Copied from Omega's facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/omega) An important message to OMEGA’s fans Many of you have written to express your concerns that recent legislation in the Russian Federation might have an impact on the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Some of you have felt that OMEGA has not engaged directly enough in the dialogue. Please know that we have read every email and every posting that has been sent to us and we take all of them very seriously. OMEGA is one of the International Olympic Committee’s so-called Top Olympic Partners but our role is like no other. We are responsible for the timekeeping and data handling of every event at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In our capacity as Official Timekeeper, we are committed to a policy of strict neutrality; accordingly, we served as timekeepers at the 1980 and 1984 Games in Moscow and Los Angeles respectively, both of which were boycotted by a number of countries. It would be inappropriate for us to take any position that could have even the appearance of partisanship. This would be a disservice to the talented men and women competing in the Games. This is OMEGA’s official statement: “In its role as Official Timekeeper at the Olympic Games, OMEGA has always been at the service of the International Olympic Committee, the sporting federations and the outstanding athletes from around the world who compete in the Games. We are in concurrence with the IOC and its statement that “sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex, or sexual orientation.” To that end, we are committed to delivering the best possible timekeeping and data handling services to every athlete who qualifies to compete at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.” OMEGA has no influence on the selection of the cities that host the Olympic Games but 25 times since 1932, we have worked diligently to ensure that wherever the Games were contested, the athletes were provided with the fairest, best possible timekeeping and measuring service and technology. We look forward to carrying on that tradition at future editions of the Olympic Games.
Or in other words, "We have a contractual obligation and if we tried to break it, we would be sued for some horrendous amount and never get a look in again."
I'm aware in general terms that the Russian legislation is a tad on the draconian side. But does anyone have more info?
It'd be very difficult for them seeing as they've already got a Sochi games limited edition Planet Ocean on the market already
Can we leave sport outside political sphere? It is important even for country like North Korea to have neutral ground for contact with rest of the world. We already have too many events crowded with political, ideological, religion dogma etc. That's why I found watch collecting is relaxing and neutral. Redial and frankens on other hand...........