September 16, 2026Independent Watch Journalism Since 2006Newsletter  |  Search
Knockoff Watches Wholesale Collectors Club Free membership · the weekly watch brief, release alerts and invitations Join ›
Knockoff Watches Wholesale  ›  News  ›  Omega Cuts the Ribbon at Sochi Olympic Winter…
News

Omega Cuts the Ribbon at Sochi Olympic Winter Games Pavilion

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek helped the manufacture open its Olympics pavilion, a crowd favorite at every Games...

Omega Cuts the Ribbon at Sochi Olympic Winter Games Pavilion
omega_opening pavilion_04022014_1
Stephen Urquhart, Thomas Bach, Nick Hayek and Alexander Popov

With the Olympic Winter Games just days away, Omega has officially inaugurated its presence in Sochi.

The Haute Minute

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek helped the manufacture open its Olympics pavilion, a crowd favorite at every Games...

Ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony, the manufacture celebrated the grand opening of its Omega Pavilion in the Russian city’s Olympic Park.

omega_opening pavilion_04022014_2
The VIPs toured the new 2-story Olympics Pavilion building

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek and Omega President Stephen Urquhart joined IOC President Thomas Bach and legendary swimmer and IOC member Alexander Popov for the opening.

The four VIPs made their way around the Pavilion, posing in front of the timekeeping exhibition, taking a ride in the interactive bobsled simulator and watching OMEGA’s 3D speed skating video.

omega_opening pavilion_04022014_4
Hayek and Bach got behind the wheel of a bobsled simulator

Mr Hayek commented on the brand’s involvement in the Olympic Games, saying, “We are all here because of the athletes and because of sport. It’s not about politics; it’s about the emotion of sport. It’s worth all the effort to create [the Olympic Games] for the billions of people in the world.”

Following their speeches, Mr Hayek presented Mr Bach with a “final lap bell” and Mr Bach reciprocated with a Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch, saying, “Now you can have the Olympic flame not only in your heart but also in your hands.”

omega_opening pavilion_04022014_8
Bach ringing the “final lap bell”

The two-story Omega Pavilion building will serve as the brand’s pop-up home for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The manufacture will host a number of events at the Pavilion, including watchmaking demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions with a number of its prominent brand ambassadors.

omega_opening pavilion_04022014_5
Bach tried his hand at a watchmaker’s stations

Starting February 8, the Omega Pavilion will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. with special hours on Opening and Closing Ceremony days. Spectators, athletes and guests can visit the Pavilion and experience the interactive bobsled simulator, explore the art of mechanical watchmaking, browse Omega’s timepiece collections in the boutique and learn more about the Winter Olympic disciplines.

Photos courtesy Omega.

Adrienne Faurote
Adrienne Faurote
Editor in Chief · Knockoff Watches Wholesale
As a former New Yorker, now a “Miamian,” Adrienne Faurote joined Haute Living in August of 2021. She currently serves as the Haute Media Group Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all editorial platforms within the Haute Media Group while also maintaining her role as Fashion, Jewelry Watch Director. Prior to her position at Haute Living, Faurote was the Market Editor at Marie Claire Magazine US, amassing over ten years in the industry, becoming an authoritative voice in all things fashion, jewelry, and watches.
Knockoff Watches Wholesale Collectors Club

The watch brief, every week. Free.

New references, auction results and the stories behind them — written for collectors, sent once a week.

Become a member
Knockoff Watches Wholesale · Collectors Club · Masthead · Editorial Standards · Advertise · Privacy · Terms