Buying a watch from Switzerland is straightforward once you understand the import process. Switzerland is not part of the European Union or the EU customs territory, so a watch shipped to Germany or another EU country must pass through customs.
For buyers in Germany, this normally means paying German import VAT and, depending on the watch, its origin and customs classification, possibly customs duty. The shipping company may also charge a separate customs-clearance or handling fee.
The important point is to calculate the full landed cost before ordering, not only the price shown on the product page.
No. Switzerland is located in Europe, but it is not a member of the European Union and is outside the EU customs territory.
A watch shipped from Switzerland to Germany is therefore treated as an import from a non-EU country.
The shipment generally goes through these steps:
This does not make buying from Switzerland difficult. It simply means that the import charges and customs process must be considered in advance.
The final cost can include several separate items:
These amounts are not all charged by ChronoScope.
Import VAT and customs duty are government charges. A clearance fee may be charged separately by the postal service or courier for processing the customs declaration.
In most cases, yes.
When goods enter the European Union from a non-EU country, import VAT is normally due in the country where the goods are imported. For a watch delivered to Germany, the standard German import VAT rate is generally 19 percent at the time of publication.
Import VAT is not normally calculated only on the watch price.
The taxable amount can also include:
The exact calculation is made during customs clearance. German customs explains that the customs value is generally the basis for import VAT, with additional costs included in some cases.
Imagine a watch is invoiced at CHF 5,000 and shipping costs CHF 100.
German customs converts the declared value into euros using its applicable exchange rate. Import VAT is then calculated using the customs value and the other relevant costs.
Any possible customs duty and carrier handling fee would be added separately.
This example is only intended to explain the structure. The final calculation depends on the official exchange rate, invoice, transport costs, tariff classification and customs decision.
This depends on how the sale and export are processed.
Before ordering, check whether the displayed price includes Swiss VAT and how the invoice will be issued for a direct export to Germany or another country.
Do not assume that every Swiss online price automatically becomes tax-free for an international buyer. The seller must meet the relevant export and documentation requirements.
ChronoScope should clearly confirm the invoiced price before payment, including whether Swiss VAT is included or removed.
German import VAT is separate from Swiss VAT. It is charged when the watch enters Germany.
Customs duty may apply, but it cannot be determined from the selling country or brand name alone.
The amount depends on factors such as:
The EU applies its Common Customs Tariff to goods imported from non-EU countries. The applicable treatment depends on the product classification and origin.
A watch sold by a Swiss dealer is not automatically considered to have Swiss preferential origin for customs purposes.
The brand may be Swiss, but customs origin is a legal classification connected with where and how the product was manufactured. Proof of origin may be required before any preferential treatment can be applied.
Because vintage watches can have different movements, cases and production histories, it is safer not to assume a fixed customs rate before the shipment is reviewed.
For an exact estimate, German buyers can use the official German customs calculator or contact customs with the watch description, price and available origin documents.
The postal service or courier normally manages the customs-clearance process.
Depending on the carrier, the buyer may receive:
The carrier may pay the import charges to customs on the buyer’s behalf and then recover the amount from the buyer.
A separate handling, advancement or customs-clearance fee may be charged for this service. This is not a tax and may differ between carriers.
Before ordering, check:
The customs declaration should show the actual transaction value.
The shipment normally needs a clear commercial invoice containing:
Customs may ask the buyer to provide additional evidence, such as:
Declaring an artificially low value is not a sensible way to reduce import costs.
It can cause delays, penalties, additional assessments and problems with insurance. If the parcel is lost or damaged, the insurance payment may also be limited by the declared value.
A valuable watch should be declared honestly and insured for the appropriate amount.
Before purchasing, confirm the shipping method and insurance conditions for the specific watch and destination.
A valuable watch should be shipped using a service that provides:
Not every standard parcel service covers watches, jewellery or high-value items in the same way.
A general statement such as “insured shipping” is not enough by itself. Buyers should understand:
Use the ChronoScope shipping information or contact us before ordering when these details are not already shown on the product page.
Transport time and customs-clearance time are separate.
A parcel may reach Germany quickly but remain with customs or the carrier while documents are checked.
Possible causes of delay include:
No dealer can guarantee exactly how long customs will take.
Complete paperwork and an accurate declaration reduce the risk of unnecessary delay.
Buyers should monitor tracking and respond quickly when the carrier requests information or payment.
Inspect the package before accepting it whenever possible.
Check for:
Take photographs before opening if the parcel looks damaged.
After opening, verify:
Keep the packaging, invoice, customs documents and payment records until you are satisfied that everything is correct.
A cross-border return requires more documentation than a domestic return.
Do not simply send the watch back without speaking to ChronoScope first.
The return shipment should clearly show that the watch is being returned and is not a new sale. Keep:
Without the correct documentation, customs may have difficulty connecting the return with the original import.
The procedure for reclaiming import VAT or customs duty depends on the circumstances and the available evidence. Buyers should follow the instructions of the carrier and customs authority.
A temporary shipment for repair is different from a new purchase, but it must be documented correctly.
When a watch is returned to Switzerland for service, repair or warranty work, the paperwork should identify:
Poor documentation can lead to charges being assessed again when the watch returns to the EU.
Contact ChronoScope before sending the watch. Agree on the description, value, carrier and customs documents in advance.
For complex or high-value cases, seek guidance from the carrier or customs authority before dispatch.
A watch does not automatically receive different import treatment simply because it is old, used or collectible.
Vintage status may be important to collectors, but customs classification follows legal tariff rules.
Do not assume that a watch is exempt from import VAT or customs duty because:
Any special classification must be supported by the relevant customs rules and documentation.
A Swiss watch may appear more expensive after import charges are added, but purchase price alone does not tell the full story.
The Swiss market can provide access to:
The correct comparison is the complete landed cost and the quality of the actual watch.
Compare:
A less expensive watch may not be the better purchase when it has an altered dial, heavily polished case or uncertain mechanical condition.
For a watch imported into Germany from Switzerland, German import VAT is normally due. At the time of publication, the standard German rate is generally 19 percent for watches. Confirm the current rate before ordering.
No general exemption applies simply because a watch is vintage or pre-owned. Import VAT normally depends on the import transaction and customs rules.
Possibly. Customs duty depends on tariff classification, origin, value and available documentation. Import VAT and customs duty are separate charges.
Unless the seller has explicitly arranged a delivery method that includes them, the buyer or recipient normally pays the import charges in the destination country.
It may. Postal services and couriers can charge a separate fee for customs clearance or advancing import payments.
Confirm the specific insurance conditions before ordering. The shipping service must cover watches and the actual value of the item.
There is no fixed time. Complete paperwork can make the process faster, but customs or the carrier may request additional information.
A return may allow the buyer to request repayment or correction of import charges, but the correct export and return documentation is required. Follow the instructions of customs and the carrier.
No. Brand nationality and customs origin are not automatically the same. Preferential treatment may require valid proof of origin.
No. The declared value should reflect the real transaction. An incorrect value can create customs, insurance and legal problems.
ChronoScope offers selected vintage, neo-vintage and collector watches from Lucerne, Switzerland.
Before ordering, review the watch description, condition, included accessories, shipping method and expected import charges.
When you need clarification about shipping, insurance or documentation, contact us before completing the purchase. We will explain the available process for your destination.
I personally help collectors source specific vintage and rare watches.
Send me your request and I’ll get in touch with you directly.
Our business is built on your trust. We guarantee all our timepiece are authentic and as described / pictured or you will receive a full refund.
We guarantee the functionality of our watches. Please refer to the guarantee period stated in each product description. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
Excluded from the warranty for defects are the accuracy, waterproof / water resistance, wear of the wristband and general wear and tear, scratches on the wristband or case, and damage to the glass / crystal.
CHRONOSCOPE is not liable for defects to the products caused by improper handling by the buyer or any third parties, as well as for general wear and tear.
The warranty for defects is null and void if the customer or a third-party attempt to repair the products themselves, unless prior specific written agreements have been made with CHRONOSCOPE
The compensation for the violation of contractual obligations by CHRONOSCOPE is limited to the amount paid by the buyer.
Due to the nature of vintage timepieces, all watches are sold as is. We will accurately describe the current condition and working order of all watches we sell to the best of our ability. Given that vintage watches are antique collector items, we do not provide any guarantee on movement accuracy, water-proofing or any other mechanical guarantee unless it is mentioned in the product description.
We check all watches when listing the watch for sales, and again before shipping. In rare cases, shipping can cause the movement problems. Therfore, please check all functions of the watch upon receipt. Should you find any issues, please notifiy us by email without dealy.
In the unlikely case you should not be satisfied with the watch you receive, contact us and we will work towards finding a solution.
We always looking for interesting vintage and contemporary watches and offer fair values. Please send us some pictures & a discription of what you have, and we will be glad to come back to you with an offer.
If you buy a watch from us, we can also offer a trade-in option.
Swiss Vintage Chronographs, for example Omega, Longines, Breitling, Heuer, Leonidas, Angelus, Excelsior Park, Zenith, Wakmann, Wittnauer but also other lesser known Swiss brands.
Swiss Vintage Watches: for example dives watches of various brands, but also dress watches in steel or gold
Contemporary Swiss Watches such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Zenith etc.
Quartz watches only from Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piquet, IWC Vacheron Constatin and other High-End Swiss brands
Digital watches, only from Omega, Girard Perregaux and a few other High-End Swiss Brands
Ladies watches
Pocket watches
Japanese watches (not that they are not good, but i dont have much knowledge there)
Quartz & watches
We need pictures and a brief description of the watches that you intend to sell
Your price expectation, if you already have any
Send us your information by email to sourcing_chronoscope@gmail.com
We will be on summer holiday from July 22 to August 12. During this period, our availability will be limited and responses may take longer than usual.
Thank you for your understanding!
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Sollte die Uhr nicht wie beschrieben und abgebildet sein, haben Sie das Recht, sie an uns zurückzusenden und wir erstatten Ihnen den vollen Betrag zurück *.
Wir bieten sichere Transaktion und Versand begrenzt auf den Betrag vom Käufer bezahlt.
* Bitte beachten Sie die Garantie- und Rückgabebedingungen sowie die Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen.
