Planet Omega
Swimming
MAKING A SPLASH IN AQUATIC SPORTS TIMEKEEPING
OMEGA has long been at the forefront of sport timekeeping technology. Working closely with FINA and the IOC, we ensure that our timing and measurement devices for swimming and diving events are as accurate and as precise as the aquatic athletes whose results we record.
SUPPORTING THE WORLD’S BEST SWIMMERS AND DIVERS
Swimming and diving competitions are among sport’s most popular events. OMEGA has been behind much of the timekeeping equipment used to measure the performances of these amazing athletes and the on-screen graphics that enhance the experience of fans watching at home.
TOUCHPADS: STOPPING THE CLOCK
The now-familiar touchpads, introduced in 1967, are unique in that they allow each swimmer to stop the clock by exerting pressure of between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3.3 and 5.5 pounds) on panels at the ends of each lane.
BACKSTROKE LEDGE: ADDED POWER
The backstroke ledge improves the push and trajectory of the backstroke swimmers at the start of a race, providing them more confidence when the competition begins.
LAP COUNTER: MORE CONCENTRATION
Lap counters count down the number of remaining laps for each swimmer, ensuring that the competitors can concentrate on their technique and on their position in the race instead of on the number of laps remaining.
STARTING BLOCK: OPTIMAL PROFILE
The adjustable slanted footrest on the starting blocks allows swimmers to use a crouch start with the rear-positioned leg at a 90° angle at the knee, generating an optimal starting profile for a more powerful start.
VIRTUAL DIVING ANIMATIONS
Innovative technology allows us to superimpose animated two-dimensional clips on TV screens, demonstrating an ideal performance of a dive. Each clip begins with the starting position and lasts throughout the flight.
THE QUANTUM AQUATICS TIMER
The Quantum Aquatics Timer records and distributes the times of each competitor in every event. With a resolution 100 times greater than previous devices, it signals a new generation of OMEGA timing technology.
THE OPEN WATER GATE
The Open Water Gate, developed for use in competitions in open water, is set up not only at end of the race but also in intermediate positions so times can be recorded and displayed throughout the race.
THE SWIMMING LIGHT SHOW
The innovative Swimming Light Show features lights mounted on the starting blocks. A system of dots indicates the top three swimmers’ positions at the end of the race, giving fans immediate access to the results.
SEE HOW WE TIME FREESTYLE
Video description: This short video shows what timekeeping and data-handling equipment OMEGA uses to measure, record, display and distribute the results of each swimmer participating in the 100m freestyle competition. OMEGA is proud to serve as Official Timekeeper at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games!
OMEGA’S BRILLIANT SWIMMING AMBASSADORS
OMEGA boasts an exclusive team of ambassadors from the world of swimming, all of whom have distinguished themselves in Olympic Games competitions. Chad le Clos, Alexander Popov, Natalie Coughlin and, of course, Michael Phelps have proven themselves to be the world’s best.
MICHAEL PHELPS: RECORD HOLDER
A true legend of the pool, American swimmer Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals over five Olympic Games, including 5 gold medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games alone.
CHAD LE CLOS: THE RISING STAR
After a stellar performance at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Chad Le Clos, the young South African swimmer, struck gold at London 2012, winning the 200m butterfly by 0.05 seconds. Le Clos has won the overall Swimming World Cup three times and claimed two impressive silver medals in Rio.
ALEXANDER POPOV: THE ELEGANT FREESTYLE SPRINTER
At the age of 20, Alexander Popov won a historic 50 and 100 metres freestyle double at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before repeating the feat at the Atlanta Games four years later. OMEGA is proud to count this legendary swimmer among its family of ambassadors.
WATCHES FOR WATER WARRIORS
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Steel on steel
Omega Co‑Axial Master Chronometer 43.5 mm
$6,550.00
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Black ceramic on rubber strap
Omega Co‑axial Master Chronometer GMT 45.5 mm
Deep Black
$11,700.00
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Steel on rubber strap
Omega Co‑Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 45.5 mm
$8,350.00
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Sedna™ gold on leather strap with rubber lining
Omega Co‑Axial Master Chronometer 39.5 mm
$21,000.00
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Sedna™ gold on leather strap with rubber lining
Omega Co‑Axial Master Chronometer 39.5 mm
$7,900.00
OMEGA AND FINA: SMOOTH WATERS
Our partnership with FINA is oriented toward the continuous improvement and invention of the most advanced timekeeping technology, ensuring that results are correctly measured, recorded, displayed and distributed.
