The Royal Oak Offshore (1993) was initially considered a blasphemous mutation of Genta's masterpiece before becoming one of the industry's most s

The intersection of luxury watchmaking and lifestyle brands has created some of the most compelling collaborations in modern horology. From Hublot's groundbreaking partnership with Ferrari to Breitling's long-standing alliance with Bentley, these partnerships transcend mere co-branding to create timepieces that embody the DNA of both industries. This comprehensive guide explores the most significant collaborations between watch brands and automotive, fashion, sports, and life

Mechanical watch movement Hermès Apple watch The convergence of luxury watchmaking and high fashion represents one of the most sophisticated expressions of luxury branding. From Hermès' collaboration with Apple Watch to Jaeger-LeCoultre's partnership with Italian leather goods master Valextra, these alliances create timepieces that transcend pure horology to become fashion statements, lifestyle accessories, and wearable art. This comprehensive guide explores the most signific