Swatch Stores Close Due to Large Crowds
Swatch has closed its stores in multiple UK cities after hundreds of people queued outside branches eager to purchase a new limited-edition watch.
The Swiss company announced it would not open its London branches "in light of safety considerations for both our customers and our staff."
Additionally, stores in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield will remain closed.
Launch of the "Royal Pop" Pocket Watch Collaboration
The firm had planned to launch the "Royal Pop" pocket watch, a collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, featuring eight models priced from £335.
However, some of these watches have appeared on resale platforms online with prices reaching up to £16,000.
Better known for their colourful watches from the 1980s, Swatch described the collection as
"a disruptive collaboration between two icons of Swiss watchmaking".
Public Response and International Impact
In Liverpool One retail area, some shoppers had camped for two days outside the Paradise Street store to secure a watch.
Crowds also gathered outside Swatch branches internationally, including in New York, where enthusiasts had been camping for a week. Reports indicated that some individuals became unwell during the wait.
Swatch also cancelled its launch event at Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates following a large turnout.
Design Inspiration and Company Statement
Swatch stated that the new watches were inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1950s and 60s.
They described the collection as
"a groundbreaking watch collection that combines joyful boldness and positive provocation with fine watchmaking".
Additional Information
has contacted Swatch for comment regarding the store closures and product launch.
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