Breitling Emergency Mission - now that’s a ‘smart watch’

[pthurst 1]

Hi all.

 

Just picked this up from watchfinder. It’s 7 years old and was one of the watches that got me into collecting when I became aware of it in the 1990’s.

 

I’ve put together a video which explains more about the ‘emergency’ function of both this watch and the upgraded functionality of the Emergency II model with it’s dual band transmitter.

 

This watch has always fascinated me. I’m really happy with my new purchase and I hope my video captures some of what makes the Breitling Emergency watches so special!

 

Could this wristwatch REALLY save my life?

????

????

[Undinist 20]

Version 1 of the watch only transmitted on the 121.5 Mhz emergency radio frequency. I looked into it as a safety aid for a trip in the Sahara. It wouldn't have been any use because there's nobody in the area monitoring the frequency. If you were known to be in trouble and an aircraft was sent to the right area the watch could be used to locate you, but you'd still need to have a satellite beacon to get them to send the aircraft in the first place. In other words, version 1 of the watch was only of use in more populated/developed areas. And why bother with a watch or a beacon when you can just take a sat phone so you can actually talk to the emergency services? Maybe you can be helped without a full-on rescue mission, which is going to cost at least 20 grand. (Are you insured for that?)

 

Now we have V2 of the watch, which also works as a satellite beacon. I'm sure it's very well built but it costs £13,000, it needs a flippin' huge battery charger and I'd be amazed if it performs as well as a £220 beacon which fits in your pocket. http://www.aquafax.c...elink-solo-plb. OK, the watch is smaller, but you can't wear the charger on your wrist. If you are really going somewhere where you might genuinely need a beacon, don't forget to charge the watch before you go. And don't go for too long, in case the battery goes flat. And take a proper beacon as backup, just in case - the extra £220 is worth it. Better still, buy a sat phone! And don't let your drunk mates or your kids play with the watch because if they activate it you get a bill for £20k+. And the watch has to go back to the factory to be rebuilt. Which costs as much as a new watch I think. In fact, save the 13 grand and spend it on a satellite modem and a ruggedized laptop so you can chat to the coastguard while posting at RWG and watching porn while you wait to be rescued.

[RepGuy 108]

Version 1 of the watch only transmitted on the 121.5 Mhz emergency radio frequency. I looked into it as a safety aid for a trip in the Sahara. It wouldn't have been any use because there's nobody in the area monitoring the frequency. If you were known to be in trouble and an aircraft was sent to the right area the watch could be used to locate you, but you'd still need to have a satellite beacon to get them to send the aircraft in the first place. In other words, version 1 of the watch was only of use in more populated/developed areas. And why bother with a watch or a beacon when you can just take a sat phone so you can actually talk to the emergency services? Maybe you can be helped without a full-on rescue mission, which is going to cost at least 20 grand. (Are you insured for that?)

 

Now we have V2 of the watch, which also works as a satellite beacon. I'm sure it's very well built but it costs £13,000, it needs a flippin' huge battery charger and I'd be amazed if it performs as well as a £220 beacon which fits in your pocket. http://www.aquafax.c...elink-solo-plb. OK, the watch is smaller, but you can't wear the charger on your wrist. If you are really going somewhere where you might genuinely need a beacon, don't forget to charge the watch before you go. And don't go for too long, in case the battery goes flat. And take a proper beacon as backup, just in case - the extra £220 is worth it. Better still, buy a sat phone! And don't let your drunk mates or your kids play with the watch because if they activate it you get a bill for £20k+. And the watch has to go back to the factory to be rebuilt. Which costs as much as a new watch I think. In fact, save the 13 grand and spend it on a satellite modem and a ruggedized laptop so you can chat to the coastguard while posting at RWG and watching porn while you wait to be rescued.

 

No fair, you used facts.

[pthurst 1]

Yup v2 both raises the alarm via satellite and then acts as a PLB to help with location however v1 shouldn’t be written off quite so easily.  If you notify someone as to the rough area you’ll be visiting and the worst should happen, that person can notify the authorities on your your behalf and also tell them that you are wearing the Emergency watch.

 

Both v1 and v2 PLB work in the same way when it comes to 121.5mhz,  yes the frequency isn’t actively monitored by rescue services anymore (the 406mhz ping from the v2 does indeed raise the alarm via satellite) however conscientious users can still use the v1 to great effect by following recommended protocols by keeping others up to speed with their flight plans or activity locations....

 

Both v1 and v2 broadcast on 121.5mhz to a height of approx 20,000ft and a range of about 100mi for around 48hrs.

[Daffy 105]

Breitling Emergency commercial:

 

 

[deju 1,861]

I always liked the yellow face, but I also like a drink and the inner child in me would always end up with the £14,000 fine every weekend for miss use haha 

[Monkey_Business 0]

Oh my god, how did he survive that HORRENDOUS bike accident on the sand?  Thank you Breitling! 

Can't believe this is from 2013! 

[RepGuy 108]

I would set off the beacon when I'm having a hard time pooping for emergency assistance.

[Diver Dave 0]

"Could this wristwatch REALLY save my life?"

 

Only if you get out from behind your computer and go do something outside...  ;-)

The 121.5 beacon system is pretty fairly defunct and, as said, isn't monitored these days (well... we are supposed to listen to it on our second radio when flying, as it's the civil "guard" frequency, but... really... we rarely do). It's used to do close-range location of ELT's that have already alerted the COSPAS SARSAT system on 406, so the Civil Air Patrol and USCG helicopters "do" have the ability to find it, but they already need to be looking almost right where you are. 

For "real life" I carry a 406 PLB (personal locator beacon) in my survival harness. It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes and broadcasts a GPS position on 406 to the SARSAT system and also "beeps" on 121.5. Anyone really wanting to be found carries one. About $200 these days. When diving I carry it in a small waterproof canister in my pocket. If you go into harms way, you'll have one. 

So, basically, your watch is worthless "for real". Neat museum piece... worthless in the field.