29-5-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Swatch, the renowned watch brand, has brought back its striped rainbow watch featuring the acronym LGBTQIA2S on its official website in Malaysia. The watch, previously seized and confiscated by the Ministry of Home Affairs due to the symbolic representation of various minority groups, can now be purchased again on the Swatch Malaysia website.
Following the intervention by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all rainbow watches were temporarily removed from the website last week. However, The Vibes reports that the striped rainbow watch from the STRIPE FIERCE collection is now back on the Swatch website (www.swatch.com) with a price tag of RM 390 (S$115) per piece.
The letters in LGBTQIA2S represent the English abbreviations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit, encompassing a diverse range of identities.
Described on the Swatch website, the rainbow watch boasts a semi-transparent dial adorned with an array of colorful prints. Additionally, it features a calendar wheel that rotates every 24 hours, displaying different icons representing the LGBTQIA2S acronym each day. The watch is also equipped with a glass made from renewable biological sources, showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
At present, it remains unclear whether the rainbow watches sold on the website are sourced from Malaysia’s inventory or if they will be shipped from abroad.
Swatch has confirmed that its globally available PRIDE watch series, which embraces the rainbow theme, has faced confiscation only in Malaysia. The PRIDE series comprises six single-color watches, also available for purchase on the website at RM 365 each.
The symbolism of the LGBTQIA2S acronym on the watch has sparked controversy in Malaysia. The Ministry of Home Affairs took action against the watch, citing the nation’s strict censorship laws and conservative values. This move has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and members of the LGBTQIA2S community, who argue that it infringes upon their rights and stifles inclusivity.
By reintroducing the rainbow watch for sale, Swatch’s decision may be seen as a gesture of support for the LGBTQIA2S community. The brand has a longstanding commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity through its products, with the rainbow watch serving as a shining example of its dedication.
