Some people waiting in line told KHOU 11 they believe the resale value of the watches could climb significantly. They are priced around $400.
HOUSTON — Watch fans are already lining up outside the Swatch store at the Houston Galleria ahead of a highly anticipated limited-edition release this weekend.
The buzz surrounds a new collaboration between Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Swatch.
The collection combines Audemars Piguet’s iconic “Royal Oak” design with the colorful style of Swatch’s 1980s-inspired watch line. The release includes eight different variations, each priced around $400.
Some shoppers have already spent days camping outside the store in hopes of getting one when sales begin Saturday.
“I’ve been here for like five days camping out, sleeping,” shopper Chandler Brnes told KHOU 11. “I woke up early this morning, brushed my teeth, washed my face, went to the mall, went to go get something to eat. I had to put something on my stomach.”
The excitement comes partly from the rarity of the collaboration. Traditional Audemars Piguet watches can range in price from about $7,000 to more than $300,000.
Customers will be limited to purchasing one watch per day, per store.
Some people waiting in line told KHOU 11 they believe the resale value of the watches could climb significantly, with some estimating certain models could eventually sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
According to the companies, Audemars Piguet will also direct its proceeds from the collaboration toward training future watchmakers.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.