Swatch 'drop' causes a buying frenzy in multiple nations
Swatch's new Royal Pop pocket watch has sparked outbursts of chaos worldwide.
The Swiss watchmaker says there's no shortage of the items despite weekend crowds and brawls at stores.
Police in Paris used tear gas, and a fistfight erupted in Milan.
Long queues formed in London, Singapore, and New York.
The watch retails for around $400 but resells for thousands.
By the time the wek began, it was all over eBay.
Swatch says the chaos was due in part to some malls that were not prepared for the demand.
Resale value apparently was also a factor.
On Monday, lines had eased, with new shipments on the way.
- βIt was like a mosh pitβ: Swatch closes stores as watch launch causes crowding and scuffles The Guardian —
- Video shows Swatch psychos stampede Long Island mall for special AP release as cop pepper-sprays mob NY Post —
- Chaos at Swatch stores as collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet launches, with anger, arrests and huge groups cutting in line ahead of fans who'd waited all night Daily Mail —
- Swatch-Audemars Piguet watch launch ignites global chaos, tear gas fired in Paris South China Morning Post —
- Mayhem breaks out at Swatch stores as fans rush to nab its Audemars Piguet pocket watch collab Business Insider —