Country guide
Buying ultra-luxury watches in Germany
Germany is the homeland of A. Lange & Söhne (founded in Glashütte, ~2 hours south of Berlin). Glashütte Original is also German. German collectors value movement architecture above all — three-quarter plate culture, hand-engraving, and untreated german silver. Wempe Berlin is the flagship of Wempe's global network.
Tax & import regime
19% VAT (reclaimable for non-EU residents). 0% import duty.
Key retailers
Wempe Berlin flagship, A. Lange & Söhne Concept Stores, Goettgen.de (online watch+jewelry)
Auction houses
No major; Phillips Geneva typically handles German consignors
Best for
A. Lange & Söhne acquisition at lower friction. Wempe-network allocations. Glashütte heritage pieces. Hand-finishing connoisseurship.