TYPE 21

From Airain Watches

The Airain Type 21 is inspired by a 1960s vintage model first found at a Sotheby’s auction, which honored the French Ministry of Defence’s 1956 request to upgrade the Type 20 for increased durability and easier maintenance. Both the Type 21 and its predecessor feature a hand-wound column wheel chronograph with a flyback function and countdown bezel. The Type 21 sports a glossy black dial with Grade X1 ‘Old Radium’ lume, proudly showcasing the Airain crown logo and ‘Type 21’ marking. Its slightly larger stainless steel case retains the classic charm while meeting modern standards. Powered by the caliber AM2 from Manufacture AMT in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the Type 21 Re-Edition embodies timeless sophistication and functionality. 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 high-end 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