Breitling Emergency – Companion and lifesaver

In 1995, Breitling released a Watch that immediately caused a great sensation. The Breitling Emergency became an instant success because it was the first Watch with an integrated micro emergency transmitter. This could send a distress signal, making it easier for rescuers to locate an accident victim on mountain walls or in remote areas.

Of course, no one hopes to find themselves in such a situation, but in times of almost unlimited freedom and the possibility to travel and explore places worldwide, many people thirst for adventure and action, but also for a constant sense of security.
Hard to believe that this possibility is contained in a small Watch! But what the Breitling Emergency can do is more than just show the time. We want to illustrate to you in this article that the Emergency is the perfect companion for extreme sports and long journeys.

The Cospas-Sarsat System

The Breitling Emergency is linked to the international satellite-based emergency radio system Cospas-Sarsat . This system, made possible by low-flying and geostationary satellites, monitors distress signals on two frequencies and quickly and securely forwards them to local rescue units.

The Cospas-Sarsat System is of course intended for numerous emergency beacons in the military and rescue stations. That Breitling was able to integrate this system into the Emergency model is a true privilege for the brand and a unique selling point that makes the model something very special.

Equipment

The functions of the Emergency not only excite Breitling fans but also athletes and Watch enthusiasts from various fields. But the model also scores with unique equipment that makes this luxury Watch legendary.

The quality of the Watch is ensured externally by a stable and at the same time lightweight titanium case. In addition to the important emergency radio function, helpful features such as date display, digital display of a second time zone, chronograph, and alarm function are included.
The high-quality quartz movement is currently at the cutting edge of technology. For the implementation of the dual-frequency transmitter, a miniaturization movement was installed so that the extensive technology could fit in the smallest space on the wrist.

The Watch’s equipment usually also includes a case with instructions for using the rescue function in an emergency and a charging or testing device. Charging the battery every two months is recommended. The device also checks whether the transmitters function smoothly.

What is inside the Breitling Emergency?

The special feature of the battery

The Breitling Emergency is equipped with a powerful battery that lasts a long time so that in an emergency, a rescue is not prevented by a depleted battery. The battery is particularly energy-efficient and can withstand high temperature differences down to -20°C. Breitling designed this battery itself to achieve the optimal level of performance.
In conjunction with the charging and testing device, the Breitling Emergency offers optimal comfort. The functionality of the Watch can thus be regularly checked to ensure the highest safety in an emergency.

A unique antenna system

When opening the two lower screwed closures, two antennas can be released. By activating them, the rescue signal is automatically sent. So caution is advised, and it is recommended not to loosen the caps carelessly! The note on the case back also points this out: “Warning: Use only in case of real Emergency” (“Warning: Use only in case of a real emergency”). The antennas can be extended several centimeters so that they have enough range to refine and stabilize the signal.

Dual-frequency transmitter

Anyone who knows a bit about Watches, and especially about the technologies of the Breitling brand, can certainly understand why the Breitling Emergency is not just a Watch but a high-quality rescue instrument. As soon as the screw connection with the extendable antenna system is loosened, the Emergency sends a distress signal at regular intervals on two frequencies. On the one hand, a digital signal is sent every 50 seconds on the satellite-protected frequency 406 MHz. On the other hand, the Emergency sends an analog signal every 0.75 seconds on the frequency 121.1 MHz. The signal can be received over a large range. This safely guides the usually flying rescue unit to the crashed climber on steep mountain walls, a shipwrecked person on the high seas, or an injured motocross rider on a desert tour.

The transmission duration lasts between 18 and more than 24 hours. Deviations occur due to temperature differences. At cold temperatures down to -20°C, the transmitter autonomy decreases.

Source: “Breitling SA” on www.breitling.com/de/emergency/