Survival Watches From Breitling

roadwarrior

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Three picks from two generations of Professional Breitlings for week 14

BY BEN HODGES
APRIL 03, 2020
5 MIN READ

https://www.fratellowatches.com/pre-...rom-breitling/

We tend to tell romanticized stories of brave men and women in survival situations. As watch-lovers, we find ourselves drawn to the wrists of these heroes and heroines. A watch worn during an adventure can take on a character of its own. And for those of us that can’t get enough of these little tickers, they can make or break the story of survival itself.

How many of you have pointed at your Omega Speedmaster, explaining to the non-watch aficionado that it went to the Moon? Or how the Speedy helped bring the Apollo 13 astronauts back to Earth? Maybe you drone on about the Rolex DEEP-SEA Sea-Dweller diving the depths of the Mariana Trench? Perhaps you prefer to talk about the Smith’s Explorer summiting Mount Everest?

You may find your audience has been bored into a coma by the time you get stuck into your tale. The truth is, we reiterate these stories as it connects our passion for luxury playthings to real-world events. But what about watches in the modern era designed for survival?

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The Breitling Emergency

Picking up on RJ’s “survival” theme from last week’s pre-owned picks, I am looking at the ultimate tool watch for the modern explorer. “What’s that?” I hear you say. Why, it is the Breitling Emergency, of course! Has there ever been a more OTT wristwatch? Sure, while the design is big and brash, it’s nowhere near as ostentatious and eye-catching as a myriad of other pieces. But none of them can summon a helicopter on-demand, so…

Launched in 1995, the Breitling Emergency was never going to be a runaway commercial success. Its abilities were not only niche but also slightly terrifying. The prospect of accidentally dialing up a rescue team to come and pluck you from your cozy bed? Yeah, no thanks.

Danger

But for professionals operating in risky areas, this serious piece of kit was attractive from the get-go. It looked the part. It could take a serious beating. And, when push came to shove, there was nothing better for getting you out of a sticky situation. Those whose lives are frequently in danger swear by the additional safety features. Over the two generations of Emergency watches, the pull-out distress beacon is the core feature and is still unique amongst luxury timepieces.

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Breitling Orbiter 3 non-stop global balloon flight

In March 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones circumnavigated the globe in the first successful round-the-world flight in the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon. It is still the most prolonged duration of an aircraft remaining airborne without stopping. Not in 80 days as novelized by Jules Verne, but in 19 days. Breitling was growing impatient with the failure of Orbiter 1 and 2, and proclaimed that the Orbiter 3 would be the last attempt to be sponsored by the Swiss watch brand. Thankfully, three, as it so often does, turned out to be a charm.
 
Very cool, to be sure!:dance2:Thanks for posting this up, Mike.:hat:
 
One cool feature as I recall from years back... If you ever actually need a rescue and are rescued because of the watch, Breitling will trade your watch for a new one.
 
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