when in flight mode can an Apple Watch call emergency services on cellular versions.

Hey there, hsv557!

If I understand your question, you'd like to know if an Apple Watch cellular model can use the Emergency SOS feature if it is in Airplane Mode. I am happy to help!

Just like with making any other phone call, your Apple Watch must have some sort of network access to place a call to emergency services. According to Use Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch - Apple Support, that means you would need to have your iPhone nearby and connected to your carrier's network (meaning it is not in Airplane Mode), or your Apple Watch needs to be connected to a known Wi-Fi network with Wi-Fi calling enabled, or the Apple Watch connected to the cellular network directly in order to place an emergency:

"To use SOS, your iPhone needs to be nearby. If your iPhone isn't nearby, your Apple Watch needs to be connected to a known Wi-Fi network and you must set up Wi-Fi Calling. On cellular models of Apple Watch, you can also use a cellular connection."

Cheers.