Omega and the Olympics

Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932. The Bienne-based watchmaker has come a long way since arriving in Los Angeles that year with thirty split-second chronographs. As the official timer for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro –Omega’s 27th Olympics–Omega again sends its team of professionals to prepare to time one of the most-viewed sporting events in the world. Here’s a look back at Omega’s Olympic timing highlights.

1932 Omega Advertisement

1932: Los Angeles Summer Games

The company distributed thirty split-seconds/rattrapante chronographs to judges at the brand’s first event. Sports Technical Director William Henry wrote, “It is impossible to contemplate the wonderfully successful Games without recognizing the part played by Omega in this great international event.

Chronographs from 1932

1948: St. Moritz Winter Games

1948 Starting Pistol

This was the beginning of the end to thinking human accuracy was the end all, be all of timing precision. Omega first used an automatic timing device that used a starting gun to trigger the device and a photoelectric cell to stop the timing.

Photoelectric Cells
Racend Timer

1952: Helsinki Summer Games

As the electronic era begins to take over, a Finnish Olympic Cross of Merit and Medal of Merit was awarded to Omega for its contribution to the world of sports. The official times the watchmaker provided were accurate to 1/100 of a second. This was the first Games in which an electronic instrument was used. The device was called the Omega Time Recorder (OTR). Pictured above is an Olympic counter from 1952.

Advertisements showing the Olympic Cross of Merit for Omega’s technological advancement in Helsinki

1968: Mexico City Summer Games

The watchmaker is dedicated to helping athletes get the most precise time out of their races. In 1968, Omega placed a touchpad for swimming events that allowed the swimmers’ hand to stop the clock. This Scan-O-Matic System eliminated the need for poolside timekeepers, and Omega’s technology is the only one used in Olympic meets.

1992: Albertville, France Winter Games

Scan-O-Vision

This is where the term “photo finish” comes into play. For the speed-skating events, Omega created a Scan-O-Vision camera system that digitally measured times to the nearest thousandth of a second as the athletes crossed the finish line. The technology is available today as a simple software program. A printout of the technology is above.

Photo-Finish camera
Winter Olympic Games Advertisements from 2006 and 2010

2010: Vancouver Winter Games

2010 Starting Pistol

Looking at the futuristic starting pistol Omega created, its functionality isn’t immediately clear. But hearing it tells the tale. The red flashgun and a sound generation box replace the traditional starting pistol. Before this technology, the runner or athlete closest to the pistol would hear the gun first, which is not a fair method. With the redesign, the starter makes no noise but is wired to a speaker behind each athlete, so no runner has an advantage.

2016: Rio de Janeiro Summer Games

Although it’s impossible to comment on what Omega will bring to these games, we can show you the limited edition watches replica the watchmaker will sell. For the Olympic Games in Rio, Omega offers the “Rio 2016” collection. The spirit of the Games, 1969 original models and the distinct location of Rio inspire the two models presented.

Seamaster Bullhead Rio 2016

First there is the Seamaster Bullhead Rio 2016. The blue leather strap with multi-colored stitching in yellow, green, red and black immediately jumps out at the wearer. Representing the famous Olympic rings, the color theme is continued on the rotating inner-bezel. The limited edition is 316 pieces in honor of the third time golf will be played at the Games and the year 2016.

Speedmaster Mark II Rio

Echoing the 1969 original Speedmaster Mark II, the Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 offers a polished and brushed stainless steel case. The case is barrel-shaped and has a polished crown and pushers. Both watches replica have a distinct Rio 2016 logo engraving with the Olympic rings on the caseback.