Notes from the Federal Palace APOLLINE SIX Contrôle suisse des chronomètres (COSC), a charitable organisation founded in 1973, plays a central role in guaranteeing Swiss timekeeping accuracy. This institution, which is independent and recognised at an international level, puts mechanical watches through a battery of tests. Only timekeeping devices with a precision that meets ISO 3159 standards are certified as chronometers. This search for precision is particularly evident in sports, where events are constantly becoming more professional and more competitive. Time measurement is a crucial part of this: it embodies the very essence of performance, that invisible line that separates effort from a record. Swiss watchmaking, in the same way as Swiss diplomacy, has played a major role in this field for decades, especially when it comes to timekeeping at the Olympic Games, a sector where technology is constantly evolving. The St. Moritz Winter Olympics The St. Moritz Winter Olympics in 1928 was the pinnacle of years of effort designed to promote alpine tourism and bolster Switzerland’s image on the international stage. The event represented a major diplomatic opportunity for the Swiss government: it was the perfect venue for gathering together a broad diversity of participants and to portray Switzerland as an appealing and reliable partner. The second Olympic Games held in Switzerland, in 1948, let the country showcase its watchmaking expertise, marking the first time an entirely automatic Omega chronograph was used to record the exact time at which the finish line was crossed. These Games also enhanced Switzerland’s profile internationally, confirming its role as a neutral host in a world marked by postwar fallout. With his chronometer around his neck, a man carefully watches the speed skaters go by at the Innsbruck Olympics in 1964. Photo: Norwegian National Archives Measuring time: Swiss expertise applied to sport Switzerland is known internationally for its “mastery of time”. Ever since the mid-16th century, the Swiss watchmaking industry has been crafting measuring devices that attribute a specific value to every moment. This expertise, patiently passed down and continually improved, is one of the benchmarks of reliability and precision that characterise our nation. Olympics in 1972, a second challenge was emerging: a growing rivalry between Swiss companies themselves. Omega and Longines fought for the strategic territory of sports timekeeping, which caused serious concern for the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH). The brands responsible for timekeeping, which were initially paid for their services, were quick to understand the advertising value of the fact that major competitions began to be broadcast in colour in the 1970s. Since the Olympic Games were the event that got the largest media coverage in the world, these brands sometimes even offered their services free of charge. Following years of tension and in full awareness of what was at stake, the major Swiss watchmakers finally decided to join forces and founded Swiss Timing in 1972, During the 1960s, against a backdrop of intensifying rivalry, the dominant position of Swiss companies in timekeeping for major sporting competitions was shaken by the appointment of Japanese firm Seiko as the official timekeeper for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Competition in sports timekeeping Renowned Swiss watchmaking firms took to diplomatic channels to defend their expertise in sports timekeeping. Swiss representations abroad were called upon to promote Switzerland’s know-how to the host countries of major international competitions, such as the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Alongside competition from Japan, which was gaining ground, including by providing the timekeeping for the Sapporo Winter 28 Swiss Review / February 2026 / No.1
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