Seiko named official timekeeper of Egypt’s 48-hour countdown

CAIRO: Watch manufacturer Seiko has emerged victorious in the race to become official sponsor of the 48-hour countdown for Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi and his opponents to reach an agreement.

Following unrest across Egypt with tens of millions having taken to the streets to demand the removal of Morsi since Sunday, the army stepped in yesterday afternoon with a two-day deadline, sparking a race among some of the world’s major watch brands to become involved.

Eventually, with a deal reportedly worth “several million dollars”, Japanese watchmaker Seiko won the contract, and will count down the 48 hours via a giant screen in Tahrir Square.

“Alongside our long history with the Summer and Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, Seiko is proud to be the official timekeeper of such an important event,” said the company in a statement.

“With our precision technology in place, the Egyptian people can be assured that every single millisecond of the 48 hours before the military starts its coup will be counted.”