Audemars Piguet, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker, has teamed up with fellow Swiss brand Swatch, famous for its affordable timepieces, to create a unique pocket watch.
The eagerly anticipated collaboration, known as the Royal Pop, made its global debut on Saturday, May 16. In Australia, eager shoppers gathered outside Swatch stores in Sydney, hoping to acquire the vibrant pocket watch.
Footage capturing the long line of fold-out chairs and tents on Sydney’s Pitt Street has surfaced online, with reports indicating some enthusiasts began queuing as early as Thursday.
Given Audemars Piguet’s reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious and costly watchmakers, the prospect of purchasing a watch bearing its name for under $1,000 has sparked a frenzy among collectors.
This exclusive watch is available only at select physical retail locations worldwide.
Swatch outlets around the globe have witnessed similar scenes of eager crowds eager to purchase this coveted pocket watch.
Some Swatch stores in the UK actually refused to open their doors due to safety concerns of a crowd crush.
Following the intense crowds and lines, Swatch have released a statement on its website, discouraging people from lining up.
“To ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff in Swatch stores, we kindly ask you not to rush to our stores in large numbers to acquire this product,” the statement reads.
“The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months.
“In some countries/regions, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused.”
In Milan, a brawl broke outside one store, while police in Paris used teargas to disperse the crowd.
The idea behind the collaboration came from pop art, according to the Audemars Piguet website.
“Audemars Piguet and Swatch unveil Royal Pop, a new collection that brings together creativity and audacity with haute horlogerie,” it reads.
“Inspired by Pop Art, this collaboration reinterprets Royal Oak iconic codes through a disruptive pocket watch, available in eight models and designed to be worn in multiple ways.”
The pocket watch is encouraged to be worn in a number of different ways, including as a necklace and a bag charm. 
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