Description

THE STORY
The Airain Type 21 stands as a tribute to a 1960s vintage model unearthed at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. Rooted in the original 1950s designs, both the Type 21 and its sibling, the Type 20, faithfully embody the era’s aesthetics and functionalities. They feature a hand-wound column wheel chronograph with a flyback function and a countdown bezel. Interestingly, the Type 21 emerged from a French Ministry of Defence request in 1956, seeking an upgraded version of the Type 20 with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Displaying a sleek black dial with Grade X1 ‘Old Radium’ lume, the Type 21 proudly bears the Airain crown logo and the distinct ‘Type 21’ marking. Notably, its bezel boasts a luminous triangle at the 12 o’clock mark. While the stainless steel case measures 39.0mm (bezel 39.5mm) — slightly larger than the original — it maintains the classic allure while meeting contemporary standards. The Type 21 Re-Edition is powered by the caliber AM2, meticulously crafted by Manufacture AMT, Sellita’s esteemed division in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

TECHNICAL DATA
Model: Type 21
Reference: 423.438

Case
Material: Stainless steel
Diameter: 39.5mm (bezel), 39.0mm (case)
Height: 10.85mm
Crystal: 3.92mm domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating inside
Lug-to-lug: 47.7mm
Caseback: Screwed in, engraved
Bezel: Bi-directional rotating friction bezel with black lacquered filled numbers and triangle at 12 o’clock filled with ‘Old Radium’ Grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova
Water resistance: 50m (5ATM)

Movement
Caliber: Manual-wind column wheel chronograph caliber AM2 with flyback complication
Power reserve: 63 hours (+/- 2 hours)
Chronograph: 30 minutes
Jewels: 23 jewels
Shock protection: Incabloc
Adjusted in 5 positions

Strap
Strap: Genuine Leather Strap in Brown with beige stitching and double buckle, engraved with Airain logo
Lug Width: 20mm