2010-12-16

Breitling Emergency

Breitling takes watch making seriously. This company, founded back in 1884, is determined to produce the highest quality time keeping instruments in the world. One of their most amazing timepieces is the Breitling Emergency. The Emergency is part of Breitling's Professional Collection of watches. It was originally created for professional pilots and aviation crews, and features a micro-transmitter built right inside. This specialized transmitter will broadcast on the aircraft emergency frequency of 121.5 MHz.

Upon a crash or unexpected landing, the Emergency watch is designed to emit a signal, so that rescuers can locate you. This watch is to be used as a back up to standard emergency ELT beacons.

The Breitling Emergency, which is used for military purposes, is equipped with a transmitter, which broadcasts on the 243 MHz or standard military frequency. With calm conditions or flat terrain, the Emergency's signal can be picked up at a distance of nearly 90 nautical miles, and by aircraft flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet. The watches signal is monitored by aviation and not by satellite.

The Emergency's distress signal is activated is "James Bond" fashion, by unscrewing the back and extending the antenna, completely. Once activated, the Emergency's beacon or signal will transmit, continually for 48 hours, allowing rescuers ample time to locate you.

The Breitling Emergency is obviously much more than a simple watch, and I'm certain that British pilots, Steve Brooks and Hugh Quentin-Smith were relieved they were wearing theirs the day their plane went down. The Squadron Leader and Flight Lieutenant crashed their helicopter near Antarctica. After the emergency landing, the two pilots, both wearing the Breitling Emergency watch, activated their micro-transmitters. A Chilean Otter aircraft was able to locate them, by zeroing in on their signal. After spending some time floating at sea in a lifeboat, the pilots were rescued and brought safely home, thanks to the aide of their Breitling Emergency Transmitter watch.

Breitling will sell the Emergency watch to clients without a pilot's license, but they are asked to sign a waiver, which states that the buyer will accept all costs related to a rescue mission.

The Emergency is a fascinating instrument, and can be a lifesaver in an urgent situation. It has even been seen on the wrist of Bear Grylls, the host and main attraction on Man vs. Wild. Bear wears the model with a bright yellow dial, and black rubber strap. If you put yourself in extreme situations, the Breitling Emergency watch could just turn out to be your best friend.


Breitling Emergency

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