Is the Breitling Emergency worth it?

If you fly or sail in remote areas and want a beacon you wear, it is one of the few watches that does that job. As an everyday watch, its size and price are hard to justify.

How does the distress beacon work?

It transmits on 121.5 MHz for local homing and 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. It must be registered with the relevant authority, and the US-only sales restriction reflects that.

How big is it on the wrist?

The case is 51 mm across and 21.6 mm thick, with 26 mm lugs. That is among the largest watches made, so try one on before buying.

It is rated to 50 m, which covers splashes and brief swimming but not diving. The beacon and pushers are not meant for underwater use.

How often does it need service?

The movement battery lasts roughly 2-3 years, and the beacon has its own battery and test schedule. Plan on authorized Breitling service for both.

The watch on a black Diver Pro III rubber strap, the original Breitling box and papers, and the manufacturer's manual.

Where can I buy the Breitling Emergency Men's Watch E7632522/BC02-156S?

2 stores we checked sell it, including www.AbbeyFive.com, Diamond Source NYC.

Breitling Emergency Men's Watch E7632522/BC02-156S

Last price we saw

$12,405.00at Diamond Source NYC, last seen Nov 2

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Our take on the Breitling Emergency Men's Watch E7632522/BC02-156S

The Breitling Emergency is a 51 mm titanium survival watch built around a dual-frequency distress beacon that transmits on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz. It pairs a SuperQuartz chronometer movement (Caliber B76, COSC certified) with analog hands, a 12/24-hour LCD, chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, GMT and a compass bezel. At 21.6 mm thick and 26 mm between the lugs, it is a large, heavy-duty instrument rather than a daily dress watch. It is sold in the US only, with US documentation required for beacon registration.

What reviewers say

Owners treat the Emergency as a purpose-built safety instrument. They praise the beacon, the light titanium case and the quartz accuracy, and most criticism centers on its size and the care the beacon system demands.

Pros