Omega on the Road to Paris: “We are focused on our service to the athletes”
As the countdown to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 continues, the Worldwide Olympic Partners are preparing to play a fundamental role in making the Games a success. In our Road to Paris series, these Partners talk about some of the essential support they will be providing and reveal their excitement at helping to shape an unforgettable Olympic experience for fans and athletes alike. Here, we speak with Raynald Aeschlimann, the President and CEO of OMEGA.
What does it mean to you personally to be involved with the Olympic Games?
I feel part of history. I have been fortunate to watch some of sport’s greatest moments at eight Olympic Games so far. From the gold medals of Michael Phelps to the closest sprint finishes ever recorded. These are the split-seconds that are remembered for centuries. To be there, and be part of it, is so special. I’m honoured to lead OMEGA at each Olympic Games, and I always feel the genuine energy and spirit that every athlete and spectator brings.
As we look forward to Paris 2024, in less than one year, can you give an insight into the importance of the planning that goes on behind the scenes?
As soon as one Olympic Games edition finishes, we are already preparing for the next. It’s a non-stop role, but we love it. Each edition brings new sports, new venues and the logistics of a new host city. But OMEGA has been involved with the Olympic Games for over 90 years, so we are able to rely on our expertise and experience to manage the task. We really feel the responsibility for timing every event, but we embrace it with absolute commitment.
Can you give us an early glimpse of some of your plans for Paris 2024?
As Official Timekeeper, we are focused on our service to the athletes. That means thoroughly testing all our equipment and ensuring that each moment will be recorded with guaranteed precision. It’s a huge logistical task, of course, but our preparations have been ongoing for several years.
Besides this, we are also preparing an inspiring advertising campaign, and the activation of OMEGA House in Paris. As usual, this will be a fun and immersive environment to welcome guests and celebrate our passion for the Olympic Games.
What are some of the key milestones for OMEGA on the Road to Paris?
In keeping with tradition, OMEGA has also now unveiled a dedicated Countdown Clock in the host city. It was installed for the official one-year countdown to Paris 2024, and is now tracking the hours, minutes and seconds to the Opening Ceremony.
At the same time, we’ve released a special Paris 2024 timepiece, crafted with essential touches of gold, and the Paris 2024 emblem used throughout the design. For sports fans, this Seamaster Diver 300M is a very collectable edition, and is available in our boutiques in Paris.
What is OMEGA most looking forward to about the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris next year?
At every edition of the Games, OMEGA witnesses and records new dreams being fulfilled, and new world and Olympic records being measured. It’s incredible to see how every athlete pushes themselves to the limit. Since 1932, OMEGA has certainly seen the true evolution of faster, higher, stronger. What will we measure at Paris 2024? We can’t wait to find out.