Introducing: The Airain Type 20 70 ANS — Celebrating The Model’s 70th Anniversary
Although Airain only returned to the global horological stage in 2020, its roots, famously, go much further back. So much so, actually, that the classic Type 20 turns 70 this year.
Naturally, Airain could not let that pass without an appropriate celebration, so here we have the Airain Type 20 70 ANS. Let’s have a closer look!
The Airain Type 20 70 ANS
As you probably know by now, the Type 20 is a post-WWII chronograph made to French military specifications. I will not retell the entire story, as Gerard did a great job of that upon the relaunch in 2020. You can find his article with all the details here.
The revived Airain launched several very appealing versions of the Type 20 over the past five years. Today, we get another that is equally attractive. The Airain Type 20 70 ANS takes the trusted recipe and adds a blue dial.
Airain calls it Horizon Blue. The blue isn’t very saturated, and its subdued shade makes it look almost like blued steel. It somehow feels very appropriate for a vintage aviation watch. The dial features a grainy texture, ensuring great legibility. The numerals are executed in a soft beige, adding a bit of warmth while steering clear of over-the-top faux patina. I have to say, I like it quite a bit!
The 70 ANS specifications
Beyond the dial, the Airain Type 20 70 ANS is as we know and love it. Topping the 39mm stainless steel case is a vintage-correct 39.5mm friction-rotating 12-hour bezel. The watch also has a 47.5mm lug-to-lug span and a 14.97mm profile (11.05mm without the double-domed sapphire crystal). Airain rates the water resistance at 50 meters.
Inside ticks the caliber AM2 by Manufacture AMT. That’s Sellita’s elite department capable of delivering custom work. AMT provides Airain with a flyback chronograph based on the SW500 family. It runs at 28,800vph and offers 63 hours of power reserve. The one downside of this caliber is the fact that it isn’t quite as pretty as many hand-wound chronographs since it is basically a manual version of an originally automatic caliber. Still, it is good to have a look at it through the case back’s sapphire display, and the flyback functionality is a must-have for any Type 20.
The 70 ANS comes on a nicely matching beige suede strap with blue lining. Airain will produce this new Type 20 version in small batches, making the watch limited in availability, although not explicitly limited to a certain number. The Type 20 70 ANS costs €3,850 (including VAT). Deliveries start in early April.
What do you think of the new Airain Type 20 70 ANS? Let us know in the comments section below!
