Key Features
Very rare and highly collectible, early 1960’s military style AIRAIN French diving watch with a special patented winding crown for extra water protection. The dial has a simple, yet remarkable military style black-and-lume design, nothing too flashy or fancy, just a tool watch in a robust solid steel case.
There are two patent numbers stamped inside the caseback: Brevet 238872 from 1945 for the inner case tension ring for compressible watch cases, and Brevet 357352 from 1959 for the waterproof winding crown design. This 357352 crown design was implemented in the famous Dodane Triton Spirotechnique model, it makes quite a valuable and desirable collectible piece nowadays.
The size and shape of this watch really makes it a pleasure to wear. It keeps excellent daily accuracy, ensuring that there is no need to open the crown cup to correct the time, you can just wear it daily and enjoy. Plus, not only is this a great watch for the everyday, it is also 3 ATM waterproof, meaning you don’t have to worry about surrounding moisture issues. We have given it a full service in our workshop in order to make this timepiece a great daily timekeeper, and provide a 12-month mechanical guarantee – just in case.
About Airain
The Airain / Dodane brand is a well known French maker of watches, timers and cockpit clocks for military needs. The Dodane Type XX flyback chronograph was the main competitor to the Breguet Type XX. Many diving and professional models were introduced for French market.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly. There is a 12-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The watch comes with a high-quality khaki nylon strap.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Original, circular case.
- Solid steel case body.
- Acrylic crystal with date cyclop loupe.
- Stainless steel screw caseback with diver emblem.
- Special screw-in crown cup for extra water protection.
- 3 ATM waterproof.
- New khaki nylon strap.
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown 34.2 mm.
- Width w/ crown 37.7 mm.
- Full height 41.4 mm.
- Thickness 11 mm.
- Strap width 18 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original black dial.
- Military style Arabic numerals with lume 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.
- “Airain” signature with crown emblem below numeral 12 position.
- Square date window with red numerals and small magnifying glass over numeral 3 position.
- Silver-tone ‘arrow’ style hands with lume.
- Interesting silver-tone centre seconds with circular shaped lume in middle.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- ETA 2472 caliber.
- 30 jewels.
- Automatic.
- Interesting date disc with red orr and black even numerals.
- Sunray finishing of plates and bridges.
- Polished wheels and screws.
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 2 weeks cyclic test.
- Average timekeeping range: 5-20 sec/day.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- New khaki nylon strap.
- 12-month guarantee.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Other French Divers in our Shop.
