George Clooney took center stage at a key Winter Olympics event this past weekend in Milan, showcasing his deep connection with the official timekeeper of the games, Omega. The actor and producer was present at the Omega House opening gala on Saturday, an occasion that combined his passion for sports and horology, strengthening his long-standing relationship with the Swiss watch brand during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
George Clooney and Omega’s Enduring Partnership
George Clooney, a longtime ambassador for Omega since 2007, joined his wife Amal Clooney in Milan for the Omega House gala, an exclusive event tied to the Winter Olympics. Omega has served as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games for an impressive 94 years, making its presence ubiquitous at venues and broadcasts alike. Clooney’s association with the brand is personal as well as professional, dating back to a family tradition triggered by his father gifting him a vintage Omega watch found in their attic.
I am so proud to represent Omega,
Clooney expressed during the event.
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, actor and Omega ambassador
This bonding over the watch brand links back to a cherished family history, with Clooney recalling his father’s gift.
It worked perfectly and it was so beautiful,
he said.
So, it’s a tradition in my family personally.
From Sports Enthusiast to Olympic Advocate
An avid sports fan growing up, Clooney was once a hopeful athlete with tryouts for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, which didn’t lead to a professional career but helped shape his sporting spirit. He continues to stay active with tennis and basketball. During a visit to his children’s school in France, Clooney vividly remembered competing in a full-court basketball game with other fathers, highlighting his competitive nature.
Six on six, full court, where everybody loses a tooth,
he shared. Despite the toughness, Clooney lasted the entire game while many younger dads took breaks.
Though winter sports were not his personal discipline, Clooney appreciates the thrill of watching them. He admires the speed and skill involved, especially in downhill events.
It’s always fun to watch any of the downhill racing,
he noted.
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.
Directed by Passion: ‘The Boys in the Boat’ and Sports Films
Beyond being a fan, Clooney also transformed his sports enthusiasm into filmmaking. He directed the 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat, which follows the inspiring story of the U.S. rowing team that won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This cinematic work connects to his affinity for powerful sports narratives, including classics like Miracle, Hoosiers, and Rudy.
The interesting thing about sports films is that we know how it ends before it starts,
Clooney said.
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.
The connection is even deeper considering Omega’s historic involvement with the 1936 Olympics, where the company timed events including the rowing competition that inspired the movie. Over time, Omega has pioneered sports timekeeping innovations such as introducing photo-finish technology in 1948 and developing a high-tech starting pistol used in races.
Omega’s Legacy Beyond Sports Timing
Clooney highlighted how Omega’s precision extends beyond the Olympic tracks. The brand famously equipped astronauts on Apollo flights, a testament to its reputation for reliability under extreme conditions.
Omega went to the moon, Clooney remarked.
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.
This legacy of excellence reinforces Omega’s standing as a symbol of endurance and precision, qualities the actor clearly admires as part of his ambassador role.
Highlights from the Omega House Event in Milan
The Omega House served as a centerpiece during the Winter Olympics held in Milan, a unique venue hosted at the renowned Ristorante Cracco inside the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This marked the inaugural Omega House for a Winter Olympics, offering a space where guests and ambassadors gathered to celebrate the brand’s involvement with the Games.
At the gala, Clooney wore the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, inspired by the fourth-generation Speedmaster worn by astronauts during lunar missions. Joining him was fellow Omega ambassador, Korean actor Park Bo-gum, who sported the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m model.
I like the Speedmaster; it’s just such a classic,
Clooney said.
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 evolving admiration for other models, particularly noting the new Aqua Terra watches in vibrant colors.
I’m also really into the new Aqua Terra in turquoise,
he added.
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.
With his refined style and genuine enthusiasm for Omega’s craftsmanship, Clooney embodies the elegance and passion the brand represents during the Winter Olympics.
The Ongoing Intersection of Sports and Style
George Clooney’s presence at the Winter Olympics highlights more than just his celebrity status—it reflects a genuine connection to the spirit of sports and the precision of timekeeping. His longtime partnership with Omega, combined with his experience as a sports enthusiast and filmmaker, brings depth to his role within this global event.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics progress, Omega’s innovations and Clooney’s involvement underscore the melding of technology, tradition, and storytelling that defines the modern Olympic experience. The Omega House in Milan, now a proving ground for new designs and ambassador engagements, suggests a continuing evolution of sport and style intertwined.
