Mike Wood
347
Not in my experience...
altho' I think it depends on the brand. I have found new Rolex & Patek watches to be slightly more expensive than the UK; Omega about the same, and Panerai a little less costly, but I have always been able to negotiate a better deal at home in the UK, and not to have to worry about reclaiming Swiss tax and then run the risk of paying UK VAT... Bottom line, I have found buying at home less fraught than buying in Switzerland, and a fair bit cheaper.
Are watches less expensive in Switzerland?
I just saw a talk show on Swiss TV talking about the economic and industrial situation of Switzerland at the beginning of 2007. The CEOs of Nestle, Swiss (the airline), IWC, Swiss Tools and a well known cosultant where invited. At one point the CEO of IWC...
Swiss taxes
Swiss VAT is only 7.6% or so, very low compared to the rest of Europe which helps a lot. Compared to the UK a drop of 10% plus negotiation benefits. Ignoring tax and after currency exchange its about the same in UK, Switzerland, Germany and Austria....I c...
In Most Cases...
In most cases I have found watches to be less expensive in the USA than elsewhere. THe ability to negotiate is best where the competition is the greatest. The only exception I have found is some shops in St Thomas. Give me the ol'USA anyday.