Ancient Period
Timekeeping in sport has its roots in antiquity. The ancient Greeks used sundials and water clocks to measure time during the Olympic Games. However, these simple instruments were inaccurate and were used for reference purposes rather than for precise measurement.
Medieval and Early Modern Period
During the Middle Ages and the early modern period, timekeeping in sport did not change much. Most sporting events were still measured by sundials, water clocks or hourglasses. The accuracy of these instruments was still limited.
18th and 19th century
With the advent of mechanical clocks in the 18th century, timekeeping in sport improved dramatically. The first mechanical stopwatches were developed in the mid-18th century and began to be used to measure sporting performance. In 1869, the first pocket stopwatch was invented, allowing for more accurate timekeeping in athletic competitions.
20th century
The 20th century saw a revolution in timekeeping in sport thanks to technological advances. In 1912, electronic stopwatches were used for the first time in the Olympic Games. During the 1950s, photoelectric cells began to be used to measure target times in athletics.
The 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo marked another significant step, with the first use of the quartz clock, which provided even greater accuracy. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, electronic chips were used for the first time to measure time in the marathon.
Modern era
In the modern era, timekeeping in sport has become extremely accurate thanks to digital technology and computer data processing. Technologies such as photofinish, GPS, RFID and laser systems have become standard in many sports disciplines.
Photofinish
Photofinish is a technology that is used to determine the exact order of competitors at the finish line. It uses high-speed cameras that can take thousands of frames per second, allowing results to be determined to within thousandths of a second.
GPS and RFID
GPS technology is mainly used in cycling, running races and other outdoor sports. It allows to track the movement of athletes in real time and provides data on their speed and distance. RFID chips are often used in running races, where each competitor wears a chip that records their time as they pass specific points on the course.
Laser systems
Laser systems are used, for example, in swimming races or skiing. These systems can measure times with extreme accuracy and are able to pick up even the smallest differences in the times of competitors.
Sponsors and technology brands in sport
Timekeeping in sport is often associated with major brands that provide technology solutions and sponsor various sporting events.
Historically, the Swiss brand Longines is considered to be the first company to measure time in sport. Longines began supplying stopwatches for sporting events in the mid-19th century and gradually became one of the leading manufacturers of timekeeping equipment for sporting events. Today, Longines is a well-known partner of many major sporting events and a sponsor of many disciplines, including equestrian, gymnastics and tennis.
Omega
Omega is one of the most famous brands in the field of timekeeping in sports. Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932 and is responsible for timekeeping and results processing at the Games. It has long been associated with athletics. Since 2010, Omega has been the official timekeeper of the IAAF World Athletics Championships. Omega is responsible for timekeeping, results processing and providing technology solutions that include photofinish cameras, wind measurement and other sophisticated systems. With its accuracy and reliability, Omega has become an indispensable partner in determining winners in athletic competitions.
Seiko
Seiko is another major player in sports timekeeping. The company was the official timekeeper at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and has been involved in many other international sporting events since then.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is known for its involvement in motorsport, particularly Formula 1 racing. The company supplies timekeeping technology and is a partner of many racing teams and events.
Tissot
Tissot is the official timekeeper in a number of sporting disciplines, including cycling, fencing and motorcycle racing. The company provides advanced timekeeping technology and sponsors various international sporting events.
Hublot
Hublot, the prestigious Swiss watch brand, is known for its association with football. In 2010, Hublot became the official timekeeper and sponsor of the FIFA World Cup. This collaboration continued in the following years, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Hublot provides specially designed watches for referees that feature technology to measure game time and other key statistics. The brand also produces limited-edition watches inspired by the World Championships, underscoring their passion for this global sport.
Longines
Longines, the renowned Swiss watch brand, is known for its long-standing partnership with equestrian sports and downhill skiing. Longines is the official timekeeper and sponsor of many prestigious equestrian events, including the Longines Global Champions Tour and FEI World Cup Jumping. The brand provides advanced timekeeping technology to ensure fair and accurate results. Longines also sponsors the FIS World Downhill Ski Championships, where their technology contributes to timekeeping accurate to thousandths of a second, which is crucial for determining the winners in this dynamic discipline.
Rolex
Rolex is synonymous with luxury and precision, not only in the world of watches but also in sports. Rolex has been the official timekeeper of Wimbledon, the world's most prestigious tennis tournament, since 1978. The collaboration includes not only timekeeping but also support for the entire tournament organisation, helping Rolex to ensure the smooth running of this famous sporting feast. Rolex is also deeply rooted in the sport of yachting, sponsoring races such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race. These races represent the pinnacle of the sport of yachting, and Rolex provides precision timekeeping and support for the overall organisation of the events.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, another Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, is known for its association with golf. The brand sponsors a number of professional golfers and golf tournaments around the world. Audemars Piguet supports tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments, and is also a partner of several prominent professional golfers who wear the brand's watches on and off the golf courses. The collaboration between Audemars Piguet and golf highlights their shared values of precision, patience and elegance.
Richard Mille
Richard Mille, the luxury watch brand known for its innovative and high-tech watches, has established itself as a major sponsor in various sporting disciplines. Their collaboration with athletes highlights the values of precision, innovation and performance that are key to the brand. Here are some of the leading athletes that Richard Mille sponsors:
Rafael Nadal - Tennis
Rafael Nadal, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, is a long-standing brand ambassador for Richard Mille. Richard Mille watches are designed to withstand the extreme conditions that tennis at the top level presents. Nadal often wears the RM 27-03, which is lightweight, durable and designed to withstand the shock and vibration associated with intense tennis matches.
Bubba Watson - Golf
American professional golfer Bubba Watson, known for his unique playing style, is another prominent brand ambassador for Richard Mille. Watson wears the RM 38-01, a watch designed specifically for golfers. This watch combines lightness with durability and is able to withstand the powerful impacts that come from hitting a golf club.
Yohan Blake - Athletics
Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, one of the fastest men in the world, is also sponsored by the Richard Mille brand. Blake wears the RM 59-01 Tourbillon, which is designed to provide maximum comfort and performance during high-speed running. The watch is lightweight and ergonomic, which is key for sprinters.
Sébastien Ogier - Rally
Sébastien Ogier, multiple World Rally Champion, is another athlete in the Richard Mille portfolio. Ogier wears the RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph, which is designed for the extreme conditions of rally racing. This watch is shock and vibration resistant, which is essential for accurate timekeeping in the harsh conditions of rallying.
Fernando Alonso - Formula 1
Two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso is also associated with the Richard Mille brand. Alonso wears the RM 67-02 watch, which is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for the needs of a Formula 1 racer. This watch combines aesthetic design with technological innovations that are key to accurate timekeeping in motorsport.
Alexis Pinturault - Alpine Skiing
French alpine skier Alexis Pinturault, who is one of the best in his sport, is another Richard Mille ambassador. Pinturault wears the RM 67-02 watch, which is designed to withstand the extreme conditions skiers are exposed to. The watch is lightweight, durable and provides maximum comfort even during high-speed downhill runs.
Nicky Hayden - Motorcycle racing (in memoriam)
Nicky Hayden, the famous American motorcycle racer and MotoGP World Champion, was also part of the Richard Mille family. Hayden wore the RM 11-02, which is designed for high-speed racing and provides accurate timekeeping even in extreme conditions.
The sponsorship of leading watch brands in sport represents an important link between precision technology and top sports performance. Hublot, Omega, Longines, TAG Heuer, Seiko, Tissot, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Richar Mille, bring not only their sophisticated measuring technology to sport, but also the prestige and tradition that adds an extra layer of exclusivity and precision to sporting events. These collaborations underline the importance of precision timekeeping and support the development of sporting disciplines at a global level.
