Mine got stamped at 2 seconds past, so I am out. Last time it got stamped at 00 and I didn't make it then either. I need to remeber to start using Hotmail instead of gmail for this, I have faith in their servers.
2 tips:
A) If using gmail, it allows you to cancel/undo sending an email a few seconds after you press send. This works by not actually sending the email until that period is up and you ahve not decided to cancel it. This delays the email. This setting can be found under settings, and then under Labs. Scroll down and it should be the setting furthest down.
B) An untested idea I had was to set up email forwarding to CC from your own account, then email both him and myself at 59. Since a too early email doesn't disqualify you, if the first email arrives too soon, the forwarding will kick in with a slight delay.
Remember to turn of forwarding the very next thing you do.