They do offer a bottle of water while you wait for service though![]()
I’d consider it if they offered me a bottle of single malt……..but water? Filthy stuff…..fish shit in it!
I have been lurking around our new boutique in Tampa since it opened and have purchased small items including a few straps so far.
I can't speak for the one in Tampa, but I buy my spendy watches in the EU as it's a great experience and packs a bunch of memories into the watch and adds to the trip experience.
So, if a trip's an option, I can highly recommend Soban at the OB in Zurich.
Get a picture with the Gold spaceman and the other Speedy memorabilia!
… Regarding the grey market discount, you may end up with a free full service voucher and a free strap from the boutique which can be worth 10% or more of the purchase price.
Switzerland is in the EU?
For someone in the US, unless there is a big savings buying abroad, it seems like there could be extra complications dealing with VAT refunds and/or import duties.
The Swiss VAT is 8.1% and there is a very well developed mechanism for refunding it when goods are exported, super easy. There isn't too much of an advantage in buying in Switzerland these days because of exchange rates, net prices are similar, at least for US folks. Now, back in the 80's when I was through Switzerland at least 18 times selection was superior to the US and prices were absolute bargains. The exchange rate peaked at CHF 1 = US $0.40, prices were about 50% of US prices in that era. Today the rate is CHF 1 = $US 1.10, no more bargains and you'll find the same selection in the US as in Switzerland. There can be an emotional angle to buying Switzerland as a nice memory of a holiday, just no financial reason.
I would say it depends. If you celebrate an event with a new Omega watch, then the process from walking into the boutique, spending time there, trying on several watches while sipping coffee or champagne and being treated nicely before deciding to purchase a fine watch can certainly be a pleasant experience to remember and mark that event. Regarding the grey market discount, you may end up with a free full service voucher and a free strap from the boutique which can be worth 10% or more of the purchase price.
I always feel as though I have more in common with the armed security at the entrance than the sales associate but I thought that was a ME problem. My wife works with wealthy people and says it’s an experience thing that’s worth doing at least once in a lifetime.
Edit -I own 9 Omega watches all of which are pre owned and this will be my first new watch purchase
I always feel as though I have more in common with the armed security at the entrance than the sales associate but I thought that was a ME problem. My wife works with wealthy people and says it’s an experience thing that’s worth doing at least once in a lifetime.
Edit -I own 9 Omega watches all of which are pre owned and this will be my first new watch purchase