Breitling Emergency

Every pilot, seafarer, and adventurer dreams of having a savior in an emergency situation: The Breitling Emergency is that guardian angel. It is the world's first wristwatch to save lives by sending distress signals at two frequencies. Thanks to this personal signal, rescuers are immediately aware of who needs rescuing.

The Emergency also features numerous additional functions, including a chronograph, timer, second time zone, alarm, and calendar. The bidirectional bezel with a compass rose can be used for navigation. This timepiece is the perfect instrument for professionals and has the right function for almost every challenge. The chronometer-certified SuperQuartz Breitling Caliber 76 provides this watch with its exceptional functionality. It is thermocompensated, meaning it is especially accurate and reliable.

The 51-mm case is made of light yet robust titanium. There are also versions in black-coated titanium. Thanks to this professional timepiece's enormous size, the dial is particularly easy to read. Pilots can wear this watch over the sleeve of their pilot's uniform.

A current Breitling Emergency II costs about 14,200 USD in mint condition. Pre-owned examples of this emergency watch in very good condition are only slightly less expensive. You can get a great deal on the original Emergency, which costs around 4,100 USD. Mint condition models are hard to come by since the Emergency I was only produced until the early 2000s. At 43 mm, the Emergency I is 8 mm smaller than its successor, making it better suited to everyday use. One highlight is the Emergency Night Mission with a titanium case coated in black. It is also the most expensive Emergency watch and demands upwards of 14,200 USD.

If you prefer a classic chronograph design with subdials, you should take a closer look at the Emergency Mission. At 45 mm, it is a substantial wristwatch. You can get a pre-owned model for around 3,800 USD. As this model is also out of production, mint condition versions are hard to find. Prices for a never-worn timepiece sit around 5,400 USD.

In the early 2000s, Breitling introduced thermocompensated, chronometer-certified SuperQuartz movements to the Emergency line. These movements deviate a maximum of ten seconds per year. On the other hand, your average quartz movement deviates up to 15 seconds per month. You can purchase a pre-owned Emergency SuperQuartz for as little as 3,900 USD. Models in mint condition are quite rare.

The Breitling Emergency is easy to use in everyday situations as well as in emergencies. Breitling added two antennas to the lower part of the watch for emergency situations. You simply pull them out after unscrewing the cap on the right side of the case. The correct direction to turn the cap is indicated by an arrow. After turning, you pull each antenna out as far as it goes and the cap automatically releases once it's at the correct length. After you've pulled out both antennas, the watch starts transmitting the distress signals. The antennas function in a wide range of environments; they are able to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 to +55 °C (-4 to +131 °F). Like a mini-instruction manual, all of the steps are clearly written on the case back.

Breitling developed a special battery for the Emergency in order to supply it with power. It's remarkably more efficient than traditional batteries. With the help of a charging and testing device , you can test how full the battery is and charge it if needed. Thus, you'll never run out of power in an emergency. The testing device also assesses your watch's functionality.

The Breitling Emergency's look is tailored toward functionality through and through. Its 51-mm case immediately catches the eye and is even larger than the sizable watches from Panerai. Breitling uses lightweight, robust titanium for the cases. The Emergency's colorful dials are real eye-catchers, too. You have the additional choice between bright yellow or orange if you want something a little more exciting than a standard black dial. The numerals at 3, 6, and 9 are noticeably larger than the others and stand out. Breitling offers two different straps: a rubber strap and a three-link titanium bracelet.