A Swatch store. ARCHIVE

Swatch has urged customers in the UAE and worldwide not to rush to stores to buy the highly anticipated Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection, assuring fans that the watches will remain available for several months. The statement came after large crowds gathered overnight at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates ahead of the recent launch on May 16, forcing Swatch UAE to cancel sales at both locations due to public safety concerns. In a statement, the company said: “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. In some countries and regions, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused.” Swatch clarified that the Bioceramic Royal Pop Collection is not a limited one-day release. “The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months. The watchmaker added that purchases are limited to one watch per person, per day, per store. The cancellation of the Dubai launch disappointed collectors who had lined up for hours at both malls, with many posting online that they were turned away after waiting overnight. Swatch UAE announced on Instagram: “Due to public safety considerations, we have decided not to proceed with the sale of the product at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and the event has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.” The collaboration between luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Swatch merges AP’s iconic Royal Oak design with Swatch’s playful 1980s POP aesthetic. The Royal Pop Collection features eight pocket watch-inspired timepieces, which the brands described as a concept that “rewrites the rules of watchmaking.” The collection is being sold only through selected Swatch stores worldwide. ICA/Expat Media

Swatch stores in the UAE

Abu Dhabi Airport Midfield Terminal Abu Dhabi Mall Al Ghurair Centre Al Wahda Mall Deira City Centre Dubai International Airport concourses A, B, C, D and Terminal 2 Dubai Hills Mall Dubai Mall Ibn Battuta Mall Mall of the Emirates Mirdif City Centre Sharjah Airport Duty Free
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