06 February 2025 – Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner OMEGA has celebrated one year to go until the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 by unveiling a stunning new Countdown Clock in the heart of Milan.
Situated next to Milan’s iconic cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo, the Countdown Clock serves as a striking reminder of the excitement and anticipation building ahead of the Games. This milestone moment was celebrated in the presence of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation President Giovanni Malagò, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are now just one year away, and we can already feel the growing anticipation. As the days and hours count down, we know that when the Games start our timekeeping experts OMEGA will deliver the results with precision and integrity. They have been one of the IOC’s longest-standing partners and have shown commitment and passion decade after decade, so it is with great pleasure that I unveil this one-year countdown clock on behalf of the IOC. Thomas Bach, IOC President
The Countdown Clock itself is a remarkable feat of design and innovation. Inspired by the beauty and magic of winter sport, the installation resembles a giant snow globe, featuring a special airflow system that creates a continuous artificial snowfall effect within a transparent cube, surrounding the Milano Cortina 2026 emblem. Two digital displays will keep track of the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the Olympic Winter Games begin on 6 February 2026 and the Paralympic Winter Games on 6 March 2026.
Following the reveal of the Countdown Clock, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann spoke about the brand’s pride in its role as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games.
We can already feel the anticipation and excitement building for the winter events in Milano and Cortina. We know the athletes will have their dreams set on this huge upcoming event, and it makes everyone at OMEGA very proud to know we will be there to time their historic moments. Raynald Aeschlimann, OMEGA President and CEO
Italy preparing to “host the world”
The unveiling of the Milan Countdown Clock also marks a historic first: for the first time ever, there will be two official Countdown Clocks for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. A second clock will be unveiled in Cortina d’Ampezzo in March 2025, also measuring the time to go until the Opening Ceremony.
As preparations for the Games enter their final year, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, reflected on the significance of the occasion.
Starting the OMEGA countdown today is an emotional moment,” he said. “The Opening Ceremony now feels so close and we can’t wait to host the world here in Italy. I know that Milano and Cortina will create a fantastic atmosphere, and our venues will provide the perfect stage for sporting greatness. Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation
OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games since 1992. Throughout this time, the brand has introduced some of the most important timekeeping technologies in sport, while recording every performance with utmost precision. OMEGA’s critical role is essential to the successful outcome of the events and is relied upon at each edition by athletes, judges and spectators alike.
Speaking about its role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing, emphasised the brand’s commitment to precision.
With our precision timing and data measurement, OMEGA looks forward to telling the full story of each event at Milano Cortina. We’re expecting another thrilling edition of close finishes and dramatic results. Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing
Special edition timepiece to mark one-year countdown
To further celebrate the one-year-to-go milestone, OMEGA also announced the launch of a new commemorative timepiece – the Seamaster 37 mm Milano Cortina 2026.
Blending classic design with modern craftsmanship, this special edition features a symmetrical 18K Moonshine™ Gold case, a white Grand Feu enamel dial, and a hexagonal crown reminiscent of the original Olympic Seamasters. The Olympic connection is further celebrated through a commemorative medallion on the polished caseback featuring the Milano Cortina 2026 emblem.
