The launch of limited edition Swatch watches in collaboration with Audemars Piguet caused chaos and long queues in European cities and New York, requiring police intervention in some locations.

The launch of limited edition Swatch watches descended into chaos on May 18 in several European cities and New York, with French police firing tear gas to restore order at one store near Paris. Hundreds of people waited through the night - and in some cases for several days - hoping to get their hands on the "Royal Pop" timepieces, made in collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet.