Description
OMEGA - Official Timekeeper of 22 Olympic Games collectible pin. 1952 Helsinki?. I really don't know. Gold-tone or silver-tone plating is common depending on the production series. It serves as an entry-level collectible priced modestly yet rich in historical connection. Pricing Trends: Keep an eye on completed sales to gauge realized prices, as collectible markets fluctuate with demand and rare finds. The OMEGA Official Timekeeper of 22 Olympic Games collectible pin is a highly sought-after item for collectors interested in Olympic memorabilia. The internet says that their 22nd year was the 1952 Helsinki, Finland Olympic Games. So does this mean this pin is from 1952? I really don't know... This pin showcases the theme of the Olympics and is a great addition to any collection of Olympic-related items. As an official timekeeper for so many Olympic Games, OMEGA's involvement in these events holds a special significance, making this pin a valuable and historical piece for enthusiasts of the sport. AI FROM THE INTERNET: Omega’s 22nd official Olympic Games timekeeping role took place in 1952 at the Helsinki Summer Olympics in Finland. This was a significant year in Omega’s Olympic history because it marked the debut of the Omega Time Recorder , an electronic chronograph with a high-speed printing device that could record results to the nearest 1/100th of a second . This innovation was a major leap in precision, helping to resolve close finishes and controversial decisions in events like the 100 m sprint, where margins were as small as 0.01 seconds. Omega had first become the official timekeeper in 1932 at the Los Angeles Games, and by 1952 it had already been in the role 21 times. The Helsinki Games were the 22nd occasion, continuing a partnership that began nearly 90 years earlier. AND MORE AI: The OMEGA “Official Timekeeper of 22 Olympic Games” pin is a notable collectible with historical, design, and market significance, valued for both its connection to Olympic history and Omega’s legacy in precision timekeeping. Historical Significance The pin commemorates Omega's role as the official timekeeper in 22 consecutive Olympic Games , reflecting decades of involvement with sports timing since their first official Olympic partnership in 1932 . This makes the pin rich in historical value , celebrating milestones in both Olympic and horology history . Collectors value such items because they represent both sports heritage and Omega’s innovations in precision timekeeping technology, such as electronic timing systems and photo-finish capabilities developed over the 20th century. Design and Materials Material and Finish: The pin is made of enamel on metal, featuring colorful detailing , with Omega branding and Olympic motifs. Gold-tone or silver-tone plating is common depending on the production series . Imagery: The design often includes Olympic rings , the Omega name/logo, and references the number “22” to signify the games Omega has timed. Some editions may also include visual elements referencing the sports or timing devices. Size: Most pins are small and wearable , generally ranging from 1 to 2 inches, making them suitable for pin boards, lapels, or display cases for memorabilia collections . Production Era and Rarity Vintage Status: The pin is classified as vintage, likely produced before 2000 , making it increasingly rare over time as surviving examples diminish in circulation . Limited Production: While not strictly numbered in all cases, these pins were often produced in limited quantities for promotional events, special anniversaries, and sponsorship recognition, increasing their collectability. Sets and Variations: Some pins were released as part of Olympic-themed sets , highlighting specific Games or milestone anniversaries. Market Value and Availability Typical Pricing: Market listings show pricing from $20 to $35 USD depending on condition, rarity, and seller reputation . Well-preserved pins may fetch higher prices, while worn examples are lower-valued. Availability: Frequently sold on platforms such as eBay. Listings may offer international shipping, but availability can be VERY limited, and pins may appear sporadically due to their vintage nature. Condition Considerations: Look for pins in mint or excellent condition , ideally without missing enamel or scratches. Original packaging is uncommon. Collecting Context Collectors: The pin appeals to Omega enthusiasts, watch collectors, and Olympic memorabilia collectors . It serves as an entry-level collectible priced modestly yet rich in historical connection. Related Collectibles: Pins from specific Olympic Games, vintage Omega watches, stopwatches, and timing instruments can enhance a collection thematic to Olympic timing history . Collectors may also pursue sets representing multiple Games or limited-event pins. Authenticity: Verify seller reputation and check for clear photographs. Authentic Omega pins typically show high-quality enamel, precise detailing, and accurate logos . Purchase Tips Reputable Sellers: Prioritize platforms or sellers with high feedback ratings . Pricing Trends: Keep an eye on completed sales to gauge realized prices , as collectible markets fluctuate with demand and rare finds. Remember - "similar" pins are NOT this pin. Some are more common than others. Significant price gaps are common to pins made in different years! In conclusion, the OMEGA “Official Timekeeper of 22 Olympic Games” pin is a historically significant, visually distinctive, and collectible memorabilia piece that connects the enduring legacy of Omega to Olympic sports history. Its relatively modest market price, limited availability, and appeal to both watch and sports collectors make it a popular item in vintage memorabilia circles, with value influenced by condition, rarity, and provenance . IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! What you see is what you get - I did not use any stock photos for this listing. I combine shipping! The combined shipping policy is relevant ONLY for PINS, WINGS, SAMPLE SLABS, COINS, ELONGATED COINS, TOKENS, MEDALS, and other SMALL ITEMS, is the full shipping price for the auction with the highest shipping cost and then one additional dollar ($1) for the shipping and handling of each additional auction won. Larger items will be packed, weighed, and combined as well. If you win a few of my auctions, please ask to receive a combined invoice for everything you won. International buyers - you must contact me before you bid to accurately determine the actual shipping cost! eBay's standard shipping costs are ridiculously high and do not reflect the actual cost of shipping internationally!!! Returns are not accepted, unless I make a mistake in the listing or I accidentally send you the wrong item (and such mistakes do, unfortunately, happen, though seldom). If you have ANY question - please ask ahead of the closing of the auction, and please be kind as to give me a few hours to respond. Shipping is via the cheapest method I can find, which is via USPS Ground Advantage. If you want me to ship it any other way, such as Priority USPS, UPS, or FedEx, please contact me BEFORE buying the item, so I can research the cost. I can ship with any carrier, any way you want! IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT SHIPPING COSTS FOR LARGER ITEMS - I use eBay's system to calculate the shipping cost via USPS Ground Advantage, according to the weight, dimensions and your location. Many times, for the LARGER items, I can probably ship it for a much lesser cost with UPS or FedEx! Please send me your zip code, and what you see as the shipping cost, and I will quote a much more accurate shipping cost to you! This item comes from a smoke-free, dog-loving home. We have a beautiful dog, who loves to spread her hair on everything. Although I do my best to clean everything that I ship out, encountering some of her lovely hair is a possibility. I love to recycle, so there's a good chance that I will ship in a previously used envelope or box, and use paper and used grocery bags as packing and padding materials. All of my store items have a MAKE AN OFFER option. If you make a stupid offer, I might counter with a stupid offer of my own. An offer for a few dollars less is reasonable. An offer for half of the listed price is not. Good luck bidding!!! Sandy