Swatch-Audemars Piguet launch chaos: tear gas in Paris, brawls in Milan
On Saturday, the introduction of the limited edition 'Royal Pop' Swatch watches, created in partnership with luxury brand Audemars Piguet, led to disorder in various cities across Europe and New York. In the Paris area, a crowd of 300 prompted police to deploy tear gas after many had queued overnight. Authorities noted that security measures were insufficient, resulting in damage to a metal shutter and two gates. In Milan, local media reported a brawl at the store's opening. Meanwhile, in The Hague, police were called to manage the large crowd. The excitement surrounding the release resulted in pushing and shoving among buyers from New York to Milan.
Key facts
- Launch of limited edition Swatch 'Royal Pop' watches in collaboration with Audemars Piguet.
- Chaos occurred on Saturday in several European cities and New York.
- French police fired tear gas to control a 300-strong crowd outside a Swatch shop in the Paris region.
- A metal shutter and two security gates were damaged in the Paris incident.
- Police said stores underestimated the need for security.
- A fight broke out in front of a Swatch store in Milan at opening time.
- Police intervened in the Netherlands near The Hague after hundreds flocked to the store.
- Buyers waited through the night and for several days to get the timepieces.
Entities
Institutions
- Swatch
- Audemars Piguet
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Milan
- Italy
- The Hague
- Netherlands
- New York
- United States