When Every Second Counts
Swiss Timing, part of the Swatch Group is the renowned timekeeper behind the major Swiss watch brands. At Olympic Games and many international sport competitions they are responsible for timekeeping, data handling and graphic information processing. With groundbreaking innovations, they help to make major sporting events even more attractive for athletes and spectators alike. Since 2005, we’ve worked with Swiss Timing and have been involved in the development of outstanding projects like the OSB 11 swimming starting block and E-Gun, the electronic starting system with false start detection.

Portrait of the Swimmer Sebastian Iwanow,

Paralympic World Champion 2010 on 100 meters freestyle.

Ergonomic Tests at the Hesse Olympic Center, Frankfurt am Main

Determining the best angle and position of the takeoff footrest.

OSB 11 – Swimming Starting Block

The introduction of the individually adjustable takeoff footrest has revolutionized the starting technique in swimming. Due to a knee angle of 90° the start is more powerful and dynamic as proven by several ergonomic studies.

2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China

The official introduction of the new starting block. Due to protests of the American and Australian teams, the takeoff footrest was omitted for the time being. In 2009 the new starting block, including the takeoff footrest was approved by the international swimming federation FINA and has since then established itself as standard.

2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada
Introduction of the new electronic starting pistol with light flash and direct sound transmission to each starting block. This innovation leads to more equal opportunities, as the athlete next to the starter was previously favored due to the slow propagation of sound.

E-Gun – Electronic Starting System

Human-factors and design study

Saturn – Data Terminal
When the athlete’s performance is evaluated by jurors, data entry terminals are a key element in scoring the results and attract a high level of attention from the spectators on site and on screen. The Saturn terminal can be equipped with various hardware components and with its exchangeable, backlit rear panels a high brand visibility for sponsors is ensured.

Current Situation

Quantum – Timer

The new generation of Quantum timer is based on an integrated atomic clock, improving the accuracy of timekeeping by a factor of 100 (< 0.03 sec/year). The housing design allows for both rack and stand-alone installation.

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