Skip to content
constellation constellation deville deville seamaster seamaster speedmaster speedmaster baselworld2017 baselworld2017 baselworld2018 baselworld2018 starmen starmen specialities specialities

Planet Omega

Athletics

OMEGA: KEEPING UP WITH THE WORLD’S BEST ATHLETES

Records are meant to be broken and the world’s athletes keep pushing the limits of speed, strength and endurance. They are faster and stronger than ever and rely on our timekeepers to measure, display and distribute their results accurately, as they have done for decades.

TIMEKEEPING: A KEY ELEMENT IN ATHLETIC EXCITEMENT

Timekeeping is a key contributor to the excitement of athletics. Without the ability to measure times and distances separating the winner from the field, competition as we know it would be impossible. Without timing, there would be no world or Olympic records.

THE OMEGA STARTING BLOCKS

Our 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

Our 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!

OUR EYE-CATCHING 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.

TIMING A SPRINT

SEE HOW WE TIME A 100M SPRINT

OMEGA AND THE IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE

Since the IAAF Diamond League was founded in 2010, OMEGA has proudly served as official timekeeper at each of its 14 annual track and field meetings in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, which feature many of the world's most talented athletes.