Airain – Pilot's chronographs with a true mission
Airain stands for historical pilot watches according to the French “Type 20” specification: robust technology, best readability, flyback function – built for precise mission timing, loved today for its timeless look.
The history of the Airain Type 20
In the mid-1950s, the French military issued a specification for a watch with very specific requirements: a chronograph for pilots – featuring a flyback function, excellent legibility, robust technology, and precise timekeeping. This specification became known as "Type 20" and gave its name to an entire category of watches.
Airain, then part of the Dodane Group, was one of the few brands that actually manufactured these watches for the French military. The Airain Type 20 was not a fashion item – it was a genuine operational instrument , worn by pilots of the French Air Force and naval aviators in an era when navigation and timekeeping were still entirely analog.
With today's re-edition, Airain builds on this heritage – with an uncompromisingly classic design, modern watchmaking expertise, and deep respect for history. A watch for lovers of vintage pilot's chronographs that never loses sight of the original.
Airain Type 20 – Flyback Chronograph, Manual Winding (AMT AM2)
The re-edition remains true to the original: bi-compax layout, bidirectional rotating 12-hour bezel, large pushers. Inside beats the hand-wound AM2 caliber from Manufacture AMT , a modern column-wheel chronograph movement with flyback function and a 63-hour power reserve.
Founded in 2018 , Manufacture AMT is a manufacture specializing in high-quality watch movements, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds . It functions as the technological arm of the Sellita Group and internally controls all essential steps in the design, production, and assembly of top-level mechanical calibers.
Airain Type 20 “Up in the Air” – Limited Edition (88 pieces)
The "Up in the Air" edition was designed in collaboration with seconde/seconde/. The subdials appear like small airplane windows ("portholes") with 8-bit clouds; the top of the Eiffel Tower is featured in the left subdial – a subtle nod to its French roots. Limited to 88 pieces worldwide.
Design, Craftsmanship & Context
A matte black dial with Arabic numerals and Super-LumiNova, a domed sapphire crystal, and a clear rehaut ensure fast, glare-free readability. The friction-bearing, bidirectional rotating 12-hour bezel allows for time zone and mission timing – just like the historic Type 20 watches. The porthole subdials add an artistic touch to this edition.
Technical Highlights
– Caliber: AM2 (Manufacture AMT / Sellita), manual winding, column wheel, flyback
– Power reserve: approx. 63 hours
– Frequency: 4 Hz / 28,800 A/h
– Stones: 23
– Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds; 30-minute counter; central chronograph seconds hand
– Bezel: bidirectional rotating (friction), 12-hour scale with luminous triangle
– Glass: double-domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on the inside
– Water resistance: 50 m (5 ATM)
– Luminous material: Super-LumiNova on dial and hands
– Limited edition: 88 pieces
Dimensions
– Diameter: 39 mm (Bezel 39.5 mm )
– Height: 14.77 mm ( 10.85 mm without glass)
– Lug-to-Lug: 47.7 mm
– Lug width: 20 mm
materials
– Case: 316L stainless steel (satin/polished), screw-down steel case back with engraving
– Dial: matte black, Arabic numerals, bi-compax
– Strap: black nubuck leather with Airain-signed double buckle; additional military strap (black with blue stripe)
Scope of delivery
– Airain Type 20 “Up in the Air”
– Nubuck leather strap (black) with Airain-signed double buckle
– Additional military strap (black/blue)
– Box & Papers
– International manufacturer's warranty (2 years)
