Swatch fans left frustrated as stores stay closed amid watch frenzy

Dozens of frustrated shoppers gathered outside a Swatch store in Lyon on Monday after the shop remained closed during a rush for a highly sought-after watch created in partnership with Audemars Piguet.

Images showed crowds waiting outside the store, posters announcing the closure and security guards speaking with disappointed customers.

Some buyers said they had travelled for hours or camped outside for days hoping to purchase the watch, which has reportedly been resold online for several thousand euros.

Security staff said previous disturbances and fights outside the shop contributed to the decision to keep the store closed, while also citing a lack of stock.