The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, new member here. Geeking out with my new Pro Emergency and was curious about some emergency scenarios:

1) What if my watch is stolen and activated by some kid...am I liable for fines or if I promptly report it stolen would I be indemnified?
2) What if I drive off the side of the freeway and am trapped in my car for days, unfound. (or a broken leg while back-country skiing, etc.) Is this a legitimate use in Breitling's eyes (not that I would care)? Would they replace the watch? What would the fine be?

I'm sure someone has asked these questions before. I'd be interested in these and any other discussions having to do with practical use and liability associated with the emergency transmitter.

Thank you!

Awww the good old 'he used my gun to shoot him officer'.

If its stolen, report it, and report what the watch can do.

If your life/safety is in danger, DO WHATEVER you can do make sure you get out alive.

Life > Money/Law

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Panerai PAM212 | Panerai Diver Strap
Panerai PAM111 | Black Croc Strap
Omega Planet Ocean | SS Bracelet
Rolex Submariner | SS Bracelet (Sold, Awaiting Funds)
Breitling Navitimer Olympus | Brown Croc Strap (Arriving)

The way I understand it, the signal generated is more of a "this is where I am" rather than "Come rescue me". I.e. Someone should already know u're missing/presumably involved in an accident to initiate the rescue, which would then be greatly assisted by the E.

As far as free replacement, as long as the watch significantly assisted in the saving of a life, I'm sure Breitling will be more than willing to trade the publicity at the cost of a free replacement E.

Finally, I tend to have a "can't hurt" and "possibly life-saving" attitude towards my EM and hence have tremendous ownership enjoyment out of it!

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a few Pams...

I once was a member of a mountain search and rescue squad. As far as we were concerned, the method used to alert SAR personnel made very little difference in how we responded. It could be as high-tech as a Breitling Emergency, a sat phone, or a personal locator beacon, or it could be as simple as yelling and waving your arms, whatever works. Every mission is different.

As long as you have a legitimate reason, I'd say pull that transmitter. Just keep in mind that the Emergency is not designed to be the only method (or the primary method) of summoning aid. I don't know what would happen if some random passing plane heard the signal, and I wouldn't want to pin my hopes on the watch transmitter alone.

Peace

Mike

In terms of liability for someone else activating the watch, not 100% sure, but I assume that if you report it then you should be OK, although you may have to rely on insurance for replacement.

In terms of when it's OK to use, this comes up every few months. Breitling say that the watch should be used for 'aviation related emergencies' although I can't believe that their is going to be a problem in a real emergency, regardless of the scenario. Incidentally, Breitling sponsored the Mata-Rangi expedition in the 90s (raft in the Pacific) and provided an Emergency. The expedition ran into trouble and the Emergency was activated. Lots of publicity, no fines

I can't see this being a problem either. The locator frequency is the same as is used on marine devices designed for the same purpose. I don't think responders even can tell what type of device the signal came from. In a legimate emergency, who would care anyway. I don't really know about the theft issue and liability except I would assume ones personal liability insurance would cover that.

Thank you all for the replies, especially Roffensian for that data about the Mata-Rangi. There are just SO many warnings that this watch ONLY should be used in aviation related emergencies.

On the theft subject, the contract they made me sign says "The Purchaser of the Breitling Emergency watch shall e full responsible for consequences of any misuse of the transmitter, including by any 3rd party." So technically, they still hold me as liable, but as you said I can't imagine they would do so if its reported stolen. On the same subject, what if you sell your emergency to a new owner? Does Breitling get involved in the transfer of title and liability?

Also, is there a current list somewhere of actual emergency incidents where the watch helped rescue people in the past? I'm sure that Breitling is proud of that list, but I can't find it...

Thanks again for all your answer!

Change of ownership on the Emergency / Emergency Mission has to be registered with Breitling.

No list of incidents as a number are classified!