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Planet Omega

Swimming

Making a splash in aquatic sports timekeeping

OMEGA has long been at the forefront of sport timekeeping technology. Working closely with World Aquatics 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.

Watches for water warriors

Tested at the highest level and equally at home in the water, these precision timepieces reflect the finest qualities of a world-beating, record-breaking aquatic athlete.

Stars of the pool

It takes precision, strength and determination to become a swimming legend. Over the years, OMEGA has supported many of the best. Distinguished athletes such as our friends highlighted below. All worthy winners who have left an indelible mark on swimming history.
  • Michael Phelps
    Will we ever see another like him? American swimmer Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals over five Olympic Games, including 23 golds. He has led his sport with remarkable ambition and now set the mark for everyone else to follow.
  • Léon Marchand
    After placing 6th in the 400m individual medley at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, this young French swimmer has dominated his events, winning both the 200m and 400m individual medleys at the 2022 World Championships in Budapest. His 400m win is also the current European record.
  • Chad Le Clos
    After a stellar performance at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Chad Le Clos, the 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 numerous times and claimed two impressive silver medals at Rio 2016.
  • Noè Ponti
    Since winning a bronze medal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Noè has claimed multiple silver and bronze medals at the World Championships (short course), and another silver medal at the European Championships in 2022. A Swiss butterfly expert who has plenty more to come.
  • David Popovici
    Romanian swimmer David Popovici is the World Record holder in the 100 freestyle. At the 2022 World Aquatics Championships, he won gold in his two signature events (100m and 200m freestyle), becoming the first swimmer since 1973 to achieve the double.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW

Official Timekeeper

OMEGA and World Aquatics Championships: smooth waters

Our partnership with World Aquatics is oriented toward the continuous improvement and invention of the most advanced timekeeping technology, ensuring that results are correctly measured, recorded, displayed and distributed.

OMEGA and the USA Swimming
When the best aquatic athletes in the United States competed for a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, OMEGA was poolside measuring every second of the action as Official Timekeeper. At an event where even the smallest margin of victory could mark a career-changing moment, precision timekeeping was vital. USA Swimming placed their trust in OMEGA.

Precision on the pool

Precision on the pool

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.