Stories

Sun, 17 May 2026

Sun, 17 May 2026 Swatch stores close for second day after crowds

The launch of a new £335 pocket watch has drawn criticism after queues of shoppers built up again.

* Swatch stores in Manchester and Liverpool were closed for a second day due to large crowds.
* Customers are queuing up to buy a new £335 pocket watch, which has been resold online for up to £16,000.
* The company asked customers not to rush to its stores in large numbers, saying the items would remain available for several months.
* Some have criticized Swatch for not making the watches available online and for diverting police resources.
* One man was arrested in Cardiff over the weekend, and police were called to reports of people making threats outside a Liverpool store.
* The new watch is part of a collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, inspired by the Pop Art movement.
* Similar scenes have been reported at other Swatch stores around the world, including New York, France, and Switzerland.