Eileen's pilot chronograph "Up in the Air": where art and tradition intersect.

Airain | Up in the Air

French watch brand Airain has collaborated with "seconde/seconde/," led by French artist Romaric André, known for his humorous and satirical reinterpretations of vintage watches. The result is the limited edition "Type 20 Up in the Air." This unique model breathes contemporary art into a classic pilot's watch.

Text by Kosaku Waseda

An Art Watch Symbolizing Aspiration for the Skies

This model offers a new interpretation of the iconic "Type 20," originally developed for the French Air Force, and serves as an homage to aviation and French culture. As its name, "Up in the Air," suggests, the design is deeply connected to the theme of the sky.

The dial features a design reminiscent of the view from an airplane's porthole, with 8-bit clouds adorning the subdials. Combined with rhodium-polished edges, this adds playfulness and visual impact to the classical face.

The tip of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, subtly peeks out from the left subdial. This detail tells a story of French aviation history and its cultural context, truly making it an "artwork floating in the air."

The case back bears Romaric André's intention, expressing the concept of "returning the Type 20 to its original context of the sky and France." The Eiffel Tower motif is not merely decorative but a symbol evoking the bond between French pilots and this watch.

What elevates this model's artistry is Romaric André's signature pixel art. The 8-bit clouds, reminiscent of 1980s digital culture, evoke a sense of nostalgia while appearing remarkably modern. By incorporating contemporary art into a classic watch design, it artfully blends old and new aesthetics.

Romaric André is an artist who has previously attempted bold and satirical reinterpretations of vintage watches. His work challenges traditional watchmaking with new perspectives, allowing the watch itself to function as a "conversation starter."

Tom Van Wijlick, CEO of CDMLEC, which owns Airain, commented on the project: "I didn't want 'Up in the Air' to be just another limited edition. I wanted this watch to be a conversation piece while maintaining the identity of the iconic Type 20 timepiece. Romaric perfectly fulfilled that wish. I believe he has wonderfully expressed the watch's aviation heritage and its story rooted in France."

The "Type 20 Up in the Air" does more than just tell time. It stands as a symbol where French watchmaking tradition, aviation history, and contemporary art philosophy intersect.