Swatch Clarifies Royal Pop Collection Is Not Limited Edition After Crowds Fight and Cause Chaos Outside Stores Worldwide
In an extraordinary turn of events, Swatch was forced to publicly clarify that its newly launched Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection is not a limited edition release, after thousands of buyers turned up at stores worldwide and created dangerous, stampede-like conditions in a frenzied bid to secure the bioceramic pocket watch.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Swatch was forced to publicly clarify that its newly launched Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection is not a limited edition release, after thousands of buyers turned up at stores worldwide and created dangerous, stampede-like conditions in a frenzied bid to secure the bioceramic pocket watch.
Why Did Swatch Have to Issue the Clarification?
The global launch of the Royal Pop Collection on May 16, 2026 triggered scenes of widespread chaos at Swatch flagship stores across India and Singapore. Severe overcrowding, aggressive pushing, shouting, and physical altercations with security personnel forced Swatch to cancel sales at Palladium Mall in Mumbai, DLF Avenue in Delhi, and its VivoCity outlet in Singapore. AP x Swatch Launch at Mumbai Store Cancelled Following Huge Rush of Customers; Videos Go Viral.
As stores shut their doors and crowds refused to disperse, Swatch stepped in with an official statement making it emphatically clear that the collection is not limited edition and will be available again through future restocks. The message was a direct and pointed reminder to aggressive buyers that the chaos and fights outside stores were entirely avoidable. AP X Swatch Craze: Hundreds Camp Outside Stores Worldwide for New Watch.
What Is the Royal Pop Collection?
The AP x Swatch Royal Pop Collection merges Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak design with Swatch's bold 1980s Pop Art aesthetic, presented as bioceramic pocket watches in eight vibrant colours. The watches are powered by a new hand-wound SISTEM51 movement and are available in both Lepine and Savonnette styles.
The irony of buyers fighting over a watch that will be restocked was not lost on social media, with thousands of users mocking the chaos online.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2026 10:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).