Swiss Watch Boutique

Top 10 Swiss Watch Companies by Chronometer Certifications

The Federation of the Swiss Watchmaking Industry (FHS) recently reported that chronometer certifications--a key measure of mechanical timekeeping accuracy--were up 10.7 percent in 2006. Once again, Rolex had the lion's share of the market with more than 50 percent of the 1.3 million certificates issued. Here's how the top 10 breakdown:

1. Rolex - 710,752
2. Omega - 257,187
3. Breitling - 182, 223
4. Panerai - 46,454
5. Chopard - 23,462
6. Ulysse Nardin - 10,111
7. Corum - 8,189
8. TAG-Heuer - 7,450
9. Chanel - 6,980
10. Mido - 5,722

Cyber Monday Savings on Swiss Watches

Celebrate Cyber Monday with savings on these fine Swiss watches.

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Where to Buy a Rolex

Since we don't carry Rolex watches very often, we get a lot of questions about where to go. We can recommend a couple of reputable places online but if you are a frequent traveler or happen to live outside the United States where Rolex watches are rarely discounted, you might be in luck.

The conventional wisdom is that Singapore and Hong Kong are the places to find a deal on a genuine Rolex, followed by certain places in the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas and Bermuda. If you are lucky, you may be able to get a Rolex 10-30 percent off retail and pay no sales tax.

Because of the retail pricing environment and strong currency in Switzerland, that country, ironically, is  one of the less desirable places to purchase a Rolex.

Swiss Watchmaker Audermars Piguet to Raise $3 Million for Clinton Foundation

Audemars Piguet and former President Bill Clinton announced a unique partnership recently that will see the Swiss watchmaker produce a number of exclusive, limited edition wristwatches whose proceeds will go toward raising money for the Clinton Foundation.

The foundation's mission is to help the world move beyond the current state of globalization to a more integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values.

Each of the Clinton Foundation Equation of Time timepieces features The White House engraved on the bezel and a seal of President Clinton engraved on the back of the watch. The watches are made from from an array of rare, valuable materials, such as white gold and platinum, and feature unusual complications, including equation of time, sunrise and sunset times, and a perpetual calendar with astronomical moon.

The watches, which start at $98,800, are available exclusively at Audemars Piguet by calling 888.214.6858.

Purchasing a Swiss Watch as a Gift? No Need to Worry!

In addition to our standard 14-day no-hassle return policy, all orders placed from November 17, 2007 until December 21, 2007 qualify for our extended holiday return policy. Purchases made during this time will be eligible for the exchange of items for equal or greater value of the original order. All exchanges must complete the usual return policy instructions. No restocking fees will be charged for exchanges. All exchanges must be physically received in our warehouse by January 7, 2008.

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Record Prices for Luxury Swiss Watches at Auction

Christie's enjoyed a record-setting Monday in Geneva that netted $27.7 million--the most ever for an auction event.

A rare Patek Philippe wristwatch worn by an Indian Maharaja and a gold and diamond-set Breguet crafted for French Empress Josephine Bonaparte were two of the highlights.

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November Blowout on Select Swiss Watches

Save an extra 10% off select Mondaine, Swatch, Swiss Army, Hamilton, and ESQ  watches.  That's up to 80 percent or more in total savings. But hurry! This very special offer only lasts through November 22nd. Limited quantities. Shop now!

In Digital Age, High-end Swiss Watches Thrive

Despite the popularity of automatic, time-adjusting mobile phones and MP3 players, the resurgence of interest in Swiss watches continues, especially luxury models, such as Rolex, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Girard-Perregaux. Men are the leading buyers but women are increasingly purchasing upscale watches and deploying them as fashion accessories, experts say.

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