Buying a Rolex in Switzerland: What to know

For watch enthusiasts, few experiences compare to buying a Rolex in Switzerland, its home country. There's something special about acquiring this luxury timepiece on Swiss soil, and you're likely wondering what to expect from the process.

While it's definitely possible to buy a new Rolex watch in Switzerland, there are a few hurdles, especially for Americans.

Namely, you'll likely face a lengthy waitlist, and as of November 2025, there's a 15% tariff on bringing goods from Switzerland back to the US, including watches.¹

Here's everything you need to know about buying a Rolex in Switzerland, what to expect, how much you'll pay, and how to bring your luxury watch back home.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents
Can you buy a Rolex in Switzerland? Is it easier to buy a Rolex in Switzerland? Is the Rolex guarantee international?⁴ Are Rolexes cheaper in Switzerland? Where to buy a Rolex in Switzerland How to buy a Rolex in Switzerland Buying a Rolex in Switzerland? Save on the exchange rate with Wise Bringing your Rolex to the US: Tariffs and taxes

Can you buy a Rolex in Switzerland?

Yes, you can buy a Rolex in Switzerland, but don't expect to simply stroll into a boutique and walk out with your dream watch that afternoon.

Most popular Rolex models have pretty long waitlists, and depending on which watch you're after, you might be looking at a wait of months or even years.

Here's a snapshot of typical wait times for some of the most sought-after collections:

Rolex collection	Estimated wait time²
Submariner	4 months to 3 years
Cosmograph Daytona	2 to 5 years
Datejust	3 months to 2 years
GMT Master II	6 months to 4 years

These aren't official Rolex waitlists that apply to all stores.

Each boutique and authorized dealer maintains its own internal interest list, so it's not like you're guaranteed to get your Rolex after a certain amount of time. It might take longer, or, with a bit of luck, the model you want could become available earlier than expected.

It's a good idea to visit a few different authorized dealers to check their stock and get your name on multiple lists. It doesn't tie you to anything. If a shipment arrives and you change your mind, you can just decide not to buy it.

Is it easier to buy a Rolex in Switzerland?

Not really. All authorized dealers typically have waitlists, and getting a new Rolex anywhere is difficult because demand far outpaces supply for the most popular models.

However, Switzerland holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts because it's where Rolex was founded.

For many people, the experience of buying a Rolex in Switzerland isn't just about the watch, but about visiting a boutique and going through the steps of the process.

New Rolex watches are only sold through the official Rolex retailers.³ There's no other legitimate channel for buying a brand-new piece.

But if you're looking for ease and speed, you may want to take a look at the secondhand market. If you don't mind buying a secondhand Rolex, there will be immediate availability, often with a wider selection of models.

Is the Rolex guarantee international?⁴

Yes, every new Rolex comes with a 5-year international guarantee that's valid worldwide.

Before a Rolex leaves the factory, it goes through extensive testing to make sure that it meets the brand's high standards.

When you buy your watch from an official Rolex retailer, they'll complete your guarantee card, date it, and register it with Rolex. This card is your proof of warranty.

For your guarantee to remain valid, these 3 things must be true:
Your watch was sold by an official Rolex retailer The guarantee card was fully completed at purchase You can present both the watch and the card together when seeking service at an official Rolex retailer or service center

The warranty doesn't cover everything. Normal wear and tear, such as on non-metal bracelets and straps, isn't included. Neither is loss, theft, or damage from misuse.

Also, if you modify your watch by adding non-Rolex components or accessories, you'll void the guarantee.

Are Rolexes cheaper in Switzerland?

Rolex prices in Switzerland might start slightly lower than in other countries, but the difference isn't dramatic.

As an American buyer, you can claim a 7.7% VAT (Value-Added Tax) refund on your purchase, which helps.⁵

However, you'll likely face import duties when you bring your new watch back to the US, and as of November 2025, there's a 15% tariff on imports from Switzerland, including watches.¹

On average, Rolex watches cost around 13,000 USD, but there's a huge range of prices. They can go as low as 2,000 USD and as high as 482,000 USD, so it all depends on your budget and the model you're interested in.⁶

Here's a look at pricing across different Rolex collections:

Rolex collection⁶	Average price	Price range
Datejust	10,000 USD	3,000 USD to 52,000 USD
Submariner	14,000 USD	9,000 USD to 158,000 USD
GMT-Master II	18,000 USD	11,000 USD to 98,000 USD
Cosmograph Daytona	32,000 USD	6,000 USD to 482,000 USD
Oyster Perpetual	7,000 USD	2,000 USD to 14,000 USD
Day-Date	35,000 USD	9,000 USD to 112,000 USD
Yacht-Master	16,000 USD	5,000 USD to 35,000 USD
Sea-Dweller	13,000 USD	9,000 USD to 58,000 USD
Sky-Dweller	24,000 USD	17,000 USD to 60,000 USD
Explorer	8,000 USD	5,000 USD to 14,000 USD

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Keep in mind that these aren't official prices for Rolexes in Switzerland, and within each collection, prices change based on materials (ex: steel, gold, or platinum), complications, and whether the watch features diamonds or other precious stones.

Of course, you must also factor in the cost of traveling to Switzerland, such as your flights and accommodations.

So, you'll likely not save much money or you may even spend more compared to buying locally in the US, but you do get the experience of buying a Rolex in Switzerland, which is priceless for some people.

Where to buy a Rolex in Switzerland

To buy a new Rolex, you should visit an official Rolex retailer. These are authorized dealers that sell genuine watches, and you'll find them in cities like Zurich and Geneva.

For example, Bucherer is one of the most well-known authorized retailers in Switzerland, with multiple locations throughout the country.

It can be a good idea to visit multiple dealers to compare stock and get your name on multiple waitlists if you’re determined to buy your watch as soon as possible.

How to buy a Rolex in Switzerland

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1. Find an authorized dealer

Use the store locator on Rolex's official website to find official Rolex retailers near where you'll be staying in Switzerland.

2. Visit in person

Stop by in person to browse the current inventory and discuss which model you're interested in. You'll likely need to get on a waitlist, but bring your passport with you just in case you're in luck and there's a Rolex at the store that you can buy right away.

3. Ask about availability

If your desired watch isn't in stock, ask to be added to their interest list. For most people, it'll take months or even years to get their hands on their dream watch.

4. Make the purchase

If you're lucky enough to find your watch available, complete the purchase. The retailer will fill out your international Rolex warranty and provide you with VAT refund documentation.

5. Claim your VAT refund

At the airport, when you leave Switzerland, show your watch, receipt, and refund forms at the customs desk before checking in. They'll validate your documents, and you can collect your 7.7% VAT refund.⁵

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Bringing your Rolex to the US: Tariffs and taxes

Once you arrive back in the US, you're required by law to declare your Rolex at customs. Normally, you'd pay a standard duty rate on your import depending on the materials of your watch and its value.

However, the US government imposed a 15% tariff on imports from Switzerland in November 2025. This tariff applies to everyone, including regular travelers and US citizens who bought a Rolex while abroad.¹

With such a rate, your Swiss Rolex purchase can become much more expensive than you planned.

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Buying a Rolex in Switzerland is a unique experience, but it means dealing with some costly extras.

In addition to the tariff, currency exchange rate markups from credit cards and bank transfers can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your final cost.¹

Banks and credit card companies typically add a margin on top of the mid-market exchange rate, sometimes 3% to 5% or more. This turns into a hefty amount on a luxury purchase like a Rolex.

But there's another way to pay for your new watch: Wise.

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Have a look at the main benefits for using Wise to send large transfers:

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Sources

1. BBC - US agrees deal to slash Swiss tariffs to 15% after golden charm offensive
2. Grey Market by Luxury Bazaar - The Rolex Waiting List Explained
3. Rolex - Buying a Rolex
4. Rolex - Rolex Guarantee
5. G&G Timepieces - Are Rolex Cheaper in Switzerland?
6. WatchCharts - Rolex

Sources checked 10/30/2025