ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Gva1985 · 5 March 2022, 01:06 AM

Situation for non-residents is like the rest of the world unfortunately i.e. bad. If you do not have a contact or purchase history you can forget getting any desirable Rolex but might still have a look at Bucherer, biggest retailer in the country and, if you happen to be in Geneva, Chrono-Time which has a random name but is actually owned by Rolex. Avoid visiting any boutique on Saturdays and weekdays around 12pm which is lunch break for many. The boutique at Geneva airport is- since last year - managed by Bucherer as well, they get randomly interesting pieces especially pm so try your luck if you depart from GVA. As many have rightly pointed out enjoy visiting other boutiques such as the Patek salon (at least they have all the watches to show you) but especially enjoy the scenery, late April/May/early June is a great period to visit.

Nico81 · 5 March 2022, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfserge

Absolutely!! You can book an appointment at the Rolex factory, they sometime allow walk-ups, and buy any watch you want right out of their factory inventory. It’s quite similar to Hershey PA where you can buy Hershey’s chocolate straight out of the factory.

Why are most replies like this??? First they are not helpful and border line degrading and secondly not funny at all.

OP had a valid question if any one had luck to source a Rolex in Switzerland
We know it is difficult but not impossible

Lets be nice to each other

edisonstar23 · 5 March 2022, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I hear that buying watches from Switzerland, in Switzerland, is a bit like trying to find California oranges in California. You would have better luck in Florida.

Isn’t that odd. Its the same with Ecuadorian and Colombian bananas. Growing up all I saw was bananas with black spots all over them. Came here to find out that my country was exports the best ones.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Zuger · 5 March 2022, 02:47 AM

You thought buying a Rolex is hard enough in the states, wait until you are in Switzerland.

Bizcut1 · 5 March 2022, 03:41 AM

For some here....c'mon! I think the OP can take it...hardly insulting...this is TRF for chrissakes!

omar10213245 · 5 March 2022, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nico81

Why are most replies like this??? First they are not helpful and border line degrading and secondly not funny at all.

OP had a valid question if any one had luck to source a Rolex in Switzerland
We know it is difficult but not impossible

Lets be nice to each other

With all due respect, lighten up, some of you are far too sensitive. He was joking, stop acting like he cussed out the guy's mother.

Fritzli · 5 March 2022, 04:31 AM

No hints, be welcome, but not for the hunt ofr Rolexes! Enjoy your Big Mac Meal for 18$!

VogelPhoenix · 5 March 2022, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelloMelo

I've heard about eating, drinking and transportation prices. Is it as bad as everyone says? I'm definitely not the wealthiest person but have set aside a good budget for the trip.

All relative. My favorite pizza joint in Geneva is $25-30 for an individual pizza or a plate of pasta (note, this is not "fine dining", just a neighborhood place in the outskirts). But you save on tips. Parking is cheap, speeding tickets are astronomical.

HelloMelo · 5 March 2022, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

All relative. My favorite pizza joint in Geneva is $25-30 for an individual pizza or a plate of pasta (note, this is not "fine dining", just a neighborhood place in the outskirts). But you save on tips. Parking is cheap, speeding tickets are astronomical.

Thanks! Probably won't be renting a vehicle. How are public transportation costs?

mfserge · 5 March 2022, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

For some here....c'mon! I think the OP can take it...hardly insulting...this is TRF for chrissakes!

whambulance...

Quote:

Originally Posted by omar10213245

With all due respect, lighten up, some of you are far too sensitive. He was joking, stop acting like he cussed out the guy's mother.

The level of sensitivity around here is off the charts!

jon_jon · 5 March 2022, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelloMelo

Thanks! Do you live in Switzerland? How is the weather/climate like around late May? (time frame I'll be visiting)

I have visited Switzerland about a dozen or so times over the past 10-15 years.

Weather can vary in late May and I have visited many times during that time of the year. It can be cold and rainy with temps in the 40s to 50s F or it can be sunny with temps in the low-mid 60s F.

VogelPhoenix · 5 March 2022, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelloMelo

Thanks! Probably won't be renting a vehicle. How are public transportation costs?

30 bucks from one end of the country to the other (Basel - Geneva): https://www.sbb.ch/de/home.html

jamesbondOO7 · 5 March 2022, 05:15 PM

That would be about 1/3 of Switzerland. The other end would be more like Davos or St Moritz.
Local currency is the Swiss Franc, not the buck.

jamesbondOO7 · 5 March 2022, 05:57 PM

Now, taking advantage of being in Switzerland, assuming going to Geneva at some point, would be to go to Laurent Ponti’s store (ponti-collection.ch) or Bucherer’s pre-owned department to get oneself a nice 5-digit Rolex.

DoubleBridge · 5 March 2022, 06:50 PM

Weather in Geneva in May/June can be variable but when it’s nice, it’s fantastic! That time of the year is my favorite….especially if you can get up into the mountains!

Geneva is one of the more populous places in Switzerland but it is a village…Sundays are quite dead and the night life can be quite limiting. Not sure if you’re coming alone, as a couple or with family. That may impact what you can do. Here are a couple suggestions:

Cave Ouvertes: Wine fairs in Canton Genève and Vaud. My favorite it in Lavaux, the wine is decent and views of the portes du soleil are to die for. You can take a train from Gare Cornavin. When you get there buy a glass for 8-10chf and drink all the wine your heart desires. There is also good eats - sausage, cheese, dried meats, etc. When you find some wine you like, you can also purchase a bottle to drink at your leisure.

Pizza: Switzerland isn’t known for pizza but there is a considerable amount of amazing Italian cuisine. Try the pizza…it’s worth it!! My favorite is Osteria Zaza but I also like La Gondola in Eaux Vives. They do personal pizzas and min price is 20chf. Some places will serve 50chf pizza….

Bain des Pâquies: go for the plat du jour on Sunday. It will be busy and they will not speak English but it’s worth the visit. The food is good, views of the lake and jet d’eau are great. If it’s warm bring your suit and towel. Don’t be too shy, there can be topless sunbathers old and young. Don’t get caught staring!

Watches: Rue du Rhône has all the boutiques….they really don’t cater to tire kickers so go in with an objective and state that when you enter. The service in these places are great and they are polite if you fit bill. Ive gone to the omega and IWC boutiques just to try on watches. Tell them that upfront and they will be helpful. If you don’t say anything or are shy you will not get treated well. If you are really a watch buff, setup time to meet Roy Davidoff. He specialises in Omega but knows all things watches. He is Swiss but spent a considerable amount in time in the US so his accent is quite familiar. Super nice guy and has a cool shop in old town (right next to MB&F boutique too).

Mountains: Try to rent a car to escape to the mountains. If you fly into GVA you will see why! Chamonix is easy to get to and is a icon. If you want a road trip go to Sixt Fer a Chavel. The spring melt will feed endless waterfalls from a cathedral of mountain leaks. Pack a picnic lunch and take a loop hike.

I’m an American living in GVA for over 10 years…got lots more to share if you’re interested….

Daveh777 · 5 March 2022, 07:19 PM

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.
I doubt any watch nut has travelled far without wondering about a possible watch purchase.

Gold Coast · 5 March 2022, 07:29 PM

A couple of recommendations:

Visit Bucherer Bahnhofstrasse Zürich, on the 1st floor (not ground floor, but one up) is their CPO collection. There's a bar there for complimentary drinks. Make an appointment so you won't have to stand in the queue out front. Many nice pre-owned Rolex and other brands. In my opinion their prices are quite competitive. https://www.bucherer.com/ch/en/buy-certifiedpreowned

If you're using public transportation, buy a Halbtax card, it will pay for itself quickly. Most if not all of the mountain gondolas area also discounted with this card. I recommend heading to Grindelwald and take the train to Jungfraujoch. Take the 45' walk up to Mönchsjochhütte and have a drink or lunch. Looking out over the Aletschgletscher is other-wordly.

Viel Spass!

5 March 2022, 05:15 PM	#73
jamesbondOO7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: BondJamesBond Location: The Algarve Watch: Rolex or nothing Posts: 3,938	That would be about 1/3 of Switzerland. The other end would be more like Davos or St Moritz. Local currency is the Swiss Franc, not the buck. __________________ ♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛ 16030, 16613, 16713, 18038.

5 March 2022, 05:57 PM	#74
jamesbondOO7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: BondJamesBond Location: The Algarve Watch: Rolex or nothing Posts: 3,938	Now, taking advantage of being in Switzerland, assuming going to Geneva at some point, would be to go to Laurent Ponti’s store (ponti-collection.ch) or Bucherer’s pre-owned department to get oneself a nice 5-digit Rolex. __________________ ♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛ 16030, 16613, 16713, 18038.

5 March 2022, 01:06 AM	#61
Gva1985 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Switzerland Posts: 258	Situation for non-residents is like the rest of the world unfortunately i.e. bad. If you do not have a contact or purchase history you can forget getting any desirable Rolex but might still have a look at Bucherer, biggest retailer in the country and, if you happen to be in Geneva, Chrono-Time which has a random name but is actually owned by Rolex. Avoid visiting any boutique on Saturdays and weekdays around 12pm which is lunch break for many. The boutique at Geneva airport is- since last year - managed by Bucherer as well, they get randomly interesting pieces especially pm so try your luck if you depart from GVA. As many have rightly pointed out enjoy visiting other boutiques such as the Patek salon (at least they have all the watches to show you) but especially enjoy the scenery, late April/May/early June is a great period to visit.

5 March 2022, 02:47 AM	#64
Zuger "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Richard Location: USA Watch: me set the time Posts: 2,518	You thought buying a Rolex is hard enough in the states, wait until you are in Switzerland.

5 March 2022, 04:31 AM	#67
Fritzli "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Geneva Posts: 166	No hints, be welcome, but not for the hunt ofr Rolexes! Enjoy your Big Mac Meal for 18$!

5 March 2022, 06:50 PM	#75
DoubleBridge "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Geneva, CH Watch: ing the time Posts: 75	Weather in Geneva in May/June can be variable but when it’s nice, it’s fantastic! That time of the year is my favorite….especially if you can get up into the mountains! Geneva is one of the more populous places in Switzerland but it is a village…Sundays are quite dead and the night life can be quite limiting. Not sure if you’re coming alone, as a couple or with family. That may impact what you can do. Here are a couple suggestions: Cave Ouvertes: Wine fairs in Canton Genève and Vaud. My favorite it in Lavaux, the wine is decent and views of the portes du soleil are to die for. You can take a train from Gare Cornavin. When you get there buy a glass for 8-10chf and drink all the wine your heart desires. There is also good eats - sausage, cheese, dried meats, etc. When you find some wine you like, you can also purchase a bottle to drink at your leisure. Pizza: Switzerland isn’t known for pizza but there is a considerable amount of amazing Italian cuisine. Try the pizza…it’s worth it!! My favorite is Osteria Zaza but I also like La Gondola in Eaux Vives. They do personal pizzas and min price is 20chf. Some places will serve 50chf pizza…. Bain des Pâquies: go for the plat du jour on Sunday. It will be busy and they will not speak English but it’s worth the visit. The food is good, views of the lake and jet d’eau are great. If it’s warm bring your suit and towel. Don’t be too shy, there can be topless sunbathers old and young. Don’t get caught staring! Watches: Rue du Rhône has all the boutiques….they really don’t cater to tire kickers so go in with an objective and state that when you enter. The service in these places are great and they are polite if you fit bill. Ive gone to the omega and IWC boutiques just to try on watches. Tell them that upfront and they will be helpful. If you don’t say anything or are shy you will not get treated well. If you are really a watch buff, setup time to meet Roy Davidoff. He specialises in Omega but knows all things watches. He is Swiss but spent a considerable amount in time in the US so his accent is quite familiar. Super nice guy and has a cool shop in old town (right next to MB&F boutique too). Mountains: Try to rent a car to escape to the mountains. If you fly into GVA you will see why! Chamonix is easy to get to and is a icon. If you want a road trip go to Sixt Fer a Chavel. The spring melt will feed endless waterfalls from a cathedral of mountain leaks. Pack a picnic lunch and take a loop hike. I’m an American living in GVA for over 10 years…got lots more to share if you’re interested….

5 March 2022, 07:19 PM	#76
Daveh777 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Australia Posts: 218	Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I doubt any watch nut has travelled far without wondering about a possible watch purchase.

5 March 2022, 07:29 PM	#77
Gold Coast "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Zürich Watch: 126500LN Posts: 75	A couple of recommendations: Visit Bucherer Bahnhofstrasse Zürich, on the 1st floor (not ground floor, but one up) is their CPO collection. There's a bar there for complimentary drinks. Make an appointment so you won't have to stand in the queue out front. Many nice pre-owned Rolex and other brands. In my opinion their prices are quite competitive. https://www.bucherer.com/ch/en/buy-certifiedpreowned If you're using public transportation, buy a Halbtax card, it will pay for itself quickly. Most if not all of the mountain gondolas area also discounted with this card. I recommend heading to Grindelwald and take the train to Jungfraujoch. Take the 45' walk up to Mönchsjochhütte and have a drink or lunch. Looking out over the Aletschgletscher is other-wordly. Viel Spass!

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