Especially for the occasion, the brand unveiled its stunning new Countdown Clock next to Milano’s iconic cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo. Similar to a snow globe, the giant clock has been tailor- made with a special airflow system that creates a continuous artificial snowfall effect around the competition logo. On the outside of the cube, two digital displays keep track of the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games on February 6th, 2026, as well as the Paralympic Winter Games, beginning on March 6th.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, was joined by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing; and Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
Raynald Aeschlimann said, “We can already feel the anticipation and excitement building for the winter events at Milano Cortina 2026. We know the athletes will have their dreams set on this huge upcoming occasion, and it makes everyone at OMEGA very proud to know we will be there to time their historic moments.”
Thomas Bach said, "The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are now just one year away, and we can already feel the growing anticipation. As the days and hours countdown, we know that when the Games start our timekeeping experts OMEGA will deliver the results with precision and integrity. They have been one of the IOC’s longest-standing partners and have shown commitment and passion decade after decade so it is with great pleasure that I unveil this one- year countdown clock on behalf of the IOC.”
Speaking about the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist said, “With our precision timing and data measurement, OMEGA looks forward to telling the full story of each event in Milano Cortina. We’re expecting another thrilling edition of close finishes and dramatic results.”
Giovanni Malagò said, “Starting the OMEGA countdown today is an emotional moment. The Opening Ceremony now feels so close and we can’t wait to host the world here in Italy. I know that Milano and Cortina will create a fantastic atmosphere, and our venues will provide the perfect stage for sporting greatness.”
OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games since 1992. Throughout this time, the brand has introduced some of the most important timekeeping technologies in sport, while recording every performance with utmost precision. OMEGA’s critical role is essential to the successful outcome of the events and is relied upon at each edition by athletes, judges, and spectators alike.
