Emergency, when talking of timepieces, there is one name that truly stands out: Breitling.
The instrument watch used by air force pilots and by explorers throughout the world has been an icon for devotees of professional timepieces for more than ten years. Inaugurated initially in 1995 it has grabbed centre stage as the only watch in the world with a two way receiver capable of functioning at air force frequencies of 121.5MHz.
The two way transmitter, located in the lower section of the case near the band ends, is activated by unscrewing a protective cap that allows you to pull it completely out of its lodging.
During the fair in Basel, Breitling introduced the natural evolution of this highly original instrument, increasing its technical features even further and making it even more attractive, thanks to a well directed web campaign with a wealth of video teasers that only served to fan the flames of curiosity even before presenting it to the press on April 24 during Baselworld. Like its predecessor, the new model also has a very generous case, going from the 43mm of the original version to 51mm, made of titanium, with a bidirectional rotating lunette and possessing such top quality features as Breitling’s Superquartz calibre, COSC certified chronometer, analogue-digital display, a second time zone, a chronograph precise to 100th of a second, timer and calendar. All protected by a state of the art quadrant in three different colours (black, yellow, orange), like the Emergency I, and protected by a sapphire crystal with dual side glare-proof treatment (internal and external).
So far everything seems normal (or almost)…it is the radio features that have been further developed compared to the past (exploiting new technologies), making this an even more attractive and professional instrument. The 21st century Emergency meets the COSPAS-SARSAT standard, a satellite system that allows for rapid localization of persons who are in serious difficulty and provides effective and valuable support to rescue teams.
The system uses a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) transmitter that functions at the double frequency of 406MHz (digital) and 121.5 MHz (analogue). With the beacons working at 406MHz and thanks to the reception from the GEO and LEO satellites, it provides almost complete global coverage, including the poles. The frequency of 121.5MHz is no longer detected by satellites but remains a low frequency signal used by the beacons to offer improved accuracy in detecting the final position of anyone in danger. To call it a watch would be reductive. It has created a totally new sector, the sector of professional wrist instruments. And it still has no rival, if we exclude some rather fascinating and highly technological professional productions, like the Sinn and the Tutima, which nevertheless offer nothing similar. And it bears the Breitling logo, the symbol of professional timepieces and haute horlogerie.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Breitling)
Gaetano C. @Horbiter®
