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The Airain Type 21 is best understood as a detail-focused companion to the Type 20, not a new watch built around a different case or movement. Its glossy black dial, crown logo, relocated model name, darker lume and luminous bezel triangle create a distinct look while preserving the core Type 20 formula. Current specifications list a 39 mm stainless-steel case and the hand-wound AMT AM2 flyback chronograph.
What is the Airain Type 21?
Airain presents the Type 21 as a modern interpretation of a vintage watch it says was found at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. The company connects that design to a 1956 French Ministry of Defence update intended to improve durability and make maintenance easier. This is Airain’s historical framing, rather than an independently established account of the watch’s lineage. Airain’s Type 20 and Type 21 collection page describes the Type 20 as drawing on the original 1950s French military-pilot specification and the Type 21 as reflecting the later update.
The independent review by Thomas Van Straaten, published by Fratello on December 7, 2023, also identifies a 1960s auction example as the Type 21’s design cue. The new model retains the Type 20’s case and caliber, with its differences concentrated in the dial and other visible details. Read the Fratello review.
What changed from the Type 20?
Van Straaten’s comparison identifies five visible changes. The differences are subtle individually, but together they give the Type 21 a cleaner, more differentiated dial and bezel appearance.
#1 Best Overall
- Mathey-Tissot Type 21 Chrono Automatic Chronograph Black Dial Men's Watch H1821CHATLNG
- Dial finish: the Type 20’s matte dial gives way to a glossy black dial.
- Logo: the Airain logo gains a crown.
- Model signature: “Type 21” moves from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock, replacing the jewel-count and Incabloc text in the earlier layout.
- Lume: the luminous material is darker in color.
- Bezel triangle: the bezel now has a luminous triangle that matches the lume treatment.
These are design changes, not a change in the watch’s basic proposition: the Type 21 remains a flyback chronograph in the same case and with the same caliber as the Type 20, according to the review.
What are the current specifications?
Airain’s current product listing identifies the watch as Type 21 reference 423.438. The dimensions below are the figures published by Airain, not independent measurements.
Rank #2
- ✈️ AVIATION HERITAGE: Chronograph watches for men, aviator watches for men, and field watches for men feature a classic military-inspired design with a crosshair face, bringing authentic pilot-watch character to everyday wear.
- ⚙️ PRECISION TIMING: Built for dependable timekeeping, this mechanical chronograph watch delivers practical timing functionality for daily use. A rugged choice among military watches for men, military watch, and tactical watches for men.
- 🌙 LOW-LIGHT VISIBILITY: Luminous hands help make time easier to read in low-light conditions. Designed for outdoor use as a field watch, military field watch, and mens field watch with clear, practical legibility.
- 🛡️ FIELD-READY PERFORMANCE: Designed for demanding everyday environments, this military chronograph watches for men style combines dependable timing with 100M water resistance. Ideal for army watches for men, military watches, and outdoor wear.
- 🎯 PRAESIDUS DESIGN: A distinctive crosshair face and aviation-inspired styling define this 38mm chronograph watch. Built for enthusiasts seeking mens military watch, mens tactical watch, and field watches with authentic military character.
| Specification | Airain’s current listing |
|---|---|
| Case | Stainless steel; 39 mm diameter, or 39.5 mm at the bezel |
| Lug-to-lug | 47.5 mm |
| Height | 14.77 mm, or 10.85 mm without the crystal |
| Movement | AMT AM2; hand-wound, column-wheel chronograph with flyback |
| Beat rate and jewels | 28,800 vph; 23 jewels |
| Power reserve | 63 hours |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 ATM |
| Dial and counters | Glossy black, Arabic numerals and “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova; recessed counters, with small seconds at 9 and a 30-minute recorder at 3 |
| Bezel | Bidirectional friction bezel with a 12-hour countdown scale and luminous triangle |
| Crystal and strap | Double-domed sapphire crystal; brown leather strap with signed double buckle |
| Warranty | Two years, global |
| Price | €3,450 on Airain’s current product listing |
Specifications and price are from Airain’s Type 21 product listing. Check the live listing for stock and applicable regional purchase terms.
How does the Type 21 wear?
In his December 2023 review, Van Straaten described the watch as vintage in style but solid-feeling like a modern watch. He found that the glossy black dial looked warmer than pure black in most lighting, and praised the bezel finishing and dial refinement. He also said the fit was good on his wrist, while noting his own preference for smaller vintage cases. Those are one reviewer’s impressions, not a guarantee of fit for every wrist.
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
The published dimensions offer a practical starting point for judging fit: the case is 39 mm across, with a 47.5 mm lug-to-lug span and a listed height of 14.77 mm. The 20 mm lug width is also stated on Airain’s product page.
Is the Type 21 a better choice than the Type 20?
The available comparison points to an aesthetic choice rather than a mechanical upgrade over the Type 20: the independent review says the two share a case and caliber, while Airain frames both as flyback chronographs. Consider the Type 21 if the glossy dial, crown logo, relocated signature and matching luminous bezel triangle suit your taste. If you prefer the Type 20’s matte dial and original text layout, those differences may make the earlier design the better fit for you.
Rank #4
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
For either model, consider the listed case dimensions against a watch you already wear comfortably. The Type 21’s darker lume and luminous triangle also change the visual balance of the dial and bezel; they are not evidence of a different movement or function.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much does it cost, and what did it cost at launch?
Airain currently lists the Type 21 at €3,450 and states that it comes with a two-year global warranty. Price, availability and regional terms can change, so use Airain’s live product listing for a purchase decision.
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Best Value
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Black Ion Plated Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
The earlier figure is historical: Fratello’s December 7, 2023 review reported €2,950 including 21% Dutch VAT and said orders placed then were expected to arrive in early 2024. That launch-era price and delivery estimate should not be treated as current terms.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
