Breitling Emergency Watch Pinpoints Lost Hunter in Alaska


I don't own an expensive luxury watch, but if I did, I'd want one with a tiny antenna and a personal homing beacon so if I ever get lost in the wild I can finally justify to my wife its staggering cost (from $4,000 to $7,000). This hunter did...

From this story on
A luxury watch made more than a fashion statement when it helped save a stranded hunter's life in Alaska on August 15. Mark Spencer was hunting grizzly bears about 120 miles northeast of Anchorage when he became stuck in the wilderness along Susitna River in the heart of the infamous Alaska Range.

According to the story, Spencer's party became stranded along the river, so Spencer set out to find help. But 55 miles later—wet, cold, hypothermic, and in trouble—Spencer broke out his Breitling Emergency Watch, extended its tiny antenna, and started broadcasting a signal that helped rescuers pinpoint his location.

From the story: Despite having a hand-held Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), it was Spencer's Breitling Emergency watch and its built-in homing signal that saved the day. "Breitling is the number one piece of equipment I always bring with me," said Spencer, who works in the renewable energy industry. "Even if I lose everything, I will always have my watch. That gives me and my family peace of mind." The timepiece is designed with a micro-transmitter broadcasting on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency. The transmitter is activated by unscrewing a protective cap and extending a short antenna. The signal can be heard for about 100 miles and will broadcast for 48 hours.

Any readers wear a Breitling? If not, what's your preferred outdoor watch?