The Timekeeping Starts Now!

Dubai, UAE, June 14, 2018:  Precisely 120 days out from the opening of the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, Official Timekeeper OMEGA starts the countdown clock ticking at a special ceremony in Argentina's vibrant capital.

The grand opening of the third summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games is still four months away, but OMEGA has already begun measuring the moments. The Official Timekeeper's countdown clock at Plaza de la Republica, was unveiled at a special ceremony on the 7th of June 2018.

The unveiling was attended by Felipe Miguel, Chief of Cabinet of Ministers of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires; and Mr Gerardo Werthein: IOC member, President of the Argentine Olympic Committee, and President of the Organizing Committee of the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.  

After a warm welcome from OMEGA representative Gregoire Sierro, Mr Gerardo Werthein took to the stage to speak of the importance of the event and the vital role OMEGA plays in its success. "In 120 days, the world will witness a fantastic sports celebration, which will showcase the power of youth and the Olympic spirit. We are very grateful to Omega; a long-time worldwide Olympic Games partner and an exceptional timekeeper. We'd like to thank them for supporting us on this journey. The Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 will be a fantastic competition. Omega will play a key role in helping us deliver this exceptional experience".

Thrilled that the upcoming event will take place in Buenos Aires, Mr Felipe Miguel expressed pride in the capital city's "open, passionate and welcoming spirit" and went on to say that: "In Buenos Aires, we pride ourselves on doing things well and I can tell you that these young athletes will have a fantastic time here and will feel right at home".  

Guests were then treated to a spirited performance from Argentinian dance and drum group Malevo before the unveiling of the OMEGA countdown clock, the design of which draws its inspiration from Floralis Generica, a beautiful metallic sculpture loved by the people of Buenos Aires.

After the official unveiling of the countdown clock, CEO of OMEGA Timing, Mr Alain Zobrist, presented the official guests with OMEGA last-lap bells. The bells, made by hand in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Swiss mountains, are used to signal the last lap in track events. Still in use alongside OMEGA’s state-of-the art timekeeping equipment, they represent a tradition unchanged for centuries.

OMEGA has served as Official Timekeeper at every Youth Olympic Games - both summer and winter - since 2010, and will return to the role yet again in 2020, when the Winter Youth Olympic Games takes place on the brand's home turf, in Lausanne Switzerland.

Following the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, OMEGA's timekeepers will head straight to Japan to prepare for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. This will be the 29th time OMEGA has taken on the challenge since 1932 - and there's no slowing down in the future. In a 2017 press conference it was revealed that OMEGA has been entrusted with this vital role until 2032, which will mark OMEGA's 100th year as Official Timekeeper at the Olympic Games. 

Following the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, OMEGA's timekeepers will head straight to Japan to prepare for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. This will be the 29th time OMEGA has taken on the challenge since 1932 - and there's no slowing down in the future. In a 2017 press conference it was revealed that OMEGA has been entrusted with this vital role until