I'm thinking of getting him a new watch for Christmas eg. a Tag Heuer or maybe a Tissot, although I haven't yet decided how much to spend but it is more likely to be at their lower price ranges and not the high-end models or the very latest designs lol!
In general is it cheaper to buy one in the States (we are going to be there for Christmas) or here?
I'm not sure if many of the watch retailers have much of a clue about global tax refunds (and they certainly don't have a tax refund counters at the airport - Newark) so I doubt it's worth trying to claim any tax back (unless someone here knows better and can advise). I do know though that sales tax is slightly lower in New Jersey (7%) than in New York City (8.5%) so I would be more likely to purchase a watch in NJ.
However, if it is recommended to buy a watch here, I will most likely buy one in Zug, Zurich or Lucerne and would appreciate which retailer to go to?
You need to check if the $ price in real terms is less than the Chuff price.
Also you do get limited discounts in Swiss shops based on who you work for. That's about it for the discounts on low-range and higher watches in Switzerland.
I thought that it would be really cool to buy a Swiss watch in Switzerland, but when I looked at the numbers, I ended up getting a Rolex cheaper in the US while I was home at Christmas.
The number on the price tag was significantly lower, and when I factored in the currency exchange rate, it ended up being almost 20% cheaper. I bought it in Wichita Kansas and had it shipped to my address in Arizona. Since it was shipped out of state, there wasn't even any sales tax.
Generally, no. Swiss watches are not especially cheaper in Switzerland.
Tissot is a Swatch group-owned brand that represents the "entry level" luxury watches. I'm actually wearing one now, and they are probably the most popular in my office. I've had it almost three years now, no major issues. They are going to usually be 300 CHF and up.
Tag Heuer is a significant step above, usually starting at 2,000 CHF and climbing all the way to the moon. They are really the first step into the horological brands, where watches become more like Ferraris (less practical, less accurate, and more something to behold) where the primary function of telling time accurately takes a bit of a back seat to mechanical ingenuity. Having worked with Tag Heuer on some of their real cutting-edge stuff and seen what goes into their watches, I really can't overstate how ingenious they are, but they charge for it.