This week OMEGA assumes its role as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games. Since 1932, OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper at the Olympic. In Rio, they assume their duties for the 27th time. In every event, they are the name behind the clock, recording the dreams of the athletes who strive for victory. The Olympics in Rio will be the first ever in Latin America.
Some of the greatest timing developments have been seen on the track and in the pool.
Omega Timing in Swimming
From the moment a swimmer’s feet leave the starting block, to the final push of the touchpad, every microsecond is measured by OMEGA’s state-of-the-art technology. The swimming, touchpads were introduced by Omega at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg. This “wet” run was used as a test of the Swim-O-Matic system before the Mexico City summer games in 1968, where they were used for the first time in Olympic competition.
A TIMELESS LEGACY
In 1932, one OMEGA watchmaker arrived at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles with 30 split-second chronographs. Today, a team of 480 timekeepers is supported by 450 tons of equipment,200 Km or cables and optical fibre along with 850 trained volunteers.The goal remains the same: deliver flawless timing to the world’s best athletes.
THE OMEGA STARTING BLOCKS
On the track, starting blocks feature built-in sensors, a key component in false start detection. Each set has a loudspeaker linked to the start pistol, so all contestants hear the start signal at precisely the same time.
THE Electronic Start System
In 2010, the old-fashioned starting pistol was replaced by a streamlined, futuristic device composed of a flash gun and a sound generation box. We now use this electronic start system at all athletics events.
THE Scan’O’Vision Myria Camera
The Scan’O’Vision MYRIA photofinish camera is a combination of a time detector and a chronograph. Images are produced using a high-tech image-capture device that records up to 10,000 digital images per second!
Omega Scoreboards
The scoreboards along the race course and at the finish line are operated by software enabling them to display text, pictures animations and videos. Their high resolution benefits live spectators and home viewers.
The Last Lap Bell
Not every piece of timekeeping equipment is cutting edge. OMEGA’s bells, which are used to signal the final lap in multi-lap athletics races, have been virtually unchanged for centuries.
The Omega Rio Watch Collection
As a tribute to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Omega launched three timepieces – The Seamaster Diver 300M Rio 2016, Bullhead Rio 2016, and the Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Rio special edition
Omega Seamaster Bullhead Rio 2016
Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016