Sinn watch prices - US vs. Germany

[JHZR2]

I think a few folks on here have Sinn watches. Im interested in the 356 Sa PILOT II with a silicone band.

Ive seen conflicting reviews that the prices can be cheaper if bought direct in Germany, though VAT and duty come into play too.

Any first-hand experiences?

 

[Kira]

Hello, Find out if Germany still has the VAT refund for tourists.
Items above a certain amount and room VAT usually qualified.
Your $2,100 watch certainly qualifies as you'd be using it outside the country.
Do you know anybody going there?
You'd be presenting it for examination at your point of exit.

Questions of duty? Maybe Customs has a website. Kira

 

[Trav]

It can be cheaper depending on the exchange rate. You can get the the MwSt back when you leave the country, When you buy it ask for a MwSt refund form from the seller (no problem they all have them).
Go to customs at the airport and they will stamp it for you, then they send you a check.

I buy mostly used watches, there are a lot of good buys. No beaters some are only a year old or leftovers with all papers and boxes from places like Wempe.
Its luck of the draw though whats available, sometimes i find nothing other times i score.
My Ebels were NOS, when Ebel left the mens luxury automatic sector they had a couple of high end models that went for much less than market value. I own them both for less than the price they are worth in gold scrap.

I am going to buy this one this year, i will buy it new right from the maker.
Powered by a real Valjoux 7750 that has been upgraded and not a SW500 7750 clone.

http://www.damasko.de/en/models/chronographs/chronographs-with-silicon-technology/dc57si

 

[Y_K]

I bough a few tools from Germany last month from Aachen group. They subtracted Ust automagically. [Umsatzsteuer it's called nowadays]

Exports are exempt from VAT

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Y_K
Umsatzsteuer it's called nowadays]

Do some research. MwSt is still used for Mehrwertsteuer.

Check the price lower left. Notice the price. 1290.00 Euro
Inkl. 19% MwSt.

http://www.damasko.de/de/modelle/drei-zeiger-uhren/drehring/da45

 

[Y_K]

I will defer to your expert knowledge. I simply reported what actually happened to me.

Minus 19% VAT on a non-German language page Just pay attention

 

[Trav]

Yes. I know they are sometimes used interchangeably but afaik there are some differences for businesses when it comes tax time. I'm not a tax person so i will ask mine.
I have to talk to her anyway next week, i will ask her.

 

[Y_K]

I can imagine how unnecessarily complex your taxes are.

Some German VAT Guidelines

Allegedly one superseded the other, yet still referred as it. Anyway, I remember when both were valid and it was important to get the transaction picture in view: depending on what entity would become the final end-user (not necessarily the final buyer), the tax would be either one or another or some formula of both. I had a business in Bavaria and it was beyond absurd.

Waiting for the Euro to go below parity, so I could buy some more toys