The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 8 January 2024, 06:40 AM   #1
Playinwittime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: SoCal
Watch: out! I'm coming.
Posts: 199
Swiss VAT & Customs Duties

I am planning a trip for Watches & Wonders 2024 to Geneva. This will be my fifth time in Switzerland (Baselworld 2017, 2018 and other trips) and third time in Geneva.

Does anyone have recent intel as to the "shakedown" state of bringing in a couple of your own watches into the country? Sometimes countries, have enforcement laws that they make known they are not enforcing, e.g. federal US laws for marijuana possesion. There were the scares with the Fratello journalist that paid 4000CHF in either fines, VAT or both for his personal watches and others in attending Baselworld 2019 and beyond, but I'm looking for any news about changes in enforcement or Swiss import laws. This is not a thread about tax evasion, it is simply asking whether, for example, all personal goods exceeding 300CHF are subject to VAT, such that, even if you bring a single Rolex or Patek and declare it, you will pay VAT or not. Even Swiss Customs' website has conflicting information in that regard. Of course, I would bring my receipt from purchase, but if I'm paying VAT anyway on anything valued over 300CHF, then it will be a Casio or nothing for me. I'd really like to enjoy taking a better piece or pieces. Serious thoughts?
Playinwittime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 07:02 AM   #2
drrd
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Real Name: rd
Location: uk
Posts: 1,534
I don’t think anyone can say anything for certain about what your experience will be moving across borders with valuables.

You may get no questions at all. You may be asked to prove you purchased it and your receipt is adequate proof. You may be asked to prove you had legitimate funds to have made the purchase ie proof you are not laundering money.

If you’re just wearing it for pleasure then I think leave it at home.

If you’re selling/trading then gather as much information as you can and take your chances.
drrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 08:40 AM   #3
Gva1985
"TRF" Member
 
Gva1985's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 305
Pretty sure nobody will bother you at the border in Geneva because of your watches, don’t worry and enjoy W&W imho
Gva1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 09:27 AM   #4
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 78,074
I just flew into Zurich and out of Geneva for the Christmas holidays, wearing my BLRO. No issues.

FWIW, I always carry a digital copy of my original receipt, warranty card and date stamped pictures of my watch, just in case I’m ever asked.
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 08:57 PM   #5
Rickkk
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: UK
Posts: 330
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
I just flew into Zurich and out of Geneva for the Christmas holidays, wearing my BLRO. No issues.

FWIW, I always carry a digital copy of my original receipt, warranty card and date stamped pictures of my watch, just in case I’m ever asked.
Sounds like a lot of effort to wear a watch especially if you have a big collection
Rickkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 09:52 PM   #6
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 78,074
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickkk View Post
Sounds like a lot of effort to wear a watch especially if you have a big collection

No effort at all, just snap a few pictures for each reference and keep them in your phone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 07:04 AM   #7
XtraCrispy
"TRF" Member
 
XtraCrispy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Real Name: Joe
Location: Chicago
Watch: me closely!
Posts: 234
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
I just flew into Zurich and out of Geneva for the Christmas holidays, wearing my BLRO. No issues.

FWIW, I always carry a digital copy of my original receipt, warranty card and date stamped pictures of my watch, just in case I’m ever asked.
I do the same. I have my watches and my wife's jewelry receipts all scanned into my computer and then I just download them into my Files on my iPhone - simple.

I've only been asked once to show proof of ownership while traveling.
__________________
Rolex Submariner TT 116613LB • Tudor 1926 41mm M91650-0005 • Tag Heuer Aquaracer WAY201B.FT6150 • Oris Artelier Date OR733-7670-4051LS • Luminox XS.3505.SC • Alpina AlpinerX AL-283LNO5NAQ6L • Steinhart GMT-OCEAN 1 BLUE RED.2 • Casio G Shock GW-5000-1JF
XtraCrispy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 07:07 AM   #8
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 78,074
Quote:
Originally Posted by XtraCrispy View Post
I do the same. I have my watches and my wife's jewelry receipts all scanned into my computer and then I just download them into my Files on my iPhone - simple.

I've only been asked once to show proof of ownership while traveling.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 07:44 AM   #9
drrd
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Real Name: rd
Location: uk
Posts: 1,534
Quote:
Originally Posted by XtraCrispy View Post
I do the same. I have my watches and my wife's jewelry receipts all scanned into my computer and then I just download them into my Files on my iPhone - simple.

I've only been asked once to show proof of ownership while traveling.
That wouldn’t necessarily have helped the Fratello journalist who had more than one watch and was attending W&W.

Neither would it help if a government body like the U.K.’s NCA used a border interaction as an excuse to issue an ‘unexplained wealth order’ (or equivalent, as I’m sure there will be in other countries).
drrd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:30 AM   #10
fooey
"TRF" Member
 
fooey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Real Name: marco
Location: UK
Watch: Quite a few now!
Posts: 1,320
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
I just flew into Zurich and out of Geneva for the Christmas holidays, wearing my BLRO. No issues.

FWIW, I always carry a digital copy of my original receipt, warranty card and date stamped pictures of my watch, just in case I’m ever asked.
Great idea that

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk
fooey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 09:40 PM   #11
Batmannr1
"TRF" Member
 
Batmannr1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Real Name: Martijn
Location: AmsRio
Watch: On the left wrist
Posts: 733
Flew in and out of Geneva in May past year, the misses and me wearing a nice watch. No issue at all. Thousands of people are visiting Switzerland every year accompanied by expensive timepieces. As long as the Swiss Customs do not perceive you as a watch trader, who wants to smuggle in watch rolls full of merchandise, you will be perfectly fine.
Batmannr1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2024, 09:58 PM   #12
londondude
"TRF" Member
 
londondude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Real Name: John
Location: London
Posts: 243
I’ve travelled my entire life across European borders and I’ve never had any problems. No one ever asked me anything. I got my first Rolex for my 18th birthday so unfortunately that’s many, many years ago!
londondude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 05:20 AM   #13
Fredrik
2024 Pledge Member
 
Fredrik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Sweden
Watch: 1680
Posts: 1,874
The correct way to do it is with a temporary export from your home country and a temporary import into Switzerland. Customs are usually very helpful.
Fredrik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 08:36 AM   #14
Seo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Depends
Posts: 334
I think a lot of respondents are replying here without knowing the documented history behind this.

When I visited Geneva last September I wasn't checked but please see the article linked below.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/bewa...-watches/#gref
Seo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 09:19 AM   #15
Gva1985
"TRF" Member
 
Gva1985's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 305
Quote:
Originally Posted by Seo View Post
I think a lot of respondents are replying here without knowing the documented history behind this.

When I visited Geneva last September I wasn't checked but please see the article linked below.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/bewa...-watches/#gref
Chances of being stopped at the airport are much lower than with the train, if you take trains and planes in and out of Switzerland it is easy to verify. Second, in the remote case you are stopped you should never lie to a customs officer like the journalist did. This is what pisses them out the most.
Gva1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 09:45 AM   #16
bostonjetset
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Massachusetts, US
Watch: Rolex OP36 Green
Posts: 55
Was the issue because he had multiple watches and then said he had nothing to declare? Does a person have to declare their one personal watch that’s on their wrist when entering Switzerland? That seems a bit crazy if so.
bostonjetset is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 03:09 PM   #17
7enderbender
"TRF" Member
 
7enderbender's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 976
I don’t see how you would owe anything as an American traveling to Switzerland wearing your personal watch. You’re not importing anything.
I’d be more concerned about coming back to the states. Last time I came back into ATL the officer probed me a bit and specifically asked I found any good deals on a Rolex oversees (after noticing my Sea Dweller I guess). I just laughed pointing out that there is no such thing as a “good deal” these days and we left it at that.
So whatever you buy, declare it on your way back.
Keep pictures and receipts of your current property.
7enderbender is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 05:29 PM   #18
INC
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
INC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Budapest, HU
Watch: 17000B, B+W
Posts: 2,367
https://www.hinterlandtravel.com/switzerland/customs

https://www.ch.ch/en/customs/bringin...tzerland/#cash
https://www.ch.ch/en/customs/shoppin...hrough-customs
INC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 05:29 PM   #19
INC
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
INC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Budapest, HU
Watch: 17000B, B+W
Posts: 2,367
[x] double...
INC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2024, 07:37 PM   #20
Henrimontgomery
"TRF" Member
 
Henrimontgomery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Switzerland
Watch: yourself
Posts: 1,302
Just don't come with a collection of watches. Bring only the one you'll wear.

If you plan on bringing many watches to rotate them, dont. It's not worth the risk.
Henrimontgomery is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10 January 2024, 12:48 AM   #21
DtownRRS
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
DtownRRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: SE PA USA
Watch: GMT/SUB/Daytona
Posts: 869
Quote:
Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery View Post
Just don't come with a collection of watches. Bring only the one you'll wear.

If you plan on bringing many watches to rotate them, dont. It's not worth the risk.
I think MB has is right!
DtownRRS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:01 AM   #22
Playinwittime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: SoCal
Watch: out! I'm coming.
Posts: 199
Thanks for all that responded.

This is exactly what I would be concerned about in the EU or, in this case, Switzerland.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/17/arnol...h-atm-tax-law/


I believe it best to bring my $25 Casio G-Shock and leave it at that. :(
Playinwittime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:12 AM   #23
Gva1985
"TRF" Member
 
Gva1985's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 305
Quote:
Originally Posted by Playinwittime View Post
Thanks for all that responded.

This is exactly what I would be concerned about in the EU or, in this case, Switzerland.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/17/arnol...h-atm-tax-law/


I believe it best to bring my $25 Casio G-Shock and leave it at that. :(
Well in this case he wanted to sell the watch at auction, different story imho
Gva1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:30 AM   #24
Playinwittime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: SoCal
Watch: out! I'm coming.
Posts: 199
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gva1985 View Post
Well in this case he wanted to sell the watch at auction, different story imho
My concern is that auctioning the watch was tenative and not certain nor did the auction already take place in which he had auctioned the watch. So, I find it difficult to believe that the decision turned on his admission that he might auction it off. I am a lawyer, but not a Swiss lawyer. Nonetheless, I find it really difficult to believe that it would turn on his speculation that he might auction it.
Playinwittime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2024, 03:17 AM   #25
Jerrocop
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jerrocop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Coast
Watch: EXP 39, GRNR, SeaQ
Posts: 961
Swiss VAT & Customs Duties

Quote:
Originally Posted by Playinwittime View Post
My concern is that auctioning the watch was tenative and not certain nor did the auction already take place in which he had auctioned the watch. So, I find it difficult to believe that the decision turned on his admission that he might auction it off. I am a lawyer, but not a Swiss lawyer. Nonetheless, I find it really difficult to believe that it would turn on his speculation that he might auction it.

Not sure I agree with you here. If he admitted that he was thinking of listing the watch in an auction then it seems reasonable that the Swiss agency would interpret that as intent to sell it, therefore taxes or duties would apply. If he didn’t intend on selling it he wouldn’t have brought it up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jerrocop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:20 AM   #26
Jerrocop
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jerrocop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Coast
Watch: EXP 39, GRNR, SeaQ
Posts: 961
Swiss VAT & Customs Duties

Quote:
Originally Posted by Playinwittime View Post
Thanks for all that responded.

This is exactly what I would be concerned about in the EU or, in this case, Switzerland.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/17/arnol...h-atm-tax-law/


I believe it best to bring my $25 Casio G-Shock and leave it at that. :(

This isn’t the same. He’s selling a watch, You’re bringing a personal item into Switzerland. No need to panic or be fearful. There won’t be any fines or import duties.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jerrocop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 07:17 AM   #27
yankeeromeo
2024 Pledge Member
 
yankeeromeo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: London
Posts: 634
Post the box wear the watch ?


Obviously pay the duty is the right answer
yankeeromeo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2024, 02:50 AM   #28
SDGT3
"TRF" Member
 
SDGT3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Real Name: Phillip
Location: Right here
Watch: SD43 Daytona Blusy
Posts: 2,122
Remember the good 'ol days when the threads were "is it safe to travel to "insert city or country here" with my Rolex? Now it's, will customs and duty officials impose an import tax and criminal tax charges if I bring a watch into their country...
SDGT3 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2024, 05:09 AM   #29
Spoonage
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: California
Posts: 3,133
I don't think they can charge you tax or duties if it's something you already own and can prove that.
Spoonage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2024, 08:21 AM   #30
barters
"TRF" Member
 
barters's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Real Name: Pete
Location: Geneva,CH
Posts: 296
I live in Geneva. Nobody at customs will stop you to pay tax on your personal watch, or your iPad, or your phone.
Nobody will shake you down. This isn't a failed state you are travelling to.....

Now if you come with a number of watches along with their original boxes & certs that would look suspicious as there would be grounds to think that you intended to sell them.
barters is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.