U.S. Tariffs on Swiss Watches: The 39% Levy Reshaping American Collecting (2025)

The border etched into every balance wheel: How import duties have transformed watch ownership into an unwitting act of economic allegiance

In August 2025, the United States imposed a 39 percent tariff on Swiss watch imports, targeting an industry that represented CHF 4.4 billion in annual exports to America. The levy—among the highest ever imposed on a Western ally—has triggered price increases across major brands: Patek Philippe raised U.S. prices by 15 percent, Cartier by 10 percent, Bre…