Horological Meandering

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 claimed that it is policy, for IWC at least, that their watches are always less expensive in Switzerland than elsewhere.

Can this be true?  Next vacation in Switzerland everyone?
Don


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Watches I made/am making click here

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 check it ocassionally when travelling

bestnik

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.

is considerably less expensive than USA and Europe + Tax free facilities (I've seen list prces here and there..).

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.