Malaysian authorities are reportedly unlikely to return the 172 Swatch watches that are part of the brand’s ‘Pride collection’ seized during a nationwide raid with the Swiss company saying it will restock suppliers.

The country’s Home Ministry reportedly claimed it intends to stand its ground despite Swatch’s CEO Nick Hayek’s reported statement about taking legal action to retrieve the rainbow timepieces.

Malaysia’s regulatory and enforcement division claims the raids were lawfully carried out.

A total of 11 stores were raided by agents of the Home Ministry on 13th and 14th May.

Five other shops were reportedly served with a warning.

A few days later, Swatch Malaysia reportedly received instructions from its headquarters in Switzerland to restock the rainbow items and put them on display.

The raids were allegedly prompted by online users connecting the Swatch collection to British band Coldplay’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The band is scheduled to hold their first concert in Malaysia in November, but a member of the Malaysian Islamic Party has called for its cancellation, claiming it promotes “hedonism and deviant cultures”.

In response, Hayek stated that the company has always been known for embracing people from diverse backgrounds through their vibrant and “colourful” watches.

Hayek reportedly stated: “Swatch is proud of being the canvas on the wrist for all people worldwide and many artists working with us.

“Creativity and colours paired with Swiss-made quality are what we are loved for.

“We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful to whomever.

“On the contrary, Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political.”

He added: “We wonder how the home ministry’s regulatory and enforcement division will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up a thousand times a year in the sky of Malaysia.”

The company later confirmed the pride pieces were only confiscated in one country in the world: Malaysia.