The clock, launched in the heart of the city, is the first tangible sign of a new partnership agreement between the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Longines.

Longines new agreement sees them have exclusive status as the "Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement" in a deal that covers the next three Games, starting with Birmingham and including 2026 and 2030, which have yet to be awarded.  

This new partnership will see Longines provide all timing and scoring equipment for every single event within the next three Commonwealth Games.

An additional aspect of the partnership means that Longines is also named as "Presenting Partner’ of rugby sevens, table tennis, gymnastics and athletics" 

Longines was originally a partner of the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, and renewed its partnership for Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.

The countdown clock features a fully accessible ramped approach to allow both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users to move freely under the structure. 

Manufactured in England, its structure forms the shape of the "B" logo of the Birmingham 2022 Games. 

This distinctive shape was created by connecting 12 towns and cities across the region, joining together key Games locations, where for the 11 days of the Commonwealth Games, 19 sports, including eight fully integrated Para-sports, are due to take place.

"I am absolutely delighted and privileged to have Longines join with us as the Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement," David Grevemberg, the chief executive of the CGF, said. 

"It marks an exciting new chapter in the longstanding friendship we have had with Longines that dates back to the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games.

"This is a truly historic agreement and having this multi-Commonwealth Games partnership in place showcases real confidence in the future direction of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. 

"The partnership has been made possible because of the new Games delivery model, coordinated by CGF Partnerships, which looks at multi-Games opportunities and efficiencies.

"It is particularly special to be announcing this on Commonwealth Day, a day of celebration across the Commonwealth, where we are unveiling the Longines countdown clock to the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony. 

"With this striking yet elegant structure now taking pride of place in the iconic Centenary Square, the countdown to Birmingham 2022 has really begun."