My new toy (watch) Breitling Emergency

N

NCBlades

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I just got another watch. I have been looking for a big watch that is lightweight. Its the Breitling Emergency. I have always liked Breitlings and I have had about 6 and always wonder why I sold them. This watch is pretty cool. I doubt I will ever use the emergency transmitter but its neat to have just incase. Does anyone else here have an Emergency? If you don't and are looking for a big watch with lots of functions, check it out. Retail is $3500 on them but you can find them lots cheaper online.

michael :D
 
Michael . . . how about a little more info on your ability to transmit? What frequency? How much power?

Looks like the Dick Tracy - Sam Catchum watch is alive and well OUTSIDE the comic strip! :cool:
 
Originally posted by ralphtt
Michael . . . how about a little more info on your ability to transmit? What frequency? How much power?
Click to expand...

From the markings on the watch face, it looks like it transmits at 121.5 MHz (VHF). Dunno about power....

Matthew
 
Researched EPRIB's(Emergency Position Rescue Indicating Beacons) and Breitling a few years ago for sea kayaking. Breitling was not certified by FCC then. The frequency the Breitling broadcasts on is used for direction finding only. There is a newer specification that gives both direction and distance. Unfortunately that is not offered in a Breitling that I know of. Nice concept though. PS, most EPRIB's will go off with exposure to water, not good for sea kayaking, purchased Uniden handheld VHF radio that is attached to my rescue vest. -Dick
 
Oliver (CHINDIT) and I were just talking about these last night. They also offer a Military model that uses a different freq and can be turned on and off manually.

John
 
The Military model runs @ 243Mhz. Be careful about turning it on because you can get in trouble for false alarms. These guys don't have enough battery juice to be powerful and run very long but, if you're in a world of hurt, it sure beat trying to build a fire signal. If you decide you want to test it, check with your local airport and find out when the test the aircraft beacons.
 
Gorgeous watch NC...WOWWWWWW..., about says it....


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Steven Segal wears one of those, solid gold of course!!!! :p

Youre in not so good company Mikey!!!!!!!!!!! :):p:):p:)

:(
 
I've got one - I wear it when kayaking, open-ocean rowing, and other boating activites. I also wear it when flying seaplanes and such around here.

I came very close to deploying it last year, when I capsized in the 45 degree water, and was unable to right my vessel due to combined equipment/skill failures. Fortunately, my "waterproof" ICOM marine VHF transceiver lasted long enough to get off one Mayday before it shorted out. (Lesson learned: always, always, always test your gear under operational conditions!)

The EPIRB function is handy, but a bit painful to use - you must unscrew and lay out two wire antennas, and the orientation is important. This can be tricky while you are floating in the cold, cold, choppy water...

As a watch, it isn't that great - the user interface is miserable, and it's kinda clunky. Light, though, with the titanium case and bracelet.

Its chief virtue is that it is physically attached to your body. Had I had one of the new, small manually-operated personal EPIRBS when I capsized, I would have had it neatly stowed on the boat, and had some trouble getting it into action.

I'm going to get one of the newer, even smaller personal EPIRBS this year, though, and keep it attached to my vest - the ease of use is much better, not having to deal with the little wire antennas. Plus, if you deploy the watch, it has to go back to the factory for service, which can be a bit of a bother.
 
This may have changed but the last time I checked you had to be a licensed pilot to buy one. The transmitter is a one time use unit but Breitling will replace it free of charge if it's used for a real emergency.
 
Originally posted by DanEHunter
This may have changed but the last time I checked you had to be a licensed pilot to buy one.

From an authorized dealer in the U.S., that was true last time I checked, but that was strictly a Breitling policy. A silly one in my opinion, as it cuts out the entire nautical market. I got mine in Switzerland, where there was no such restriction.


The transmitter is a one time use unit but Breitling will replace it free of charge if it's used for a real emergency.

Correct. And charge you a rather large fee to repack it if you were just screwing around. Of course, the FAA, FCC, and Coast Guard will also be having some words with you.
 
I think the restriction on sales to licensed pilots was a way to reduce the chance of false alarms. If you're not a pilot and you decide to deploy your elt antenna while playing with your watch the FAA can't threaten to pull your ticket. Can't you just see some guys drinking a few beers in the backyard...one pulls out his Breitling emergency, looks at his buddies and says "hey, watch this" as he pops the cap to his transmitter antenna and they sit around waiting for the search and rescue plane to buzz his house.
 
That would buy you a big ticket, from several different agencies.

The Emergency is not different in function from cheap personal EPIRBs that can be purchased for a few hundred bucks at West Marine or other such boating outfitters. There is no licensing or registration requirement on the transmitters.

But if you abuse them, the consequences will be nasty.

The Emergency is a bit different in that one you pop it off, you're left with a watch with a bunch of antenna wires dangling from it, and there's no way for the end-user to repack or repaire the watch. Pretty expensive bar trick...
 
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