Tourist Buyer’s Guide: Buying a Luxury Watch in Sydney

Sydney is more than just an iconic travel destination—it’s also a gateway for luxury watch enthusiasts seeking world-class timepieces. Whether you’re visiting from the USA, UK, New Zealand or Korea, buying a luxury watch in Sydney can be a seamless and rewarding experience—if you know what to look for.

Why Sydney Is the Perfect Place to Buy a Luxury Watch

Australia offers authentic, high-quality watches from leading brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier and Omega. For international visitors, there’s an added advantage: the Australian Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). This program allows eligible visitors to claim back the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on purchases over $300, meaning luxury watches in Sydney can often be cheaper than the same models back home.

For example: A watch priced at AUD 20,000 could yield a refund of AUD 1,818 through TRS—effectively reducing the purchase price to AUD 18,182. Depending on exchange rates and local pricing in your home country, this can make Sydney an extremely attractive destination for luxury watch purchases.

How to Claim Your GST Refund

Maximise your savings with these tips:

• Ensure your purchase is from a registered Australian retailer - like The Watch Co Australia.
• Keep your tax invoice and receipts safe.
• Present the watch and documentation at the TRS counter when departing Australia.

By following these steps, you can enjoy genuine luxury watches at a price often lower than what you would pay back home.

Convenience and Personalised Service

To make the process effortless, here at The Watch Co Australia we offer personalised hotel delivery. Your watch can be delivered safely to your hotel with full insurance coverage, and our team can adjust straps on-site so your new timepiece is ready to wear immediately.

What to Look for in a Luxury Watch Purchase

When shopping as a tourist, preparation is key:

• Research models in advance: Know which watches you are interested in, from iconic Rolex Submariners to elegant Patek Philippe Calatravas.
• Check online availability: Our website is updated regularly with our in-stock watches, helping you plan your visit efficiently. If there is a particular watch you are interested in, please let us know in advance! This way we will have it ready for you in Sydney, stress-free.
• Verify authenticity: Make sure the retailer provides authentication, warranty and full set packaging. Here at The Watch Co Australia our watches are authenticated twice: once in-house and once by a third-party horologist.

Final Thoughts

Buying a luxury watch in Sydney isn’t just about adding a stunning timepiece to your collection—it’s about smart shopping. With the GST refund, your purchase can often cost less than what you would pay at home, making it a truly rewarding experience.

At The Watch Co Australia, we provide international visitors with fully authenticated watches, online stock listings and personalised service, ensuring your holiday purchase is effortless, secure and memorable.