Tick Talk
[Moderator Emeritus]
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Breitling Emergency is DANGEROUS!
Originally, the concept of the Emergency was to broadcast a signal on the aircraft emergency channel at 121.5 MHz, in hopes that a passing plane would receive it. With much prior warning, that particular frequency was abandoned by airlines in 2009 when the FAA mandated a switch to satellite-based rescue monitoring at 406 MHz.
They continue to market the Breitling Emergency as a rescue aid despite that fact. As of today, the 121.5 MHz frequency is only used for very short range locating once a 406 MHz signal has directed rescue personnel to within a few kilometers. The power required for a 406 MHz signal would not be possible for a wristwatch-sized device, so by rights Breitling should discontinue the model and recall every one they sold since the change was announced in 2007. NO ONE IS LISTENING!
Mountaineering Short List
After looking online at some of the unfamiliar-to-me brands suggested, this is my short list of candidates: Rolex Explorer Sinn Omega Seamaster Ball Marathon Tutima Breitling Kobold Some have several models that are suitable and, contrary to my earlier in...
You may add also Alpina as possible candidate
They have an Avalanche Extreme Regulator that behaves quite good in the snow... I tried the first version with an ETA mechanism and was quite good and I understood they have now an in-house version. Regards. Cristian
ETA movements
Well, after hearing about the stellar performance of the ETA 2824 movement during the 2009 Chronometre Concours competitions, where Swatch and Tissot tied for fourth place using the calibre behind a trio of super-expensive tourbillons, I would absolutely ...
Another aspect...
...is which one you'll most want to keep wearing after the trip is done. Personally, the Explorer and the Alpinist appeal most to me, but Sinn's are something that I've been intrigued by.
Yes, that is a big consideration...
I don't want a "throw-away" watch, it will become a keepsake and reminder of the adventure.
Let there be light !
To me, the choice is obvious - Rolex Explorer. Well but when you're out on the mountain at night, Ball watch is my 2nd option - Let there be light !
Any other brands with luminous tubes?
That feature makes Ball at the top of my list, but I'm just wondering if any other brand has those luminous gas tubes for index markers?
Tritium Tubes...
...There's a Marathon Navigator with tritium tubes, which is very similar in case shape to the Benrus Type I/II. No surprise as it's basically a grandson to the Benrus. They come in both composite and stainless cases, but the tubes might be a bit dull on ...
I JUST FOUND YOUR WATCH!
Favre Leuba " Bivouac ". Favre Leuba is a brand which fascinates me for its roiginal productions, especially on Diving watches. It seems, for example, that F.L was the first brand, in the 60ies, to release a wrist watch including a depth meter. On the Biv...
My Short List Includes Ball and Alpina
I find those two tempting because they are new to me, along with RGM. Also, ever since I took a Vacheron on an expedition, I like the idea of subjecting a so-called luxury brand to the trials of the real world, and Bulgari comes to mind. If I consider ins...
Breitling
For what it's worth, while I have no experience with the watch myself, I do have some acquaintances who were able to put the Breitling Emergency to use - flimsy looking thing when unwrapped apparently but it did the trick and they were rescued. Not too sh...
Breitling Emergency is DANGEROUS!
Originally, the concept of the Emergency was to broadcast a signal on the aircraft emergency channel at 121.5 MHz, in hopes that a passing plane would receive it. With much prior warning, that particular frequency was abandoned by airlines in 2009 when th...
Interesting - it looks like Breitling addressed this to an extent
From Wikipedia - "Breitling has announced that, as these frequencies will still be monitored by aviation, particularly during the localization phase of a rescue attempt, there are no plans to modify the signal's frequency." With this brochure note from an...
Shame on Breitling
Well, that is complete hype! I cannot imagine a rescue scenario where someone could attract attention with just the Breitling's frequency. As I said...NO ONE IS LISTENING. Their justification not to upgrade to a 406 MHz frequency is bogus because they kno...