Breitling Emergency: The Unworn Grail?

cazalea · 2018-01-11T13:09:15Z

Explore the Breitling Emergency with cazalea's hands-on review. Discover its massive size, unique analog dial, and the serious implications of its life-saving beacon.

cazalea

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

12 replies1623 views9 photos

Cazalea explores the intriguing allure of the Breitling Emergency, a watch he describes as one everyone wants but few actually buy or wear. His post details a hands-on encounter with the analog-hand version, highlighting its imposing size, unique features, and the serious implications of its emergency beacon functionality.

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Ok, I may have stepped on a speculative limb but don't you have an inner urge to own a Breitling Emergency?

The recent press release in our NEWS CENTRAL reawakened my slumbering lust for one of these watches. As I have been able to get my head off the sickbed and think about life outside these four walls, I remembered a flyer that arrived just before Christmas. It came from my local watch emporium and hidden on one of the back pages was a reference to a watch I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. An analog-hand Emergency. All the Emergencies I have seen before came with the Aerospace movement on the front of the transmitter (as seen in the photo above). But this watch had hands, and subdials.

Today my wife finally judged me healthy enough to go outside, and I was sent on a list of errands which involved smog test for the Honda, haircut for my head, shopping for miscellanea, and (unknown to her) I was able to fit in a watch visit too.

As I said in the headline, this is a watch nobody buys. No one took it home for Christmas, so there it was in the case, ready to be worn by your correspondent. Setting the Silberstein aside, I strapped it on. It's ENORMOUS and SHINY.

The full enchilada. Suitcase, WARNING SIGN, testing kit, Bakelite box, booklet, VHS Video, giant Phillips screwdriver for replacing the transmitter batteries. The lot. "Bond, James Bond" would be proud to have this.

OK, so it's a bit large.

I looked carefully at the dial. TWO CENTRAL SECOND HANDS?? What's this? It appeared to be a mecha-quartz movement sitting on top of a transmitter - but they don't have split-seconds (do they?) There's no extra pusher either. I checked the book carefully and the hand with double-ended arrowheads on the tail appears to be a beacon that twirls 2.5 revs per minute while the transmitter is operational. But it was moving with the chrono hand above it and appears to double-function as a central minute counter. An unresolved mystery (so far).

Silberstein is over 40mm and Emergency must be close to 50mm. I couldn't even "talk" with my left hand. It kept falling to the counter.

WARNING: Use only in case of real emergency.

Can I say that again:

WARNING: Use only in case of real emergency.

You mean you make this bitchin watch with antenna and half-global capability and I can't use it unless I crash my plane? (and likely am dead by then).

The manual warns "Even if the timekeeping portion is ruined in the emergency, the transmitter is completely separate and will still bring help if activated. Pull out the antenna until the cap snaps off"

I want one. But I would never buy it (and I would try to play with it EXCEPT I live close to an airport and they would catch me, and there are bound to be fines, and punishment). I want one.

Cazalea

PS - if you go down to check it out, put the watch on the test block, turn the tester on and TURN UP THE VOLUME to 11 (I only turned it to 3 and still got scolded). I want one!

About the Omega Seamaster Ref. 007Edition

The Omega Seamaster 007 Edition, reference 210.92.42.20.01.001, distinguishes itself within the Seamaster Diver 300M collection through its specific aesthetic and material choices. This particular reference offers a distinct interpretation of the Seamaster Diver 300M, setting it apart from standard production models with its unique dial and bezel execution, and the use of lightweight titanium for both the case and bracelet. It represents a focused design within the broader Seamaster lineage.

This edition features a 42mm case crafted from grade 2 titanium, paired with a domed sapphire crystal that enhances its vintage-inspired appearance. The watch is powered by the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, an automatic movement certified to meet the industry's highest standards of precision, chronometric performance, and magnetic resistance. It offers a power reserve of 55 hours and is water-resistant to 300 meters.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Seamaster Diver 300M with a specific material and color palette. Its cohesive design, from the tropical brown dial to the titanium mesh bracelet, creates a unified presentation. The absence of a date complication further contributes to its clean and symmetrical dial layout, a detail often appreciated by enthusiasts.

Specifications

Caliber: Omega 8806

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 42mm

Dial: Tropical brown

Water Resist.: 300m

Crystal: Domed sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The analog-hand Breitling Emergency is less preferred by some collectors compared to the Aerospace dial layout, with its size being a significant deterrent for many wrists.
There's curiosity about whether the emergency beacon has ever been used in a genuine emergency and what the outcomes were.
The penalties associated with accidental activation of the emergency beacon far outweigh the novelty of the device for many potential owners.
Accidental activations of Breitling Emergency watches most commonly occur at Authorized Dealers, highlighting the sensitivity of the device.

The Discussion

kev09

Jan 11, 2018

A great and interesting report.

I’ve never seen this one before. I’m not keen on the colour of the dial and overall I would say I prefer the Aerospace dial layout. It’s far too big for my wrist and, like you, I couldn’t trust myself not to fiddle with the emergency gizmo, especially after a few drinks with friends. I know these watches with the emergency beacon have been on the market for a while now but I wonder if anyone has ever used it in a genuine emergency and if so, what was the outcome? Regards Kev.

cazalea

Jan 11, 2018

Yes, that dates the watch, doesn't it?

Unopened, shrink-wrapped VHS - doubtless will add a premium to the package!

MTF

Jan 12, 2018

I finally threw away my VHS player in 2014 but I still have the tapes??? Go figure....

I also have audio cassettes with The Goon Shows still on them. I tried to convert them to mp3 files but each took so long to convert in real time, that I gave up. I was given the converter player for Christmas 2015. MTF

Arie - Mr Orange

Jan 12, 2018

I can’t even recall when I watched a VHS for the last time

But I’m sure it was pre 2001

cazalea

Jan 12, 2018

I still have about 20 VHS tapes - I need to check out this "Converter / Player"

Is that for audio cassettes, or VHS cassettes?? Thank goodness I didn't keep those 75 or so audio tapes of Star Trek that I recorded through the headphone jack back in the days BEFORE video recording was possible

Arie - Mr Orange

Jan 12, 2018

There are converters indeed. But maybe easier to bring those tapes to a specialist who can perhaps enhance the images while he is at it? [nt]

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About the Omega Seamaster Ref. 007Edition

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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