Instruments for professionals – hits the nail on the head, when we are talking about the new Emergency.

Let´s start with some technical details first, to understand why it is a serious tool and not (only ) a toy for big boys.

The watch:

Movement : Breitling Caliber 76, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC,

thermocompensated SuperQuartzTM, 12/24-hour analog and LCD digital display,

battery end-of-life indicator. 1/100th second chronograph, timer, 2nd timezone,

multilingual calendar

Case : titanium. Resistance to 5 bars. Cambered sapphire

crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Bidirectional rotating bezel. Compass scale.

Diameter 51 mm (predecessor was 43mm).

Dials : Volcano black, Cobra yellow, Intrepid orange.

Strap/Bracelet : rubber Diver Pro III / titanium Professional.

The beacon:

The predecessor was the Emergency I, which was presented in 1995. It was designed for constant wear on the wrist and thus as a complement to the standard onboard aircraft equipment. It has proven its worth in many search and rescue exercises and has become synonymous with safety and reliability for pilots around the globe. Around 40.000 such watches have been sold, and these exceptional instruments for locating and rescuing people in danger have indeed already saved a number of lives.

(Picture credit: internet)

The first one was a big success and Breitling started to work on the successor already some years ago, but it was not that easy to reach the next level of security shown in the latest version. One of the biggest challenges was to find a proper battery.

The energy issue was a crucial element in developing the Emergency II. The Cospas-Sarsat prescriptions notably demand that beacons should be capable of transmitting for 24 hours. In addition to this requirement in terms of duration, the dual frequency transmitter features its own specific characteristics due to its alternate operation at very different power levels (30 mW for 121.5 MHz, and 3.2 W for 406 MHz, meaning more than 100 times higher) – a characteristic that entails atypical current draw. Not to mention the need to accommodate all this within a wristwatch.

After considerable research, it became apparent that the ideal solution was to opt for a rechargeable battery able to deliver more power than a standard battery. There was however no product of this type that matched the profile of the Emergency II. In collaboration with one of the cutting-edge institutes in this field, Breitling therefore developed a brand-new rechargeable battery specially created for this beacon-watch. A state-of-the-art product for storing energy and which has contributed to the advancement of research in this promising field.

To guarantee the reliability of the Emergency II in case of necessity, Breitling has also developed a charger-tester serving to periodically recharge the battery and then to automatically check the smooth operation of the transmitter. Optimal security was what they had in mind when developing the watch - or shall I say the tool

It is a world´s first – the dual frequency locator beacon.

The Emergency II is a high-tech gem equipped with a dual frequency transmitter compliant with the specifications of the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system and serving both to issue alerts and to guide search and rescue missions. Developed in conjunction with major scientific institutes, the Emergency II is distinguished by numerous microelectronic and microtechnical innovations, including a revolutionary rechargeable battery, a miniaturized dual frequency transmitter and an unprecedented integrated antenna system – three features specifically developed for this model.

As the first ever wrist worn dual frequency PLB, it establishes itself as a safety and survival instrument in all distress situations on land, at sea and in the air.

A miniaturization record

The development of this dual frequency transmitter specifically designed for the Emergency II was a major technical challenge, essentially due to its dimensions that had to be adapted to the wrist. Conducted in cooperation with an institute specializing in aerospace, defense and industry, it notably involved creating a new circuit exclusively dedicated to this instrument in order to be able to transmit on two frequencies and to do so within an extremely compact volume. The result is a record in terms of both miniaturization and guaranteed reliability, which lays down new benchmarks reaching well beyond the sphere of watchmaking.

An unprecedented antenna system

The Emergency II is notably distinguished by its ingenious and extremely user friendly integrated antenna system. Its two extendable antenna “sections” housed in the lower part of the watch, are manually deployed on each side of the case. One of the main challenges consisted in finding a miniaturized device serving to transmit alternately on the two frequencies, with the antenna length varying according to the wavelength. Breitling therefore developed an original system in which, according to circumstances, the transmitter uses either part or the entirety of the two antennae – a major first on a locator beacon.

The beacon was designed to simplify handling as much as possible. Deploying the antenna automatically activates the transmitter. To do this, the user must first unscrew and pull out the cap on the main antenna on the right hand side of the case. The cap automatically comes free of the antenna when it is deployed to the right length. This operation releases the cap of the second section, which the user can then deploy according to the same principle. A clear reminder of all the stages is provided by a series of inscriptions on the watch. Once the two antennae are deployed, all that remains is to ideally position the watch so as to guarantee the best possible transmission performance.

Design & more

The Emergency II has a highly complex case made from titanium, the favorite aeronautical metal that is at once sturdy, light, anti-magnetic, corrosion-resistant and nonallergenic. It comes with a choice of three dials – yellow, black or orange – and fitted with a titanium bracelet or rubber strap. The satin-brushed bezel is engraved with a compass scale accentuating its powerful, technical appeal. The sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides, along with the luminescent hands and numerals, guarantee optimal readability in any conditions.

But one thing we should not forget, it is not only a personal survival instrument. It still is a watch and to be more specific an electronic chronograph featuring all the functions useful to professionals and adventurers:

12/24-hour analog and digital display, 1/100th second chronograph, alarm, timer, second timezone, multilingual calendar and battery end-of-life indication.

 

It is equipped with a thermocompensated SuperQuartz™ movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – the highest industry benchmark in terms of precision and reliability.

The “watch” and “transmitter” parts have been designed as two distinct elements, totally independent in terms of both operation and energy source and thus ensuring enhanced security.

Personal impressions

The watch feels like a tool or is it the other way round – the tool feels like a watch? In any case it feels professional and even when it is quite big; it is not too heavy for the wrist.

On the wrist it was surprisingly comfortable, but for sure it needs a more casual dress than a business shirt

Wearable? Yes, but I would recommend it to adventurers, professionals … or super sporty people only – at least when we talk about a daily beater.

I don´t see that watch on my wrist simply because I have no need for it, but to be honest it was really cool to put it on my wrist. I have no doubts that the “security tool” will work when needed, but hopefully there is no need to test it at any time.

Final conclusion :         a very cool & solid tool, but not for everybody