Discover Omega’s Cutting-Edge Timekeeping at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026
If you tuned into the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, you likely couldn’t miss the stunning victories of athletes like Jutta Leerdam and Jordan Stolz, along with the impressive silver medal win by Italy’s own Dorothea Wierer. You might have also seen Lindsey Vonn’s dramatic crash on the slopes. With the Winter Games in full swing, let’s dive into the innovative timekeeping technology that Omega has introduced this year.
Olympic Games 1956 in Cortina, Italy
Timekeeping Innovations at the Olympic Games 2026
Chances are, you also noticed the vibrant red Omega branding showcased prominently throughout Milan and Cortina. For the 32nd time, Omega has been appointed the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games. Since 1932, they have been at the forefront of timekeeping technology, evolving from mechanical stopwatches to cutting-edge tech that tracks every vital moment of the competition.
Motion Sensor Tracking at the PyeongChang 2018 Games
Last year, we provided a comprehensive overview of Omega’s timekeeping technology used at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For the Milano Cortina Winter Games, featuring eight sports categories and a total of 116 events, Omega has rolled out even more innovative solutions.
Bobsleigh: Pushing the Boundaries of Timekeeping
One of the standout new innovations is the Bobsleigh Virtual Photofinish. This groundbreaking technology allows officials to visually compare the finish times of each team with a high-definition image of the finish line. Each run produces a unique photo that officials can use for real-time analysis. Streaming data from sensors in the bobsled and antennas placed strategically along the track, this system captures speed and roll angle with precision.
The technology utilizes a photocell system that captures exact times at various points along the track, producing a comprehensive overview of all teams’ finishes. This visual representation helps commentators and audiences grasp the event’s dynamics more effectively.
Figure Skating: Advanced Tracking Technology
Following its debut at PyeongChang 2018, Omega’s Computer Vision technology is making its mark once again in figure skating. This advanced system of image-tracking cameras follows each athlete’s moves with remarkable accuracy. When combined with AI software, it collects live data on movement, position, speed, and acceleration.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, this technology will track the angle of each skater’s blade, alongside crucial data points such as jump heights and landing speeds, allowing judges to instantly evaluate performances based on comprehensive, innovative data.
Ski Jumping: Mastering Precision
Omega’s Computer Vision technology also powers the ski jumping events, analyzing athletes’ jump performances by monitoring their body positions during take-off. Equipped with sensors and supported by high-speed cameras, this technology tracks everything from speed and knee angle to the impact of wind speed on distance traveled.
The system generates detailed overview images and data sets that provide judges and commentators with critical insights into each jump, ensuring accuracy and fairness in scoring.
Big Air: A New Era of Analysis
In Big Air events, Omega’s Computer Vision technology steps up once again, this time relying solely on high-speed cameras to track athletes’ performances in real-time. By eliminating the need for motion sensors, the technology meticulously captures speed, rotations, height, and jump trajectories from four to six cameras.
With this system, Omega delivers a full analysis that includes stroboscopic images showcasing the athletes’ jump routines alongside all critical performance metrics.
The Future of Infographics with Omega
Omega’s new Vionardo Graphics Technology is revolutionizing the way live timing and scoring data are presented, displaying graphics in stunning 4K UHD for both onsite venues and broadcasting channels.
In cooperation with Omega’s subsidiary, Swiss Timing, the timekeeping effort for Milano Cortina 2026 involves over 300 timekeepers and professionals, 250 trained volunteers, 130 tonnes of equipment, 65 sport-specific scoreboards, 20 public scoreboards, and a whopping 100 kilometers of cables and optical fiber.
Exclusive Olympic Watches by Omega
We’ve previously highlighted Omega’s Olympic Watch editions. Among our favorites was the Seamaster Milano Cortina edition in gold, but Omega also released a Speedmaster Milano Cortina edition and a Seamaster Diver 300M variant.
Seamaster 37mm: A Touch of Gold
Inspired by the 1956 Olympic Seamaster edition, the new 37mm Seamaster watch in 18K gold features stunning dog-leg lugs reminiscent of vintage models, along with arrow-shaped hour markers and a hexagonal crown. Its Grand Feu enamel dial complements the gold accents beautifully.
On the reverse side, there’s a commemorative medallion referencing the Milano Cortina Games, and inside lies Omega’s caliber 8807—a Master Chronometer-certified movement that guarantees precise timekeeping.
Speedmaster 38: Elegance in Design
The 38mm Speedmaster Milano Cortina edition, released last year, builds on the automatic movement tradition of the Speedmaster 38 collection. Its white dial, inspired by blue mountain tops, harmonizes beautifully with the blue accents. This model also boasts the Milano Cortina medallion on its case back.
The Speedmaster 38 is powered by Omega’s caliber 3330 and is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
Seamaster Diver 300M: A Masterpiece of Style
Rounding off our selection is the Seamaster Diver 300M in striking white ceramic. This 43.5mm watch features a white rubber strap that perfectly complements its snow-white dial, detailed with the signature “26” and a white ceramic bezel. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium combined with white ceramic, this piece is a must-have for any enthusiast.
This stunning timepiece features titanium elements in the crowns, bezel, and case back. It also boasts blue accents on the dial, making it a standout choice for any fan of the Winter Games.
To learn more about Omega’s timekeeping technology for the Olympic Games, check here.
Are you catching the Games this year? Share your favorite moments or sports in our comments below!