Swatch stores in UK cities close again over watch queues

Swatch stores in Manchester and Liverpool stayed closed for a second day as queues formed again for the new £335 pocket watch.

The Swiss company shut many of its UK stores on Saturday, citing safety concerns. In a social media post, Swatch asked people not to rush to stores in large numbers and said the watches would remain available for several months.

Some customers criticised the launch, saying the watches should have been sold on the Swatch website and that police resources were being used unnecessarily.

In an online 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, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused."

One man was arrested in Cardiff, and police responded to reports of threats outside the Liverpool store. Swatch said the watches were inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1950s and 1960s and described the collection as a collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Swatch's POP line from the 1980s.

An event was cancelled in Dubai, and police were called to launches in France and Switzerland. In New York, some shoppers camped in Times Square for a week, with reports that a few became unwell while waiting.