One To Watch | OMEGA x Beijing 2022
The Winter Olympics in China have officially begun and what better time than now to take a deeper look into the partnership of OMEGA and one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.
As Official Timekeeper of the Olympics, OMEGA have measured every moment of the greatest show on snow for 30 years running, and we were so excited to see the Swiss watch brand have made not one, but two OMEGA “Beijing 2022” Special Edition watches in celebration.
With the latest timepiece available online and in our OMEGA Boutiques, we’re eager to give you an insight into the iconic details. So, without further ado, let’s find out what makes OMEGA an Olympic winner. On your mark’s, get set…
Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games
Since 1932, OMEGA has played the role of the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games - precisely timing many different sports including those within the Youth Olympics and Paralympic Games. In all events, from start to finish, OMEGA have obtained every thrilling second and result. Shall we take a look at some of their revolutionary moments over the years?
We’ll start in 1948 and the birth of modern timing. OMEGA used a photoelectric cell for the first time and it was at this Olympiad that machines began to out-perform humans for accuracy. Fast forward a few years and in 1952 the official times were recorded to the nearest hundredth of a second. The OMEGA Time Recorder also allowed for results to be printed, winning the Swiss watch brand the prestigious Croix du Mérite Olympique for their outstanding service to the world of sport.
In 1964 and the age of electronic timing, the Omegascope invented the concept of real time in televised sports, superimposing numbers at the bottom of a TV screen. Four years later, the touch pad in the pool was introduced, allowing the swimmer’s own hand to stop the clock.
At the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, OMEGA introduced the Scan-O-Vision system which digitally measured the times of speed skaters to the nearest thousand of a second. Precise, right? It only gets better. In 2012 the Quantum Timer brought a new era of timekeeping - enhanced to showcase a resolution of one millionth of a second, it’s clear why OMEGA are the raining champions of timing the Olympic Games.
Celebrating 30 years
Proud to record dreams of the world’s best winter athletes, the Swiss-watch brand couldn’t stop at just one special edition for their 30th anniversary. Joining the famous Aqua Terra 150m collection, the OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra “Beijing 2022” Special Edition Watch is a collector’s very own medal.
Capturing the icy spirit of the games through the white ceramic dial, this arctic-inspired timepiece boasts a unique frost-finish - the first of its kind on an OMEGA watch. With a 41mm case size, it’s clear this watch is inspired by the snow-topped mountains. It’s like no other in the Seamaster collection.
The Olympic colours jump straight off the dial thanks to blued hands and indexes, as well as the red Seamaster name and quarter numbers. Super-LumiNova allows for easy readability in the dark, whether you’re underwater or on land. And speaking of underwater, with a water resistance of 150m you’ll be prepared for any aquatic adventure that comes your way.
On the case back, the “Beijing 2022” emblem takes home the gold for us. Surrounded by the Aqua Terra’s familiar wave-edged design, it’s a fabulous reminder of the historic event. Driven by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900, this automatic movement has a power reserve of up to 60 hours - great for perfecting your own performance, or just getting to work on time!
The perfect podium
It’s only right that a trophy-worthy sports watch gets the podium it deserves. Presented in its very own special box, the OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra “Beijing 2022” Special Edition watch sits next to an OMEGA and Beijing 2022 plaque as a noble reminder.
Available to shop from £5,520 or £115.00 per month with interest free credit, discover the limited OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra “Beijing 2022” Special Edition online and in our OMEGA Boutiques. Find your nearest one here.
Delve further into the world of OMEGA and their iconic collections with our Guide To Buying An OMEGA. For more stories on Swiss watch brands and their sporting achievements, discover our Swiss Watch Buying Guide.
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