In the world of horology, few names resonate as deeply as Airain, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1934. Renowned for its Type 20 flyback chronographs, Airain once served the French military alongside prestigious brands like Breguet and Mathey Tissot. These robust timepieces featured an innovative flyback function that allowed users to reset the chronograph instantly by pressing a pusher at the 4 o’clock position. Additional specifications included a bidirectional 12-hour rotating bezel and a minimum power reserve of 35 hours, along with luminous hands and Arabic numerals for visibility in low light.

Unfortunately, the brand struggled to survive the quartz crisis and the subsequent loss of military contracts, leading to its temporary disappearance from the watch scene. However, in a stunning revival, Airain made its comeback in 2020, and with it, a fresh take on its classic designs: the Airain Type 20 ACE.

This latest model boasts a stylish stainless steel case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 10.85mm in height (excluding the gracefully curved double-domed sapphire crystal). It stays true to its roots, closely resembling the original 38mm size. The watch features a practical bidirectional 12-hour countdown bezel adorned with black markings. Classic chronograph pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions facilitate easy operation, while an oversized push/pull crown enhances usability. With a respectable water resistance rating of 50 meters, the Type 20 ACE is not just a showpiece but also a functional companion for water-related activities. The case back is engraved, celebrating its collaboration with Dutch retailer Ace Jewelers.

The watch brings a refreshing aesthetic twist, with a vibrant silvery-white dial complemented by striking orange accents. The design is largely monochromatic, featuring black outlines on the Arabic numerals and matte black hour and minute hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade X1 for enhanced readability. A more vivid orange luminescent hue accents the central chronograph seconds hand, along with the minute hand and roulette minute track on the 30-minute sub-dial located at 3 o'clock. Meanwhile, the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock sports a sleek black face, and an intricate minute/chronograph seconds track traces the watch's outer perimeter.

At the heart of the Airain Type 20 ACE is the AM2 caliber, a hand-wound column-wheel flyback chronograph meticulously developed by Manufacture AMT in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This movement boasts 24 jewels, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), and offers an impressive 63-hour power reserve. Its functionality includes central hours, minutes, and chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter, and a small seconds with a flyback reset.

The Airain Type 20 ACE is not merely a watch; it symbolizes a return to heritage and mastery in watchmaking. With its stunning design and robust features, this timepiece invites both avid collectors and new enthusiasts to appreciate the artistry and history of Airain while effortlessly standing out in any watch collection. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of horological history where classic charm meets modern sophistication!