Today, 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 replica for men, of course! Has there ever been a more OTT wristwatch? Sure, while the design is big and bold, it’s nowhere near as ostentatious and eye-catching as many other pieces. But none of them can summon a helicopter on-demand, so…
Launched in 1995, the perfect fake Breitling Emergency was never meant 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 profound piece of kit was attractive from the get-go. It looked the part. It could take a severe 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. In both generations of luxury fake Breitling Emergency watches (Emergency from 1995 and Emergency II from 2013), the pull-out distress beacon is the core feature and is still unique amongst luxury timepieces.
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 Swiss made fake Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon. It is still the most prolonged duration of an aircraft remaining airborne without stopping. However, Piccard and Jones didn’t make the trip in 80 days as novelized by Jules Verne, but rather, in 19 days. AAA quality replica 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 often does, turned out to be a charm.
The UK cheap replica Breitling team was not alone in this global record attempt. Cable & Wireless sponsored a team that already had a head-start and surpassed the distance previously set by the Breitling Orbiter 2. However, both sides had to contend with adverse weather and maneuver around restricted airspace over China and Yemen. The Cable & Wireless team was still ahead and progressing well but elected to rely solely on solar power without any backup batteries.
A fateful decision
The extra power storage would’ve increased weight and fuel consumption. Nearing the Pacific Ocean, the balloon was positioned with the Sun on the wrong side of the solar panel. Quickly losing power, the Cable & Wireless team ascended to catch the light and compensate. It was a fateful decision, as ice gathered on the balloon during the ascent and added too much mass. Along with the dwindling power, the aircraft descended and eventually ditched into the ocean. With just enough time for the mayday call, the pilots were soon rescued.
Speeds of up to 100mph
They stayed airborne and continued the journey to the Sahara Desert, their finish line. The jet stream was favorable and helped them reach speeds of up to 100mph while also assisting with fuel efficiency. After 19 days, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones touched down in the middle of the Sahara Desert. As they waited for seven hours to be picked up, they noticed their last propane tank, not jettisoned, had only four inches of fuel left. Perfect timing or blind luck? You decide. But I think the truth is, you don’t break records of this magnitude top quality replica watches without the rub of the green.
The gondola of the balloon is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. There is also a fantastic documentary on YouTube that is worth watching. It covers this flight with onboard and hand-held cameras and footage shot by the pilots.
