Airain

Airain is a watch brand founded in 1934 by the Dodane family. It makes pilot chronographs, including the Type 20 and Type 21, which are based on French military aviation watch designs from the 1950s. The watches are made in Switzerland and use mechanical chronograph movements. Airain also makes diving watches and limited editions based on its earlier models.

Airain Type 20 Pilot Chronograph

The Type 20 has its origins in a specification issued by the French Ministry of Defense for military pilot chronographs.

Airain was among the original suppliers commissioned to produce watches following this specification.

The Type 20 was designed as a practical instrument for pilots. Its features included a flyback chronograph, which allows the timing function to be restarted without going through a separate stop and reset process.

The current Type 20 follows the earlier military design while using an updated movement.

Its appearance and functions are linked to the requirements of aviation watches from the 1950s.

This makes the Type 20 an important part of Airain's present collection.

Airain Type 21 and Military Aviation

The Type 21 followed a specification updated by the French Ministry of Defence in 1956.

The changes were intended to improve the durability and serviceability of the watch.

Airain's Type 20 and Type 21 watches have a connection to French military aviation, including pilots in the French Army's ALAT.

Both collections use features associated with pilot chronographs.

These include luminous dials with two smaller displays, larger pushers and crowns, and bezels designed for use during flight.

The watches also use a flyback chronograph with a column-wheel mechanism.

These features connect the modern watches with the original requirements for aviation timing instruments.

Modern Versions and Limited Editions

Airain produces updated versions of its Type 20 and Type 21 watches.

The newer models retain dimensions and design details linked to the earlier military watches while using modern mechanical movements.

The company has also introduced limited editions with creative partners.

These include the ACE, Seconde/Seconde/ and Furtivité editions.

Each version presents a different design based on the Type 20.

Airain also offers a 70th Anniversary Edition.

Its watches include a two-year global warranty and a Digital Passport stored using blockchain technology.

Other Airain Watches

Airain also makes watches outside aviation.

The Sous-Marine is a diving watch with a history dating to the 1960s. The current Sous-Marine Re-Edition draws on a design from 1962.

Another model from the company's history is the Airain 77, which dates to the 1950s.

Airain returned after a period without production. The brand was reunited with Lebois & Co, a company that had also been connected with it in 1934.

For pilots and aviation fans, Airain offers a direct link to French military pilot watch specifications. Its Type 20 and Type 21 chronographs combine earlier aviation designs with current mechanical watchmaking.