breitling emergency mission watch | Breitling professional emergency watches

The Breitling Emergency Mission watch isn't just a timepiece; it's a sophisticated piece of survival equipment designed to provide a crucial lifeline in emergency situations. Renowned as the world’s first wristwatch equipped with an authentic, built-in emergency microtransmitter, the Emergency has carved a unique niche in the world of luxury watches and pilot instruments. This article delves into the Emergency Mission's history, functionality, various models, and everything you need to know about this groundbreaking watch.

A Legacy of Innovation: Breitling Emergency Mission Models

The Breitling Emergency was first introduced in 1995, born from the necessity of providing pilots with a reliable means of distress signaling in the event of a crash. Before the Emergency, pilots often relied on bulky, separate emergency beacons. Breitling envisioned a more compact and integrated solution, leading to the development of a wristwatch that could transmit a distress signal to search and rescue services.

Over the years, the Emergency has undergone several significant evolutions, with each generation enhancing its capabilities and technology. These include:

* The Original Emergency (1995-2013): This model was the pioneer, operating on the 121.5 MHz international air distress frequency. While groundbreaking, this frequency was gradually being phased out by satellite-based search and rescue systems.

* The Emergency II (2013 - Present): This marked a significant leap forward. The Emergency II features a dual-frequency transmitter, operating on both the 121.5 MHz and the 406 MHz COSPAS-SARSAT satellite distress frequency. This ensures compatibility with the modern global search and rescue network, significantly increasing the chances of a successful rescue. The Emergency II also features a rechargeable battery system, a necessity for powering the more complex transmitter.

* The Emergency Night Mission: This is a specific variant of the Emergency II, distinguished by its black titanium case and rugged aesthetic.breitling emergency mission watch

The core functionality of the Emergency has remained consistent: to transmit a distress signal that can be detected by search and rescue services worldwide. However, the technology and reliability have been continuously improved, making the modern Emergency a far more potent tool than its predecessor.

Breitling Emergency 2 Night Mission: Stealth and Strength

The Breitling Emergency 2 Night Mission is a particularly striking iteration of the Emergency II. This model stands out due to its black titanium case, achieved through a high-resistance carbon-based treatment. This not only gives the watch a stealthy and tactical appearance but also enhances its durability and resistance to scratches and wear.

Beyond the aesthetic differences, the Night Mission retains all the core features and functionalities of the Emergency II, including:

* Dual-Frequency Transmitter: Transmitting on both 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies.

* Rechargeable Battery: Powering the complex transmitter and digital functionalities.

* Digital and Analog Display: Providing both traditional analog timekeeping and digital information such as date, chronograph functions, and alarm.

* Titanium Construction: Ensuring lightweight and robust construction.

The Night Mission is specifically designed for professionals who operate in demanding environments, such as pilots, special forces personnel, and adventurers. The black titanium finish minimizes reflections and provides a discreet profile, while the robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of extreme conditions.

Breitling Watch with Emergency Beacon: How Does the Breitling Emergency Work?

The heart of the Breitling Emergency is its miniaturized, yet powerful, emergency beacon. Understanding how this system works is crucial to appreciating the watch's unique capabilities.

1. Activation: The Emergency is activated by unscrewing and pulling out the antenna caps located on the lower right side of the watch case. This action releases the antenna wires, which need to be fully extended for the transmitter to operate effectively. It is *crucially important* to only activate the Emergency in a genuine emergency situation, as false alarms can divert search and rescue resources.

2. Transmission: Once activated, the transmitter sends out a distress signal on two frequencies:

* 121.5 MHz: This is the traditional aviation distress frequency, which can be picked up by aircraft and ground-based search and rescue teams.

* 406 MHz: This is the COSPAS-SARSAT frequency, which is monitored by a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. When a 406 MHz signal is detected, the satellite system calculates the location of the transmitter and relays this information to ground-based rescue authorities.

3. Location Accuracy: The COSPAS-SARSAT system provides a relatively accurate location, typically within a few kilometers. This allows rescue teams to quickly pinpoint the location of the distress signal. The 121.5 MHz signal can then be used to further refine the location as rescue teams approach.

4. Battery Power: The transmitter is powered by a rechargeable battery pack specifically designed for the Emergency. The battery provides sufficient power for the transmitter to operate for at least 24 hours, a critical timeframe for search and rescue operations. The watch comes with a dedicated charger to maintain the battery's charge.

5. Training and Responsibility: Breitling emphasizes the importance of proper training and responsible use of the Emergency. Owners are provided with detailed instructions and are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the watch's operation. Misuse of the Emergency can result in hefty fines and the depletion of valuable resources.