As the Official Timekeeper of Milano Cortina 2026, OMEGA has unveiled a special Countdown Clock in Cortina to celebrate “One Year to Go” to the Paralympic Winter Games, beginning on March 6th, 2026.

Counting days, hours, minutes, and seconds, the installation is located at Piazza Angelo Dibona, in the centre of the Italian resort, with four continuous timers set for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italian and English. Crafted in the shape of a giant Milano Cortina 2026 emblem, the clock will remain in place to help build anticipation throughout the next 12 months.

Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, was in Cortina to help officially cut the ribbon of the Countdown Clock, alongside Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee; Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing; Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026: and Luca Pancalli, Vice President of Milano Cortina 2026 and President of Comitato Paralimpico Italiano.

Raynald Aeschlimann said, “For OMEGA, Cortina is a place of important sporting heritage. We were here in 1956 to time the Olympic Winter Games, and so it feels very exciting to be coming back, exactly 70 years later, to measure these Olympic and Paralympic events. I can’t wait to see the incredible things that the athletes will accomplish.”

Andrew Parsons said, “For everyone involved in Milano Cortina 2026, this one-year countdown is a thrilling moment. There’s a real sense of energy around these Paralympic Winter Games and it’s an honour to have such an enthusiastic partner in OMEGA. The brand recognizes the values of the Paralympic movement and brings so much experience and expertise to its role. We can’t wait to share the magic of sport when the events begin next year.”

Speaking about the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist said, “For the Paralympic Winter Games, OMEGA relies on all of the same equipment as the Olympic Winter Games, but with several special additions for certain events. It’s therefore a role that requires a lot of expertise and knowledge. I’m pleased to say that all of our timekeepers are looking forward to the moment, and to recording each and every second of action.”

Andrea Varnier said, “For the first time in history, the Games have the name of two cities: Milano Cortina 2026. After the countdown to the Olympics in Milan started with OMEGA, now it's Cortina's turn, for an event that celebrates the -1 to the Paralympics. We are counting the days, hours, and minutes that separate us from the great event that will bring the Games back to the Dolomites.”

Luca Pancalli said, “The Paralympic Games is an inspiring occasion for all involved. For every athlete and spectator coming to Milano Cortina 2026, we can promise this will be a moment to remember.”

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place between March the 6th and 15th, 2026. The Games will attract up to 650 athletes from 50 National Paralympic Committees who will compete across 79 medal events in six sports.

OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games since Albertville 1992. This unique duty is a continuation of the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, which OMEGA has fulfilled since 1932. 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.