George Clooney made a notable appearance during the Winter Olympics in Milan, attending the Opening Gala for the Omega House, highlighting his long-standing connection with the Omega brand. The event took place recently at Ristorante Cracco in Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where Clooney showcased his passion for both the Olympics and luxury timepieces.
George Clooney’s Role at the Winter Olympics and Omega Partnership
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, arrived in Milan where they were seen at a series of high-profile events, including the Omega House launch gala last Saturday. Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games for 94 years, has maintained a partnership with Clooney since 2007, making him one of their most enduring brand ambassadors. Clooney’s presence at the Winter Olympics was more than a mere social visit; it was to celebrate his affiliation with Omega and its historic role in sports timing.
The actor expressed pride in this long-term collaboration:
I am so proud to represent Omega,
he shared during a conversation at the gala.
It’s not something I take lightly, and I only have a couple of these partnerships. To be involved with the company for such a long period of time, it’s an honor for me.
George Clooney’s connection to Omega is deeply personal as well — when he first joined the brand, his father discovered an old Omega watch in their attic and gifted it to him.
It worked perfectly and it was so beautiful,
Clooney recalled.
So, it’s a tradition in my family personally.
Sports Enthusiasm and Clooney’s Personal History
A longtime sports enthusiast, Clooney’s athletic interests span from his youth to present-day hobbies. Earlier in life, he even attempted tryouts with the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, although he did not make the roster. Now, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball, maintaining an active lifestyle. Clooney recounted a recent family day at his children’s school in France, where he participated energetically in a demanding basketball game with other fathers.
Six on six, full court, where everybody loses a tooth,
he explained. His endurance outlasted many younger dads who needed breaks, showcasing his ongoing love for competitive sports.
Though winter sports aren’t his primary athletic pursuits, Clooney enjoys watching them, especially thrilling downhill racing events.
It’s always fun to watch any of the downhill racing,
he stated.
Watching those athletes go down at that rate of speed is just insanity. And we all got into ice skating in the ’90s. I find skating a little like gymnastics, in the sense that it’s all or nothing. If you fall, it’s over. There’s so much risk. You’re watching people risk everything they’ve been training for their whole lives. They’ve done it 99 times out of 100, but when they fall, it’s just heartbreaking.
Directing Sports on Screen: ‘The Boys in the Boat’
Beyond his real-life sports interests, Clooney has also explored athletic stories through film. In 2023, he directed The Boys in the Boat, a sports drama based on the true story of the U.S. rowing team’s gold medal victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Reflecting on sports movies, Clooney spoke about their unique appeal:
The interesting thing about sports films is that we know how it ends before it starts,
he remarked.
With The Boys in the Boat, we knew that the Americans won that race against Germany. We knew it. But what’s so compelling is that you’re still willing to take that journey, because you want the ride. That’s what sports films do in a beautiful way. We love the underdog winning. Whether it’s Miracle, Hoosiers, Rudy, or any of those great stories, I just love sports films.
Omega’s partnership with the Olympics dates back to 1936, when it first provided timing through stopwatches for various events including the rowing competition featured in Clooney’s movie. Since then, Omega has continually advanced its technology by introducing photo-finish cameras in 1948 and developing new equipment like a state-of-the-art starting pistol.
Omega’s Legacy of Precision and Innovation
Beyond sports, Clooney highlighted Omega’s significant technical achievements, including its role in space exploration. Omega went to the moon, Clooney said, emphasizing the brand’s reliability:
If you watch what happened on those Apollo flights, you think about the accuracy that was required—without question, when people’s lives were up for grabs, you already know it’s a really good, quality product.
Style and Watches Featured at Omega House
The Omega House served as an exclusive venue where the company hosted guests during the Winter Olympic Games, marking its first appearance at a Winter Olympics in Milan. George Clooney graced the opening gala wearing the new Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, a timepiece inspired by the fourth-generation Speedmaster previously worn by astronauts on the moon. Korean actor and fellow Omega ambassador Park Bo-Gum also attended, showcasing the new Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m.
Clooney expressed particular admiration for several Omega models.
I like the Speedmaster; it’s just such a classic,
he commented.
I’ve used those probably the most. Not only the Moonwatch, but also the Dark Side of the Moon, which is absolutely stunning.
He also shared his appreciation for newer designs:
I’m also really into the new Aqua Terra in turquoise,
Clooney said.
Watch people go through phases of what they like, and right now, people seem to be really digging green dials, but I do love the turquoise Aqua Terra, and also the terracotta one I’ve been wearing. I really like the watches in steel. I have a platinum wedding ring, so steel kind of looks better. I think they’re just elegant.
Famously synonymous with timeless elegance, Clooney’s style perfectly complements the sophisticated image of the Omega brand, especially in settings like the Milan gala and Winter Games events.
The Broader Impact of Omega’s Olympic Involvement
Omega’s involvement at the Winter Olympics reinforces both the company’s heritage and modern innovation, showcased through its exclusive guest space in Milan. The timing precision required in Olympic competition, combined with Omega’s historical and technological milestones, underscores the brand’s ongoing relevance in elite sports and beyond. Clooney’s dedication as a brand ambassador further elevates Omega’s profile during these international events, bringing attention to the intricate bonds between athletic excellence, precision engineering, and style.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Omega’s presence, strengthened by ambassadors like George Clooney and Park Bo-Gum, is set to remain a key highlight, revealing how tradition blends with contemporary innovation on a global stage.
