When the world’s first bobsleigh club was founded in St. Moritz in 1897, the only sleds in existence were wooden toboggans with rudimentary steering mechanisms. From then on, it was all downhill. The term “bob” was coined with the arrival of steel sleds, on which the crew would swing (in English “bob”) back and forth to increase speed on straightaways.

The very first four-man bobsleigh race was held in Chamonix at the 1924 Winter Olympics; the first two-man bobsleigh race took place just eight years later in Lake Placid. Early bobsleighers came from other sports, especially athletics, where the emphasis on strength and speed was a plus that could also be applied to bobsleigh racing. As the sport grew in popularity, however, rules were introduced to limit the weight of the crew and the sleds, leading to the strong, agile competitors and sleek fiberglass sleds we see today.

The role of OMEGA

OMEGA has a partnership with the IBSF (International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation). The agreement will remain in effect at least until the 2026/2027 season. Thanks to the brand's unrivaled reputation in sports timekeeping, including at the Olympic Winter Games, OMEGA's reliable precision is also guaranteed in bobsleigh.

Although the goal of this sport is quite simple, reaching the finish line without getting into trouble requires talent, courage and a strong competitive spirit. The start (from a standing start) requires the crew, composed of 2 or 4 members, to push the bobsled and then jump on board and try to complete the descent in the shortest possible time. Even a fraction of a second can be precious: in bobsled, a tenth of a second advantage at the start can turn into three tenths of an advantage at the finish line. Accurate timing is therefore essential, not only in the race but also during the trials. The six intermediate time measurements along the descent allow the crew to identify the points where it is necessary to improve performance.

The magic of monobob

For OMEGA, monobob is more than just a sport. The dynamic event has been a passion for the brand since 2011. Not only has the brand helped to foster the development and growth of monobob, but it has also accompanied it in its debut at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Known as the “Formula One” of winter sports, monobob puts a dynamic twist on a classic winter competition, featuring agile single bobsleds that are pushed, steered and slowed by a single athlete. For this reason, the skill of the pilot makes all the difference.

At 2,30 metres in length, the monobob is also quite light, weighing only around 130 kilograms, and can therefore reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour and exert a gravitational force of three or four Gs.

The sport features a range of OMEGA timing equipment, including some technologies often found in traditional bobsleigh racing, such as sensors inside each bobsleigh, which can measure factors such as G-forces, angles, trajectory and acceleration.

The bob measurement system

The OMEGA bobsleigh measurement system features a unique technology that captures critical kinetic data throughout the duration of a bobsleigh ride. This data will then be used for precise analysis, evaluation and public presentation.

Operating Principle

OMEGA's bobsleigh measurement system uses a complex array of sensors to capture data about the bobsleigh's movement as it races, including speed, acceleration and roll angle. The information, obtained in real time, is used to create television graphics and training sessions. The intelligent system can identify the start and end of the race and activate energy-saving mode when the bobsleigh is not on the track.

System features

The combined radar sensor and 3D inertial sensor, combined with the dedicated software application, allow OMEGA’s measurement system to simultaneously capture all the essential race parameters, which crews and coaches can use to make even the most complex analyses and comparisons. Typically, a data set includes the following parameters:

  • Speed ​​and distance: continuously detected by the radar sensor, with a frequency of 10 measurements per second, the speed can be measured at any moment of the ride, including the sharpest and steepest curves.
  • Acceleration forces: 3D inertial sensors capture accelerations along all axes, making it possible to perform complex analyses relating to the racing trajectory or reaction times.
  • Comparison of distances: It is also possible to measure the distance traveled by a bobsled by monitoring its speed on a specific section of the track. This information is crucial in cases where the difference between first and second place depends on a fraction of a second.

Speedmaster Chronoscope: designed for measuring

Bobsleigh racing requires a great deal of measurement, making the OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope the perfect timepiece to celebrate the sport. The watch features a host of chronometric functions, including three “snail” scales on the silvery dial: the tachymeter scale, the pulsometer scale and the telemeter scale. The model also features a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, and a 12-hour and 60-minute recorder at 3 o’clock.

The overall design, with classic notes, is inspired by OMEGA wrist chronographs from the 43s. The XNUMX mm stainless steel case is paired with a mesh bracelet. The anodized aluminum bezel, leaf-shaped hands and blue Arabic numerals give the watch a wintery look.

Inside this OMEGA timepiece beats a heart of legendary precision: the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre ensures this model meets the highest standards and certified performances of Swiss watchmaking.