Global market atlas
Watch markets — by city
Sixteen cities where ultra-luxury watches actually transact. Each one has distinct tax characteristics, auction infrastructure, retailer mix, and collector culture. Pick where you buy carefully — the same reference can cost 35% more in HK than Tokyo.
Geneva
Switzerland · Primary Market Capital
Tax: 8.1% VAT (reclaimable for tourists)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong · Primary Asian Hub
Tax: 0% (no VAT, no sales tax)
Dubai
UAE · Fastest Growing Market
Tax: 5% VAT (lowest in the developed world)
New York
USA · Auction Capital
Tax: 8.875% NYC sales tax (avoidable by out-o
Tokyo
Japan · Vintage Specialist Market
Tax: 10% consumption tax (tax-free shopping f
London
United Kingdom · Secondary Market Hub
Tax: 20% VAT (reclaimable for non-UK resident
Milan
Italy · Italian Design Collectors
Tax: 22% VAT (reclaimable)
Paris
France · Haute Joaillerie Capital
Tax: 20% VAT (reclaimable)
Singapore
Singapore · Asian Secondary Hub
Tax: 9% GST (claimable for tourists)
Beijing
China · High Friction Mainland Market
Tax: 13% VAT + 20% luxury watch consumption t
Miami
USA · Latam Gateway
Tax: 7% Florida sales tax
Los Angeles
USA · Celebrity Collector Market
Tax: 9.5% CA sales tax
Zurich
Switzerland · Swiss Financial Capital Market
Tax: 8.1% VAT (reclaimable)
Shanghai
China · Primary Mainland Chinese Hub
Tax: 13% VAT + 20% consumption tax (>USD 1,50
Doha
Qatar · Emerging Gcc Market
Tax: 0% (no VAT)
Berlin
Germany · Lange Homeland Market
Tax: 19% VAT (reclaimable)