On November 23, 2005 at a ceremony held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart presented an exclusive addition to the Museum’s collection: a gold pocket watch. The OMEGA Pocket Watch 1932 is an enhanced replica of the original OMEGA chronographs used to time all events at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games, and is the first of a limited edition of 300 designed to mark OMEGA’s return to its role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games. The ceremony was held in the presence of Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who accepted the gift on behalf of the Olympic Museum, and Nick Hayek, Chief Executive Officer of the Swatch Group.





In brief remarks to the assembled guests, Mr. Hayek recalled the long-term relationship between Swatch Group companies and the International Olympic Committee. “We have demonstrated our commitment to sports, timekeeping and the Olympic Games in a strong relationship with the IOC that began in 1932 and continues today. The OMEGA Pocket Watch 1932 is both a reminder of this historic relationship and a fitting symbol of the essential role of sports timekeeping at the Olympic Games.”





In brief remarks to the assembled guests, Mr. Hayek recalled the long-term relationship between Swatch Group companies and the International Olympic Committee. “We have demonstrated our commitment to sports, timekeeping and the Olympic Games in a strong relationship with the IOC that began in 1932 and continues today. The OMEGA Pocket Watch 1932 is both a reminder of this historic relationship and a fitting symbol of the essential role of sports timekeeping at the Olympic Games.”

OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart highlighted exceptional moments in the history of sports timekeeping and unveiled the fascinating story behind the contemporary edition of the famous 1932 OMEGA chronograph. The chance discovery of unassembled movement components gave the unusual project its start, and OMEGA’s master craftsmen deployed contemporary technologies to complete it. “The Pocket Watch 1932 testifies to OMEGA’s past and present commitment to the art and science of sports timekeeping,” said Mr. Urquhart. “We are delighted to contribute this contemporary artefact to the Olympic Museum’s fine collection.”

Mr. Rogge thanked Mr. Urquhart for the gift of the OMEGA Pocket Watch 1932 to the museum, commenting: “The Olympic Museum welcomes the gift of such a fascinating object. Sometimes overlooked, the official timekeepers have always played a critical role, and this exemplary exhibit will help to highlight their past and present contribution to the success of the Olympic Games.”





The OMEGA Limited Edition Pocket Watch 1932 is powered by the OMEGA calibre 3889A, a high-performance movement with an integrated rattrapante chronograph mechanism controlled by a double column wheel. The 24’’’ (53.7mm) movement, assembled from restored and enhanced components, beats at 36,000 alternations per hour, enabling measurements accurate to 1/10th of a second, and has been certified by COSC as a chronometer. The OMEGA Pocket Watch 1932 will be available in a limited edition of 300 pieces. The movement is housed in yellow, gold or red watchcases (100 of each); the white enamel dial is a faithful replica of the 1932 design. The case back opens to reveal the movement, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Stamped on the case back is the official five-ring logo of the Olympic Games. The title Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games and the words Limited Edition are engraved on the case back, along with the edition number of each piece: (001/100) for each of the yellow, white and red gold editions.

The partnership between the IOC and OMEGA to supply accurate, consistently precise and reliable timekeeping equipment was first made in 1932. Seventy-four years later, at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, the world’s top athletes will again look to OMEGA for precise, reliable and comprehensive results. OMEGA also serves as Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games, and will represent The Swatch Group Ltd as the designated Official Timekeeper at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.



Source: Omega

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