The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I recently got my Mission back from BUSA for an overhaul and have been contemplating whether or not to sell it for months. I am glad that others here have recently touched on the idea that the new model might or might not be worth acquisition on the basis of Breitling's recent design aesthetics. That has been a concern of mine for a while now, just as it has been for many. I like the looks of the current Emergency and Emergency Mission and like many of you I am curious to about how the new model will look.

The other thing for me however is that I'm still not convinced about the technology factor (121.5mh vs 406mh). I have seen the claims of many reliable people that they have intelligence from industry sources that the new Emergency will operate on 406. The benefits of 406 are both many and significant; however those benefits are reliant on the source signal reaching directly to a satellite (in space). One of the main reasons why 406 replaced 121.5 in aviation purposes in the first place is its ability to significantly reduce "false calls". Let us remember that the original purpose of the Emergency was not to be capable of speaking to satellites, but rather to supplement an airplane's existing distress systems. This "supplement" is the 121.5 signal’s ability to facilitate rescue services. While 406 is far superior to 121.5 in satellite signal initiation, 121.5 remains superior (to this day) to 406 in homing down here near the Earth's surface. This is one reason why airplanes worldwide continue to monitor 121.5 while operating - for homing. Triangulating 121.5 is how Search and Rescue (SAR) find their target. This was the original intention of the Emergency watch. Is this going to be the purpose of the new Emergency? This is also why civilian PLBs nowadays carry both 406 AND 121.5. Why else would PLBs need both?

Long story short is (and I hope I am wrong) that I don't predict a transmitter that is capable of reaching satellites miles and miles above Earth fitting into a wristwatch in the next year or two. Let us not forget that the current run of Emergency ended because of Dessault discontinuing it's transmitter production, NOT because of the technology itself.

Will we see a new aesthetic on the same technology, or a truly and completely new Emergency?

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Emergency Mission
Submariner 14060M

Moderation in all things - especially moderation.

Yes, what a decision to have to make on the new model. Surely they will keep things the same for the reasons you have expressed.

I shouldn't be too concerned as the new model will probably be the same transmitter and a triumph of design. A refresh is always a good idea in a models life too. So, I am relaxed.

I give Breitling a lot of credit where others think the new style is a backward step. Compared to some makers latest offers, I think the new style is very welcome indeed. I have confidence the new model will be spot on.

Jim

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Jim

"You have Control".

New Emergency will be 406 because that's what's available to Breitling in terms of transmitters - the previous model was discontinued because Dassault seased production of the 121.5. For those who actually need an Ermergency in a real life situation, the 121.5 is likely to be of more use - the increased precision and the signal being too weak for satellite monitoring being the obvious reasons.

A case of progress not being progress, but not really Breitling's fault this time.

Aircraft monitor 121.5 mostly because it's still used for emergency voice communication, including inadvertent airspace incursions subject to intercept (it's actually required for this reason), not because they all carry equipment to locate the signal source, though they can hear the beacon tone. SAR can use it for homing, as you say, but it is no longer used by COSPAS-SARSAT to generate SAR alerts. You'll need the 406 beacon, or some other trigger, to get SAR in the area, before the 121.5 can be of any help.

Thanks for the info Roff!

Wrangler you are exactly right about the signal functions, SAR initiation, etc. Your points are all the more reason I was wondering in the first place if they would really use 406. Functionally speaking it seems to be a step backward. Regardless I am still greatly anticipating the release.

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Emergency Mission
Submariner 14060M

Moderation in all things - especially moderation.

The 406 beacons work nicely, when they have the GPS locator function. They'll find themselves, and transmit their position with the signal. It's a great combination for a Personal Locator Beacon, but might make for a rather large watch.

I hear it will be rather large, 49mm.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I was talking about a combination of GPS locater and 406 beacon. Will the new watch have that?

I highly doubt it.

That's as I expected.

Great points by all. My question is, how much?? I bet the new Emergency will be reaching at least 9k. That's a bit much for my wallet, but we'll see what comes out.

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An ever changing collection.....

Would love love LOVE a LARGE new Emergency with lots of protruding high-tech looking bits & stuff... No sleek smooth cutesy curvy Apple-esque designs please Breitling!

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a few Pams...

Having 406 on new emergency I wonder how the battery life will be when the beacon is activated since 406 send signal to satellite

Using GPS on my iPhone drain battery real quick so how will it work on a wristwatch


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Breitling Emergency Yellow Dial

That assumes that the transmitter is strong enough for satellite pick up (it hasn't been before). Transmitter is always powered by a separate battery than the watch and life will depend on transmitter strength, battery type, etc.