The French watch brand Airain has announced its official relaunch by re-issuing its legendary French Army Type 20 watch, a unique collectors’ item.
Airain was originally established by the famous Dodane family in 1934. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Airain became one of the selected suppliers of the Type 20 model for the French Army. Today, the Airain Type 20 is one of the most sought-after military timepieces of all time.
Known for its reliability and stunning looks, the Type 20 has a case diameter of 38 millimetres and a black dial with Arabic numbers and an interesting bezel that counts in reverse from twelve to one. Its two in-dial registers at the 3 and 9 o‘clock mark can count to 30 minutes. The Type 20’s flyback function lets pilots restart the chronograph timer instantly, without the need to press two more buttons, a highly praised feature in its heyday.
Airain headman and avid watch aficionado Tom van Wijlick said the reissued Type 20 will meticulously follow original blueprints and suggestions of watch enthusiasts and collectors: “We are lucky to be in close contact with a dedicated community.” He added that the brand would reintroduce several other vintage Airain models over the coming years.
The original Airain is also known for its pocket stop watches, ‘Sous-Marine’ diver watches and the elegant, anti-magnetic Airain ‘77’ with a power reserve of 50 hours and Incabloc shock protection.
About Montres Airain and Compagnie des Montres Lebois & Cie
Montres Airain was (and now again is) a sister brand of Lebois & Co, another quality watch producer. Originally founded in 1934, the brand was relaunched in 2014 by Dutch watch aficionado and entrepreneur Tom van Wijlick. Both brands stem from famous French watchmaking dynasty Dodane, whose legacy as watchmakers began in 1857. Adding Airain to the company’s portfolio is in line with its strategy to revive more historic brands, and to form a group of revived watch brands.
