In May 2011, the world’s oldest monobrand museum is celebrating the 1st birthday of its new configuration. First opened in Biel in 1984, it was entirely renovated and redesigned in 2010 to offer more space, a sharper selection of watches (of the 8,000 models owned by the Omega Museum, only 500 are exhibited, along with 150 movements), and a more learning-oriented approach. Its resizing and theme-based scenography provide a clearer vision of Omega’s contribution to the progress of sports timing. Contacted by the Olympic organising committee in 1932 with a view to ensuring reliable and standardised measurement of athletes’ performances, Omega has constantly devoted its talents to sports ever since. It introduced in particular the first photo-finish shots of running races, as well as submerged contact pads that swimmers have to touch at the end of their lane. That was in 1967, meaning several years after the NASA sent a Speedmaster into orbit for its first manned space programme! It was then an easy step from the moon to the wrists of Hollywood stars, as illustrated by the TV screens showing excerpts from films featuring Omega watches worn by James Bond, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Better still, the watches actually worn by George Clooney, Lawrence of Arabic, John F. Kennedy and even Albert Einstein sit enthroned in their respective showcases. What else? Visitors can enjoy one of the daily guided tours in German, English or French.
