As the world eagerly anticipates the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26th, the role of timekeeping technology in ensuring the precision and accuracy of every event cannot be overstated. For the 31st time since 1932, OMEGA will serve as the Official Timekeeper, bringing over 90 years of experience and the most advanced technology to record every moment of athletic excellence across 329 events in 32 sports.
A Legacy of Timekeeping
OMEGA’s involvement with the Olympic Games began in Los Angeles in 1932. Armed with 30 high-precision stopwatches, OMEGA achieved accuracy to the nearest 1/10th of a second. Over the decades, this commitment to precision has only strengthened, with OMEGA continuously advancing its technology to meet the evolving demands of the Games.
Significant milestones include the introduction of the first photofinish camera in 1948, touchpads for swimming in 1968, and the advanced Quantum Timers in 2012.
New Technology for Paris 2024
At Paris 2024, OMEGA will showcase its latest advancements, including the Scan ‘O’ Vision Ultimate photofinish camera, capable of capturing up to 40,000 digital images per second, ensuring even the closest finishes are determined with unparalleled clarity.
OMEGA will also introduce cutting-edge Computer Vision technology, further enhancing the way we experience the Games. This innovative system uses AI and high-definition cameras to capture and analyze athletes’ movements, providing real-time data and insights. Whether it’s measuring the reaction times of tennis players or tracking the exact position of pole vaulters, OMEGA’s technology will offer a new dimension to our understanding of athletic performance.
Additionally, OMEGA’s Vionardo Next Generation Graphics Technology will transform the Olympic Games experience with stunning 4K UHD graphics. Building on its history since Innsbruck 1964, where OMEGA first introduced real-time sports reporting, this technology will offer extremely clear and engaging graphics in real time. The system supports multi-language content based on broadcaster needs and features an interactive user interface operable by both staff and volunteers. At Paris 2024, Vionardo will deliver graphics for every sport at competition venues and the International Broadcast Center, enhancing global media coverage and supporting sustainability by reducing infrastructure requirements at event sites.
OMEGA’s role extends beyond simply recording times. The brand provides comprehensive data and insights into athletic performances, using motion sensors, positioning systems, and computer vision technology. These innovations allow for a deeper understanding of each event, tracking the exact movements of athletes in sports like beach volleyball and analysing the precise angles and speeds of divers.
Key technologies in OMEGA’s advanced equipment used for accurate timekeeping at the Games include:
- Electronic Starting Pistol: Ensures all athletes hear the start signal simultaneously, eliminating the delays caused by traditional pistols.
- Athletics Starting Blocks: Feature integrated sensors that measure an athlete’s force against the footrest 4,000 times per second, instantly detecting false starts.
- Quantum Timer: With an enhanced resolution of one millionth of a second, it offers precision 100 times greater than previous devices.
- Photocell Technology: Uses beams of light at finish lines to instantly record winning times.
- Touchpads: Allow swimmers to stop the clock by exerting pressure, ensuring precise time measurement.
- Swimming Light Show: Displays lights on the starting blocks to instantly indicate first, second, and third place finishers.
- Hi-Resolution Scoreboards: Display text, live information, animations, and visual imagery, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Motion Sensor and Positioning Systems: Capture live information during events, providing detailed metrics for analysis.
Celebrating Paris 2024 with a New Watch Collection
In addition to its role as Official Timekeeper, OMEGA is celebrating Paris 2024 with a stunning new watch collection that pays tribute to the spirit of the Games. The Seamaster Diver 300M “Paris 2024” Special Edition is a masterpiece of design and precision. Crafted in stainless steel and 18K Moonshine Gold, this watch features a laser-structured diving scale, a white ceramic dial with polished waves, and a commemorative caseback adorned with the Paris 2024 emblem.
For those who prefer a more classic design, the Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 offers a sophisticated tribute to the Games. Available in a gold, black, and white colourway, this timepiece features a silvery white opaline dial with three dark grey timing scales in a 1940s “snail” design. The commemorative caseback, adorned with the Paris 2024 logo and the Olympic Rings, adds a touch of elegance to this precision instrument.
For collectors, the OMEGA Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition is an unmissable symphony of materials, celebrating the Olympic spirit. Its 39mm case, crafted in OMEGA’s exclusive Bronze Gold, complements a radiant silver dial and 18K Sedna™ Gold hands. This collector’s piece pays homage to OMEGA’s long history as Olympic timekeeper with vintage design cues and the “BG 859” engraving, referencing both the case shape and innovative Bronze Gold alloy. Housing a high-precision, METAS-certified Master Chronometer movement, this watch is a champion of style and performance on your wrist.
An Eye on the Future
OMEGA’s commitment to the Olympic Games extends well beyond Paris 2024. The brand has renewed its partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through 2032, ensuring its presence at future Games, including Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028. Each event promises new technological advancements and unforgettable moments as OMEGA continues to push the boundaries of sports timekeeping.
As we prepare to witness the triumphs and stories of Paris 2024, it’s clear that OMEGA’s dedication to precision and innovation will once again play a pivotal role in capturing the magic of the Olympic Games. So, take your place on the start line and prepare to be inspired by the incredible feats of athleticism, all timed to perfection by OMEGA.
All photos courtesy of OMEGA Malaysia.
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