When watchmakers take on the role of official timekeeper in sports, it’s easy to forget that this responsibility goes far beyond putting their logo on the scoreboards. And for Omega, who has been tasked with keeping track of the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympics, for 90 years, it is a challenge of monumental proportions, requiring a vast team of experts and the latest technological innovations to deliver. 

While it may not get as much attention as its summer counterpart, the Winter Olympics presents its own unique obstacles in timing every pivotal moment of the diverse range of events. And this year in Beijing, this finely tuned operation requires 300 timekeepers and 200 tonnes of equipment, along with the most advanced of Omega’s timekeeping. 

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022

At its first Winter Games in 1936, this entourage consisted of just a single watchmaker and 27 stopwatches. Over the decades, technology has transformed the accuracy and depth to which every movement of the athletes can be analysed. In 1948, Omega’s use of photoelectric cells meant that the clock automatically stopped at the finish line, removing the limitations of the human eye. Meanwhile, starting gates introduced into Alpine skiing in 1956 triggered the recording of time as soon as the athletes passed through. Photo finish cameras followed in 1992, that could measure to an incredible 1/1000th of a second, while further advancements came with wearable technology in 2006 and continual updating of motion sensor and positioning technology. 

For 2022, it is putting its most state-of-the-art creations through their paces. Figure skaters can now be tracked in incredible detail thanks to six cameras placed around the ice that capture a range of live data, such as the height and length of a jump, and the amount of time a skater spends in the air. False start detection in speed skating has similarly been revolutionised, relying on image tracking instead of the decision of a judge. 

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Beijing 2022

Closer to home, Omega is marking the occasion in style with its Olympic House in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, open until 28 February. The cosy space recalling a ski chalet will temporarily showcase a special exhibition of the watchmaker’s Olympic timekeeping heritage, including a rare chance to see historical equipment from its archives. As well as a selection of vintage timepieces launched to commemorate the games over the years, you can discover the latest limited editions Omega has created in honour of Beijing 2022, including special takes on the Seamaster Aqua Terra and Seamaster Diver 300M. 

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