Watch buying guide

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Buying a watch from abroad means trusting a courier with something that's often worth more than the cost of shipping it insured. For international buyers, the real question isn't "will it arrive" — it's "who's responsible if it doesn't, and what happens with customs along the way." Here's exactly how we handle it. Who ships the watch, and how Every watch we sell is physically in our stock in Switzerland before it's lis

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

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

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

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duo Q398847J 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 design

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne 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 exp

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Beginner's guide: Part 1: Understanding the basics | Part 2: Choosing your first watch | Part 3: Building your collection Buying a luxury watch for the first time can feel a little intimidating. The vocabulary seems complex: automatic, mechanical, quartz, chronograph and the variety of brands can make it hard to know where to start. But once you understand the basics, you’ll see that every luxury watch is about two thi

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne The distinction between men's and women's watches has become increasingly blurred in modern horology. Many women now prefer what are traditionally marketed as men's models, drawn to their technical specifications, larger dials, and often more interesting complications. This guide explores which men's luxury watches work well for women, with specific attention to sizing, proportions, and wearability. Understanding size

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne · Updated May 2026 A Watch industry at a crossroads The early 1970s were a turbulent time for Swiss watchmaking. The industry was on the eve of the quartz crisis — a technological disruption that would soon shake the very foundations of traditional horology. At the same time, a cultural revolution was underway, blurring the lines between formality and casual living, between sportswear and eleg

Luxury watches and cars share more than mechanical precision — they’re both symbols of performance, craftsmanship, and style. Over the years, the partnership between watchmakers and automakers has produced some of the most exciting collaborations in both industries. From dashboard instruments to limited-edition chronographs, these watches celebrate a shared passion for engineering excellence and design. Like any partnership, they evolve in time and here we decided to capture

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Watch Caliber wheels In 2025, the luxury watch market continues to be a playground for collectors and investors alike. While not every watch will gain value, some models stand out for their market stability, brand equity, and historical relevance. At Waltana, we specialize in sourcing and selling investment-grade watches. Here’s our professional view on the top 5 timepieces worth considering this year. 1. Rolex Daytona

The Omega Speedmaster Snoopy "Eyes on the stars". By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne Among the most personal distinctions in watchmaking, the Silver Snoopy Award stands apart. It is not a prize given by a certification body or an industry panel. It is awarded directly by NASA astronauts to individuals and organisations whose contributions they believe made the difference between mission success and failure. A sterling silver lapel pin and certificate re

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana Sàrl, Lausanne · Updated May 2026 Every week, we receive enquiries from buyers in the US, UK, Singapore, or the Middle East asking some version of the same question: "Is it really worth buying a watch from Switzerland online?" After shipping hundreds of timepieces internationally, our answer is the same every time: yes, but only if you understand how the process actually works before you buy. This guide covers everything we've l

By Walty, Pre-owned Watch Specialist at Waltana, Lausanne As mainstream brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe face rising demand, many seasoned collectors are turning their attention to independent watchmakers, smaller, often artisanal brands producing exceptional timepieces in limited quantities. These independents not only offer horological innovation, but also strong long-term investment potential due to their rarity and cult following. Here are the top 5 independents worth