Type 20 ‘Up in the Air’ – Airain x seconde/seconde/

10 July 2024 – We are proud to announce a creative collaboration surprise: an exclusive Type 20 Limited Edition made with watch artist seconde/seconde/. Available per 14 July, the ‘Up in the Air’ watch is another example of the French artist’s typically whimsical yet refined style, and embodies both the spirit of aviation and French horology traditions.

The ‘Up in the Air’ edition takes the Type 20 back to its roots, celebrating its historical association with the skies. With their rhodium-polished edges, the subdials create the illusion of aeroplane portholes, looking out on pixelated 8-bit clouds. The left subdial offers a subtle glimpse of the Eiffel Tower’s tip. On the caseback, seconde/seconde/ explains his intentions: return the Type 20 to its rightful place – both in the sky and in France. The subtle inclusion of the Eiffel Tower is a reminder of the watch’s heritage and its connection to French pilots.

Romaric André, the visionary behind seconde/seconde/, brings his unique artistic flair to this project. Known for his playful modifications of vintage watches, André’s use of 8-bit pixel art clouds adds a contemporary twist to the classic design. The collaboration aims to highlight the essence of the Type 20 – a timepiece that belongs in the air and in France.

Tom van Wijlick, CEO of CDMLEC, explains his reasons for the collaboration: “I wanted our ‘Up in the Air’ Type 20 to be a conversation starter without reducing its iconic identity. I believe Romaric has done an outstanding job in not only emphasising the watch’s aeronautical legacy, but also aptly honouring its French origins.”

Since its re-establishment, Airain has meticulously crafted balanced and nuanced editions of the Type 20. From the standard re-editions with black dials to the chocolate brown and military green versions released in 2022, and the stealthy ‘Furtivité’ in 2023. Each edition stays true to the original design.

This limited edition will consist of only 88 pieces, priced at €3450. The watch will be available for purchase on our website starting 14 July 2024, and through selected retailers. The first batch of 44 pieces will be ready for delivery at the end of August, followed by the second batch of 44 pieces in September.