Swatch launch sparks ‘chaotic’ scenes and store closures

Massive queues formed outside Swatch stores around the world, and some stores had to close due to safety concerns.

Police had to be called in to deal with the large crowds of shoppers outside some stores in the UK, France and Switzerland, where people gathered to buy new pocket watches produced in partnership with Audemars Piguet.

Swatch’s new Royal Pop sells for £335, but some buyers are already reselling it online for up to £16,000.

One man told the BBC he bought a watch for £335 and then resold it for “just over £1,000”.