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‘It was like a mosh pit’: Swatch closes stores as watch launch causes crowding and scuffles
(www.theguardian.com)
I've been lurking in various watch-related forums right before this release, and all the drama leading up to this has been hilarious:
FYI: this "watch" is a collab between a brand (swatch) that makes <$100 disposable watches (the watch movement is sealed such that you can't repair/maintain it) and a brand (AP) that makes $30k watches with a long waiting list. The collab was announced first, then the specs of the watch, then the actual watch itself (being on a keychain?). Each round of announcements led to a new wave of drama.
- There are people mad that this collab devalues their $30k watch brand
- There are people mad that the watch is an exact plastic replica of their $30k AP Royal Oak
- There are people mad that the collab watch doesn't come on a strap, but is instead a glorified keychain
- There are people mad that said keychain comes at a price of $400, is plastic, and cannot be maintained (mechanical watches need regular maintenance, this plastic piece is destined for the trash in 4-5 years)
- There are people mad about the colors
- There are people mad that said colors devalue their $30k watch
- There are scalpers selling the watch on eBay before the watch was released for $3k
- There are strap makers making 3D printed straps for the thing as soon as the watch was announced, at the price point of the watch itself ($400)
- The release event almost entirely consisted of scalpers. Every reasonable watch person thinks it's overpriced garbage
- This is NOT a limited release watch. These plastic watches will fill the oceans for years to come
- Swatch had to close stores due to public safety issues with these scalpers
- There are scalpers that stole a "sorry were closed today" paper sign from a swatch store and selling it on eBay
The best part: nobody is actually interested in the watch. It's almost all scalpers and people owning a $30k watch having a meltdown.
Edit: if you are looking for a <$400 mechanical watch that is worth the money, I recommend the Seiko 5 or Orient Bambino instead of this plastic toy. Learn to regulate and maintain it by yourself, it's easier than it looks. My Max Bill runs at a rate of +0.5s per day after regulation. Watching a fully mechanical minute hand sweep (as well as the date flicking over instantly at midnight) is such a joy.
