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WV2019 · 6 April 2019, 08:59 PM

Buying my first Rolex is something I have been thinking about for a very long time. I was lucky to find a SubC at a Rolex boutique in Zermatt, CH during a vacation there and knew it was meant to be. The sales people there were very friendly and knowledgeable. It was obvious that they were proud of their watches. It even impressed my wife (who was very supportive of the purchase but unlikely to endorse a collection any time soon)

The display case on the left is where I found my watch waiting for me.

After a great trip and thoroughly enjoying my new sub it was time to head home via the Geneva airport. Before leaving we stopped for a quick detour at one of the Rolex factories where cases and bracelets are made. They do not offer tours but it was cool to know that my watch had been on the “inside”.

At the AD they charged me the price for the watch (MSRP) minus the 7% VAT tax. They gave paperwork to be stamped by customs at the airport and took a credit card hold in the event that it was not completed. This was nice because it avoided having to pay and sort out reimbursement later.

Once inside the airport here is how “the stamp” is obtained. Please keep in mind that this is only for watches purchased in Switzerland. France has a different process. This stamp can be worth quite a bit depending on your watch choose.

Once inside the airport make sure you have your paperwork from the AD. No need for the warranty card (or watch believe it or not).

1. Check in and go through security

2. Follow these signs upstairs:

3. You will arrive at this desk:

Do not wait in the line!
Go to the box to the left of the line:

The AD gave an envelope with his address on it and a receipt that customs will stamp. Simply place this document (stamp spot on the bottom of the form) inside the white envelope and drop it in the slot:

Do not stamp or seal the envelope. At the end of the day customs will take all the envelopes out, stamp them, seal them and send them out for you. The AD will receive the stamped document and your vat will not be charged. Remember that in Switzerland the VAT tax is collected only by the vendor, not a third party or government agency. When the AD does not charge you the VAT it avoids them having to reimburse you via check etc.

Please consider taking a trip to our beautiful timepiece’s birth place when adding to your collection some day. It was an incredible trip! If I ever convince my wife to let me get a second I will go back to Switzerland to get it.

Cheers

tsteph12 · 6 April 2019, 09:40 PM

Great post and congratulations on your Sub. I’d love to visit Switzerland again some day.

gleiden · 6 April 2019, 09:49 PM

Terrific info. Going CH in June!

WV2019 · 7 April 2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gleiden

Terrific info. Going CH in June!

Have a wonderful time! Such beautiful views, great food and good memories await you there.

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rockmastermike · 6 April 2019, 10:07 PM

Thank you for this I’ve wondered about the process and congratulations on your beautiful watch

Batmannr1 · 6 April 2019, 10:45 PM

Great info and congrats with the SubC.
Does this 7% VAT tax discount at the AD also applies for EU-citizens?

SpeakWithMichael · 6 April 2019, 11:01 PM

"Does this 7% VAT tax discount at the AD also applies for EU-citizens?"

Same question. Following.

BaselWorld · 6 April 2019, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

"Does this 7% VAT tax discount at the AD also applies for EU-citizens?"

Same question. Following.

Yes, as Switzerland is (thankfully) not a member of the EU.

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SpeakWithMichael · 7 April 2019, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaselWorld

Yes, as Switzerland is (thankfully) not a member of the EU.

Thank you.

Bladeshot · 6 April 2019, 10:52 PM

Congrats!

and thanks for sharing the info.

damoore · 6 April 2019, 10:57 PM

Now that’s a view from an AD. Congrats on the find and thanks for sharing!

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Lifeisarolliecoaster · 6 April 2019, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoore

Now that’s a view from an AD. Congrats on the find and thanks for sharing!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That view of the Matterhorn is astounding. Talk about linking products to the most recognisable mountain in Switzerland. Don’t think you could top getting your first Rolex from the country of origin. If only it was possible to buy direct from the factory! A few AD’s would disagree

1William · 6 April 2019, 11:01 PM

Congratulations. Thanks for the information.

jenedla · 6 April 2019, 11:11 PM

Great post. Thanks for sharing the journey!

Aymara59 · 6 April 2019, 11:17 PM

Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience! Enjoy the Sub C in good health!

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mstauqir · 6 April 2019, 11:17 PM

Beautiful watch and fantastic pictures! Sounds like you’ve had one hell of a trip!

I was just in Hungary, Spain, Sweden few days ago and couldn’t find any.. Hopefully soon!

jlovda · 6 April 2019, 11:44 PM

There are so many beautiful places to go in Switzerland. Spend one day walking down the Bahnhofstrasse looking in watch store windows and then go to the mountains and ride the Bernina or Glacier Express, Pilatus, etc. and forget watches for a week.

Wizardly · 7 April 2019, 12:42 AM

I was there years back but wasn't into watches then. Climbed to the top of Mt Pilatus and could hardly straighten my knees at the peak. Two things I remember about the people: I was amazed at how much they value artists and musicians (I was on tour at the time) and and th other thing is, I was amazed how fast they drove.

GoingPlaces · 7 April 2019, 12:48 AM

So at the end of the day, you pay MSRP and then get 7% back, correct? That's not a bad play at all. Does it shake out even with the dollar? Thanks for the post and congrats on the watch!

No SUBctitute · 7 April 2019, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

So at the end of the day, you pay MSRP and then get 7% back, correct? That's not a bad play at all. Does it shake out even with the dollar? Thanks for the post and congrats on the watch!

MSRP 8100 swiss francs is about 8100 USD.

8100 / 1.07 = 7570 to account for the 7% VAT

$7570 USD is not a bad price for a Sub!

For comparison purposes, here are Sub Date prices in USD after any VAT refund for several other countries. There are much more equal than several years ago.

Switzerland: $7570

Germany: $7314

Austria: $7301

Netherlands: $7286

Canada: $7280

Italy: $7273

Denmark: $7265

Ireland: $7259

UK: $7116

angerbot · 7 April 2019, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

MSRP 8100 swiss francs is about 8100 USD.

8100 / 1.07 = 7570 to account for the 7% VAT

$7570 USD is not a bad price for a Sub!

For comparison purposes, here are Sub Date prices in USD after any VAT refund for several other countries. There are much more equal than several years ago.

Switzerland: $7570

Germany: $7314

Austria: $7301

Netherlands: $7286

Canada: $7280

Italy: $7273

Denmark: $7265

Ireland: $7259

UK: $7116

Import duties would probably bring this back up to about even though, no?

No SUBctitute · 7 April 2019, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angerbot

Import duties would probably bring this back up to about even though, no?

No.

If you buy a $7300 Sub from Germany (after VAT refund), US import duty is as follows: the first $800 is free ($0), the next $1000 is 3% ($30), and the remaining is about 4% on the remaining amount of $5500 ($220).

So, US import duties would be $250, plus the $7300 watch equals $7550. That's a $1,000 savings over US MSRP of $8550.

WV2019 · 7 April 2019, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

So at the end of the day, you pay MSRP and then get 7% back, correct? That's not a bad play at all. Does it shake out even with the dollar? Thanks for the post and congrats on the watch!

The AD actually charged 7% below Swiss msrp. Currently the Swiss franc and USD are 1:1.

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wesdaniel · 7 April 2019, 01:04 AM

Great story and pictures! Watch shopping in Switzerland is high on my bucket list!

Boaters · 7 April 2019, 01:24 AM

Cool story and great info ... Thanks

Lou wants a Rolex · 7 April 2019, 01:57 AM

I have been to Switzerland 3 times. One of the best places on earth.

Beckster · 7 April 2019, 01:56 AM

Super detailed post. Thanks for sharing. Many congrats!

WoundUpInTheSouthUSA · 7 April 2019, 01:58 AM

great pictures, Switzerland is beautiful

No SUBctitute · 7 April 2019, 01:59 AM

Thanks for the great info!

Does anyone know if ADs in other countries will do thiis--take a separate charge for the VAT and then if you get receipt stamped and send it back to them, you won't be charge for the VAT. That would be superior to using a VAT service that takes a quarter to a third of your VAT refund!

carlhaluss · 7 April 2019, 02:56 AM

Great report and info. Nice for you to take along the history of your watch with you. Thanks for sharing all this with us.

Congratulations!

Cheers,
Carl

6 April 2019, 08:59 PM	#1
WV2019 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Boston, MA USA Posts: 147	Buying a Rolex in Switzerland and getting the VAT tax taken care of at the Geneva air Buying my first Rolex is something I have been thinking about for a very long time. I was lucky to find a SubC at a Rolex boutique in Zermatt, CH during a vacation there and knew it was meant to be. The sales people there were very friendly and knowledgeable. It was obvious that they were proud of their watches. It even impressed my wife (who was very supportive of the purchase but unlikely to endorse a collection any time soon) The display case on the left is where I found my watch waiting for me. After a great trip and thoroughly enjoying my new sub it was time to head home via the Geneva airport. Before leaving we stopped for a quick detour at one of the Rolex factories where cases and bracelets are made. They do not offer tours but it was cool to know that my watch had been on the “inside”. At the AD they charged me the price for the watch (MSRP) minus the 7% VAT tax. They gave paperwork to be stamped by customs at the airport and took a credit card hold in the event that it was not completed. This was nice because it avoided having to pay and sort out reimbursement later. Once inside the airport here is how “the stamp” is obtained. Please keep in mind that this is only for watches purchased in Switzerland. France has a different process. This stamp can be worth quite a bit depending on your watch choose. Once inside the airport make sure you have your paperwork from the AD. No need for the warranty card (or watch believe it or not). 1. Check in and go through security 2. Follow these signs upstairs: 3. You will arrive at this desk: Do not wait in the line! Go to the box to the left of the line: The AD gave an envelope with his address on it and a receipt that customs will stamp. Simply place this document (stamp spot on the bottom of the form) inside the white envelope and drop it in the slot: Do not stamp or seal the envelope. At the end of the day customs will take all the envelopes out, stamp them, seal them and send them out for you. The AD will receive the stamped document and your vat will not be charged. Remember that in Switzerland the VAT tax is collected only by the vendor, not a third party or government agency. When the AD does not charge you the VAT it avoids them having to reimburse you via check etc. Please consider taking a trip to our beautiful timepiece’s birth place when adding to your collection some day. It was an incredible trip! If I ever convince my wife to let me get a second I will go back to Switzerland to get it. Cheers

6 April 2019, 10:52 PM	#10
Bladeshot 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Real Name: Grant Location: U.S. Watch: GMT 1675 PCG Gilt Posts: 5,850	Congrats! and thanks for sharing the info. __________________ Just another WIS who loves to trade...

7 April 2019, 12:42 AM	#18
Wizardly "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Real Name: Ernie Location: Los Angeles Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 271	I was there years back but wasn't into watches then. Climbed to the top of Mt Pilatus and could hardly straighten my knees at the peak. Two things I remember about the people: I was amazed at how much they value artists and musicians (I was on tour at the time) and and th other thing is, I was amazed how fast they drove. __________________

7 April 2019, 01:56 AM	#27
Beckster "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Singapore Watch: 16710 BLRO Posts: 836	Super detailed post. Thanks for sharing. Many congrats! __________________ Rolex Only Please

7 April 2019, 02:56 AM	#30
carlhaluss "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Carl Location: Vancouver, Canada Watch: Rolex Explorer 1 Posts: 1,780	Great report and info. Nice for you to take along the history of your watch with you. Thanks for sharing all this with us. Congratulations! Cheers, Carl __________________ Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied.

6 April 2019, 09:40 PM	#2
tsteph12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: California Posts: 144	Great post and congratulations on your Sub. I’d love to visit Switzerland again some day.

6 April 2019, 09:49 PM	#3
gleiden "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Taipei Posts: 146	Terrific info. Going CH in June!

6 April 2019, 10:07 PM	#5
rockmastermike 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: GA Watch: 16610LV Posts: 4,431	Thank you for this I’ve wondered about the process and congratulations on your beautiful watch

6 April 2019, 10:45 PM	#6
Batmannr1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Real Name: Martijn Location: AmsRio Watch: On the left wrist Posts: 733	Great info and congrats with the SubC. Does this 7% VAT tax discount at the AD also applies for EU-citizens?

6 April 2019, 11:01 PM	#7
SpeakWithMichael "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Jacksonville, FL Watch: Superocean 44not42 Posts: 1,757	"Does this 7% VAT tax discount at the AD also applies for EU-citizens?" Same question. Following.

6 April 2019, 10:57 PM	#11
damoore "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Central US Watch: 14060,SD, Pelagos Posts: 374	Now that’s a view from an AD. Congrats on the find and thanks for sharing! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6 April 2019, 11:01 PM	#13
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,776	Congratulations. Thanks for the information.

6 April 2019, 11:11 PM	#14
jenedla "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: USA Watch: can't choose Posts: 330	Great post. Thanks for sharing the journey!

6 April 2019, 11:17 PM	#15
Aymara59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: USA Posts: 110	Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience! Enjoy the Sub C in good health! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6 April 2019, 11:17 PM	#16
mstauqir "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 233	Beautiful watch and fantastic pictures! Sounds like you’ve had one hell of a trip! I was just in Hungary, Spain, Sweden few days ago and couldn’t find any.. Hopefully soon!

6 April 2019, 11:44 PM	#17
jlovda "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: John Location: Midwest Watch: 5513,1675,216570 Posts: 1,505	There are so many beautiful places to go in Switzerland. Spend one day walking down the Bahnhofstrasse looking in watch store windows and then go to the mountains and ride the Bernina or Glacier Express, Pilatus, etc. and forget watches for a week.

7 April 2019, 12:48 AM	#19
GoingPlaces "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 5,356	So at the end of the day, you pay MSRP and then get 7% back, correct? That's not a bad play at all. Does it shake out even with the dollar? Thanks for the post and congrats on the watch!

7 April 2019, 01:04 AM	#24
wesdaniel 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Wes Location: California Watch: Varies Posts: 1,347	Great story and pictures! Watch shopping in Switzerland is high on my bucket list!

7 April 2019, 01:24 AM	#25
Boaters 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: Pacific Northwest Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD Posts: 10,653	Cool story and great info ... Thanks

7 April 2019, 01:57 AM	#26
Lou wants a Rolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Datejust 36 Posts: 60	I have been to Switzerland 3 times. One of the best places on earth.

7 April 2019, 01:58 AM	#28
WoundUpInTheSouthUSA "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: arkansas Watch: Sub-C date Posts: 22	great pictures, Switzerland is beautiful

7 April 2019, 01:59 AM	#29
No SUBctitute "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: USA Posts: 2,809	Thanks for the great info! Does anyone know if ADs in other countries will do thiis--take a separate charge for the VAT and then if you get receipt stamped and send it back to them, you won't be charge for the VAT. That would be superior to using a VAT service that takes a quarter to a third of your VAT refund!

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