Buying a watch from Switzerland online: what international buyers should know

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 learned from real transactions: VAT, customs, shipping, returns, and how to choose a seller you can trust.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 15706AU

1. The listed price probably includes Swiss VAT — and you likely don't owe it

Swiss dealers list prices inclusive of Switzerland's 8.1% VAT for domestic buyers. If you are purchasing from outside Switzerland and the watch is exported, that 8.1% does not apply to you.

In practice, this means a watch listed at CHF 10,000 on a Swiss website should be invoiced to you at roughly CHF 9,251 — the VAT-exclusive export price. A reputable dealer will reflect this clearly on your invoice before you pay anything.

At Waltana, we deduct VAT automatically for all international orders and issue a VAT-free commercial invoice marked for export. If you're comparing prices across dealers, always ask whether the price shown is VAT-inclusive or exclusive — the difference matters.

2. You will owe import duties in your home country — plan for them

The VAT saving on the Swiss side is real, but it doesn't mean you avoid taxes entirely. Most countries apply their own import duties, VAT, or GST when a watch arrives. The rate depends on your country and the declared value of the watch.

Some approximate figures to give you a sense of scale:

• United States: watches typically attract a 6.5–7% import duty, applicable tariffs, plus any applicable state sales tax depending on how the shipment is handled

• United Kingdom: 5% import duty plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive value

• Germany / EU: 4.5% import duty plus local VAT (19% in Germany)

• Australia: 5% import duty plus 10% GST

These are approximate — customs authorities make the final determination, and rates can shift. We always recommend checking with a customs broker or your local authority before purchasing, particularly for high-value watches. What we can do at Waltana is provide a full landed cost estimate before you commit, so there are no surprises.

3. How shipping and insurance actually work

Professional Swiss dealers ship via fully insured, tracked services — typically FedEx Priority or UPS Express for high-value items. The package travels with a commercial invoice declaring the full sale value, which is both a legal requirement and the only way to ensure your watch is properly insured in transit.

One thing worth knowing: some sellers — particularly private sellers or smaller dealers — under-declare the value of watches to help buyers reduce customs duties. We do not do this, and we'd strongly advise avoiding any seller who offers to. If a watch declared at CHF 2,000 is damaged or lost in transit, your insurance claim will be settled at CHF 2,000. For a watch that actually cost CHF 18,000, that is a significant and entirely avoidable loss.

At Waltana, every shipment is declared and insured at its full sale value. We also provide buyers with all customs documentation in advance so that clearance is straightforward on arrival.

4. Returns: what to expect from a serious dealer

International returns are more complex than domestic ones, and it's important to read a dealer's policy carefully before buying. Things to check:

• What is the return window? (14 days is standard for Swiss dealers under Swiss consumer law)

• Who pays for return shipping and insurance?

• What happens if the watch is held by customs on the return journey?

• Is the VAT refunded, and how quickly?

At Waltana, we accept returns within 14 calendar days of delivery, provided the watch is returned in the same condition with all original documentation and packaging. The buyer covers return shipping and any associated export/import costs. We process refunds promptly once the watch has been received and inspected.

If you have any doubt about a watch before purchasing, we'd rather you ask more questions upfront than find yourself managing a cross-border return.

5. How to choose a dealer you can trust

This is where buyers often underestimate the risk. The secondary watch market is largely unregulated, and there are listings across platforms that are misrepresented, over-polished, or — in rare cases — outright fraudulent.

When evaluating a Swiss dealer, look for:

• A registered business address — not just an Instagram account or personal listing

• Chrono24 Trusted Seller status — requires verification of business legitimacy and consistent customer feedback

• Real photographs of the actual watch — not stock images or brand photos

• Transparent terms on VAT, shipping, customs, and returns stated clearly before purchase

• Responsive, knowledgeable communication — a serious dealer answers specific questions about a watch's history, service record, and condition

Waltana Sàrl is a registered Swiss company based in Lausanne, and a verified Chrono24 Trusted Seller. Every watch we list is photographed individually, described accurately, and authenticated before it goes on sale. We are happy to provide additional images, condition reports, or video calls for buyers considering a purchase.

A note on timing

International shipping from Switzerland typically takes 2–5 business days via express courier. Customs clearance adds variable time depending on your country — in our experience, US shipments clear within 1–2 business days when documentation is complete. UK and EU shipments can take slightly longer due to post-Brexit procedures.

We recommend factoring 7–10 business days total for delivery when planning a purchase, particularly if the watch is a gift or tied to a specific date.

Ready to enquire?

If you've found a watch on our site and want to understand the full cost to your door before committing, contact us at contact@waltana.ch. We'll confirm the VAT-exclusive price, provide a customs duty estimate for your country, and walk you through exactly what to expect from the purchase.

No pressure, no sales scripts — just honest answers from people who ship watches internationally every week.

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