Breitling reaffirms its pioneering role in the field of technical watches and instruments for professionals by creating the very first wristwatch with a built-in Personal Locator Beacon/PLB. The Emergency II, an example of high technology, is in fact equipped with a dual-frequency transmitter that complies with the specifications of the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite warning system and allows the alarm to be sounded and location and rescue operations to be guided simultaneously. The Emergency II, which was developed in cooperation with leading scientific institutes, is distinguished by numerous innovations in microelectronics and microtechnology, including a revolutionary rechargeable battery, a miniaturised bifrequency transmitter and a novel built-in antenna system - all designed specifically for this model. The first wristworn bifrequency PLB distress locator, the Emergency II establishes itself as a tool for safety and survival in all emergency situations - on land, at sea and in the skies. Already in 1995, Breitling caused a sensation with the launch of the first wristwatch with a built-in emergency micro-transmitter. Tuned to the international aviation distress frequency 121.5 MHz, the Emergency was intended to enable the close location of pilots or passengers after an aircraft accident. Conceived to be worn on the wrist at all times, it was designed to complement the on-board equipment of all aircraft. The Emergency has been tested and worn daily by top aviation professionals and the world's most famous aerobatic patrols. It has proven its qualities in numerous search and rescue exercises and has become universally synonymous with safety and reliability for pilots all over the world. Sold in some 40,000 units, it has saved numerous lives, and remains an outstanding tool for locating and rescuing people in danger. On the strength of these successes and its experience, Breitling has achieved an unprecedented technological breakthrough with the presentation of the Emergency II. The Emergency II is equipped with a micro-transmitter that alternately uses two distinct frequencies over a 24-hour period. The transmitter emits a first digital signal on the 406 MHz frequency, which is intended for satellites, for 0.44 seconds every 50 seconds, and a second analogue signal on the 121.5 MHz frequency (the one allowing location and rescue) for 0.75 seconds every 2.25 seconds. The development of the bifrequency transmitter - designed expressly for the Emergency II - posed a major technological challenge, mainly due to its size, which had to fit well on the wrist. For this reason, collaboration was sought with a specialised space, defence and industrial organisation. Among other things, it was necessary to design a new circuit dedicated exclusively to this instrument, to enable it to transmit on two frequencies and in an ultra-compact volume. The result: a record of miniaturisation and reliability that goes far beyond watchmaking. The Emergency II also stands out for its ingenious and user-friendly built-in antenna system. Its two extendable antenna 'segments', located at the bottom of the watch, manually extend from one side of the case to the other. One of the biggest challenges was to find a miniaturised device that could transmit alternately on the two frequencies, varying the length of the antenna according to wavelength. In this way, Breitling created an unprecedented system in which the transmitter uses sometimes part and sometimes all of the two antennas. This is an absolute novelty in rescue transmitters.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRANSMITTER
Applied COSPAS-SARSAT standards
Transmitter classification C/S PLB Category 2
Emission frequency 121.5 MHz - 406.040 MHz
Emission power L 30 mW @ 121.5 MHz - L 3.2 W @ 406.040 MHz
Transmitter autonomy L 18 hours at -20 °C - L 24 hours at +20 °C
Operating temperature (transmitter) -20 °C to +55 °C
Transmitter power supply: 1 x Li-ion 4.2 V, 1.1 Ah
Clock: 1 x Silver Oxide 1.5 V
Mass of watch-transmitter: 140 g (without bracelet)
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WATCH
Movement: Breitling Calibre 76, with official COSC chronometer certificate. Thermocompensated SuperQuartzTM movement, analog and digital LCD 12h/24h display, battery low indicator. Chronograph to 1/100th of a second, countdown (timer), 2nd time zone, multilingual calendar. Case: titanium. Resistance 5 bar. Convex sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Bidirectional rotating bezel with compass rose. Diameter 51 mm. Dials: black Volcano, yellow Cobra, orange Intrepid. Bracelet/Strap: Diver Pro III rubber strap or Professional titanium bracelet.
