BREITLING EMERGENCY II - The world’s first with a dual frequency locator beacon
Apr 24, 2013,20:59 PM
Breitling has reaffirmed 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 is a high-tech gem equipped with a dual frequency transmitter
compliant with the specifications of the Cospas-Sarsat international
satellite alert system and serving both to issue alerts and to guide
search and rescue missions.
Developed in conjunction with major
scientific institutes, the Emergency II is distinguished by numerous
microelectronic and microtechnical innovations, including a
revolutionary rechargeable battery, a miniaturized dual frequency
transmitter and an unprecedented integrated antenna system – three
features specifically developed for this model.
As the first ever
wristworn dual frequency PLB, it establishes itself as a safety and
survival instrument in all distress situations on land, at sea and in
the air.
A Breitling stronghold In 1995, Breitling
struck a decisive blow in launching the first wristwatch with a built-in
emergency microtransmitter. Operating on the 121.5 MHz international
air distress frequency, the Emergency was designed to enable accurate
homing in on pilots or passengers following a plane crash. It was
designed for constant wear on the wrist and thus as a complement to the
standard onboard aircraft equipment.
The Emergency has been
tested and worn in daily use by the finest aviation professionals and
the world’s greatest aeronautical teams. It has proven its worth in many
search and rescue exercises and has become synonymous with safety and
reliability for pilots around the globe. Around 40,000 such watches have
been sold, and these exceptional instruments for locating and rescuing
people in danger have indeed already saved a number of lives.
Building
on this successful and extensive experience, Breitling has achieved a
new and unprecedented technical feat in presenting the Emergency II.
The Cospas-Sarsat system The
international Cospas-Sarsat system is based on a network of satellites
in low altitude earth orbit (LEOSAR) and in geostationary orbit (GEOSAR);
it also comprises ground receiving stations as well as control and
coordination centers. Its mission is to provide accurate and reliable
distress alert and homing data. Supplying this information helps search
and rescue (SAR) authorities provide fast and efficient assistance to
persons in distress. Since its launch in 1985, the Cospas-Sarsat system
has helped save more than 26,000 lives.
The maritime, aviation
and land operations comprise three steps: alert, homing and rescue. The
alert and homing phases used the same 121.5 MHz analog frequency up
until 2009, when Cospas-Sarsat decided that it would phase out satellite
processing at 121.5 MHz frequency and that alerts would be triggered
only on 406 MHz – a digital frequency able to offer enhanced security,
to provide more comprehensive information and to reduce the number of
false alarms.
The 121.5 MHz signal is nonetheless still received
on land, by ships at sea and by airborne aircraft, and remains the most
efficient and reliable system for homing in on victims. Distress radio
beacons must thus be of the dual frequency type in order to guarantee
accurate homing.
A major innovation Breitling has once again
distinguished itself in the vanguard of electronics by creating the
Emergency II, the world’s first wristwatch equipped with a true dual
frequency distress beacon. A high-tech miniature marvel, this peerless
instrument belonging to the PLB (personal locator beacon) category is
distinguished by its transmitter compliant with Cospas-Sarsat
specifications and serving both to issue alerts and to guide homing and
rescue operations. Representing the culmination of five years of
development, the Emergency II called for avant-garde solutions that have
contributed to the advancement of microelectronics and microtechnical
engineering.
A survival instrument for all distress situations As
the first wrist-type dual frequency PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) and
thus worn at all times, the Emergency II is intended for a wide range of
users in a variety of fields around the world, including aviation,
navigation, climbing, trekking, hiking, exploration, extreme sports,
etc.
An innovative dual frequency transmitter The Emergency II
is equipped with a microtransmitter alternately operating on two
separate frequencies over a 24-hour period. It transmits a first digital
signal on the 406 MHz frequency intended for satellites and lasting
0.44 seconds every 50 seconds; as well as a second analog signal on the
121.5 MHz homing and rescue frequency, lasting 0.75 seconds every 2.25
seconds.
A miniaturization record The development of this dual
frequency transmitter specifically designed for the Emergency II was a
major technical challenge, essentially due to its dimensions that had to
be adapted to the wrist. Conducted in cooperation with an institute
specializing in aerospace, defense and industry, it notably involved
creating a new circuit exclusively dedicated to this instrument in order
to be able to transmit on two frequencies and to do so within an
extremely compact volume. The result is a record in terms of both
miniaturization and guaranteed reliability, which lays down new
benchmarks reaching well beyond the sphere of watchmaking.
An unprecedented antenna system The
Emergency II is notably distinguished by its ingenious and extremely
userfriendly integrated antenna system. Its two extendable antenna
“sections” housed in the lower part of the watch, are manually deployed
on each side of the case. One of the main challenges consisted in
finding a miniaturized device serving to transmit alternately on the two
frequencies, with the antenna length varying according to the
wavelength. Breitling therefore developed an original system in which,
according to circumstances, the transmitter uses either part or the
entirety of the two antennae – a major first on a locator beacon.
Ultra-simple handling The
beacon of the Emergency II was designed to simplify handling as much as
possible. Deploying the antenna automatically activates the
transmitter. To do this, the user must first unscrew and pull out the
cap on the main antenna on the righthand side of the case. The cap
automatically comes free of the antenna when it is deployed to the right
length. This operation releases the cap of the second section, which
the user can then deploy according to the same principle. A clear
reminder of all the stages is provided by a series of inscriptions on
the watch. Once the two antennae are deployed, all that remains is to
ideally position the watch so as to guarantee the best possible
transmission performance.
Controlling energy The energy issue
was a crucial element in developing the Emergency II. The CospasSarsat
prescriptions notably demand that beacons should be capable of
transmitting for 24 hours, including at -20°C. In addition to these
requirements in terms of duration and temperature, the dual frequency
transmitter features its own specific characteristics due to its
alternate operation at very different power levels (30 mW for 121.5 MHz,
and 5 W for 406 MHz, meaning 170 times higher) – a characteristic that
entails atypical current draw. Not to mention the need to accommodate
all this within a wristwatch. A revolutionary rechargeable battery After
considerable research, it became apparent that the ideal solution was
to opt for a rechargeable battery able to deliver more power than a
standard battery. There was however no product of this type that matched
the profile of the Emergency II. In collaboration with one of the
cutting-edge institutes in this field, Breitling therefore developed a
brand-new rechargeable battery specially created for this beacon-watch. A
state-of-the-art product for storing energy and which has contributed
to the advancement of research in this promising field.
A charger-tester for optimal security To
guarantee the reliability of the Emergency II in case of necessity,
Breitling has also developed a charger-tester serving to periodically
recharge the battery and then to automatically check the smooth
operation of the transmitter.
A chronometer-certified multifunction chronograph The
Emergency II is not only a personal survival instrument. It is also an
electronic chronograph featuring all the functions useful to
professionals and adventurers: 12/24-hour analog and digital display,
1/100th second chronograph, alarm, timer, second timezone, multilingual
calendar and battery end-of-life indication.
It is equipped with a
thermocompensated SuperQuartz™ movement ten times more accurate than
standard quartz and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official
Chronometer Testing Institute) – the highest industry benchmark in terms
of precision and reliability. The “watch” and “transmitter” parts have
been designed as two distinct elements, totally independent in terms of
both operation and energy source and thus ensuring enhanced security.
A sturdy and technical design The
Emergency II has a highly complex case made from titanium, the favorite
aeronautical metal that is at once sturdy, light, anti-magnetic,
corrosion-resistant and nonallergenic. It comes with a choice of three
dials – black, yellow or orange – and fitted with a titanium bracelet or
rubber strap. The satin-brushed bezel is engraved with a compass scale
accentuating its powerful, technical appeal. The sapphire crystal
glareproofed on both sides, along with the luminescent hands and
numerals, guarantee optimal readability in any conditions. A peerless
functionality for the world’s first wristwatch with a built-in dual
frequency personal locator beacon. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BEACON
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE WATCH
Movement:
Breitling Caliber 76, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC,
thermocompensated SuperQuartzTM, 12/24-hour analog and LCD digital
display, battery end-of-life indicator. 1/100th second chronograph,
timer, 2nd
timezone, multilingual calendar Case: titanium. Resistance to 5 bars.
Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Bidirectional
rotating bezel. Compass scale. Diameter 51 mm. Dials: Volcano black,
Cobra yellow, Intrepid orange. Strap/Bracelet: rubber Diver Pro III /
titanium Professional.
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-04-24 21:08:25
Breitling has reaffirmed 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 is a high-tech gem equipped with a dual ...
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