The launch of limited edition Swatch watches descended into chaos on May 18 in several European cities and New York, with French police firing tear gas to restore order at one store near Paris. Hundreds of people waited through the night - and in some cases for several days - hoping to get their hands on the "Royal Pop" timepieces, made in collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet.
Swatch watch triggers consumer frenzy from Europe to New York City
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Story Timeline
Wed 16:19 - Le Figaro
Sept choses à savoir sur la collaboration entre Audemars Piguet et Swatch
Fri 14:28 - Euronews
When two become one: Old and new watchmakers collaborate to change perception of time
Sun 00:24 - NYT Europe
Shoppers’ Frenzy for ‘Royal Pop’ Pocket Watches Forces Swatch to Shut Stores
Sun 10:13 - Le Figaro
“Don’t rush into our stores”: after the fiasco of the sale of the Royal Pop watch, Swatch calls for calm
Sun 10:50 - The Guardian
‘It was like a mosh pit’: Swatch closes stores as watch launch causes crowding and scuffles
Mon 09:59 - Euronews
Pop watch mania: Swatch appeals for calm as clamour continues for its 'Royal Pop'
Mon 10:35 - Fox News
Audemars Piguet x Swatch 'Royal Pop' release sparks mob scenes, pepper spray and arrests at malls
Mon 12:43 - France 24
Swatch watch triggers consumer frenzy from Europe to New York City