The countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 has begun. As Official Timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has marked the moment with a special “One Year To Go” celebration in Milano - one of the two Italian host cities.

Especially for the occasion, the brand unveiled its stunning new Countdown Clock next to Milano’s iconic cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo. Similar to a snow globe, the giant clock has been tailor-made with a special airflow system that creates a continuous artificial snowfall effect around the competition logo. On the outside of the cube, two digital displays keep track of the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games on February 6^th, 2026, as well as the Paralympic Winter Games, beginning on March 6^th.

Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, was joined by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing; and Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. 

Raynald Aeschlimann said, “We can already feel the anticipation and excitement building for the winter events at Milano Cortina 2026. We know the athletes will have their dreams set on this huge upcoming occasion, and it makes everyone at OMEGA very proud to know we will be there to time their historic moments”.

Thomas Bach said, “The Olympic Games relies of the precision and experience of OMEGA.  They are experts in the Official Timekeeping role and we continue to value their commitment and enduring passion. It’s an honour for me to join this one-year countdown on behalf of the IOC”.

Speaking about the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist said, “With our precision timing and data measurement, OMEGA looks forward to telling the full story of each event in Milano Cortina. We’re expecting another thrilling edition of close finishes and dramatic results”.

Giovanni Malagò said, “Starting the OMEGA countdown today is an emotional moment. 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”.

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.