Airain Sous-Marine Re-Edition DNA Strand 524.437B

The Airain Sous-Marine Re-Edition DNA Strand 524.437B is a modern revival that stays remarkably faithful to the brand’s mid-century dive watch roots, blending vintage charm with contemporary reliability. Housed in a stainless steel case, this re-edition captures the spirit of the original Sous-Marine models with its clean, utilitarian design and balanced proportions. The dial—finished in a subtle, ocean-inspired tone—features bold luminous markers and classic handset styling, delivering excellent legibility while maintaining that unmistakable retro aesthetic. Powered by a dependable automatic movement, it brings everyday practicality to a design rooted in history.

What sets the DNA Strand apart is its attention to detail and respect for heritage without feeling like a forced throwback. The unidirectional bezel, domed crystal, and thoughtfully aged lume tones give it authentic vintage character, while modern construction ensures durability and wearability. It’s a piece that appeals to collectors who appreciate the nuance of re-editions done right—less about hype, more about honoring original design language. For those looking to tap into the resurgence of neo-vintage dive watches, the Sous-Marine DNA Strand offers a compelling mix of history, style, and function.

The Movement:
The movement inside the Airain Sous-Marine is the Swiss-Made AM5 automatic calibre, based on the La Joux-Perret G100. It features a 68-hour power reserve, a tungsten rotor for smooth rotation and weight distribution, and is regulated to four positions for accuracy. The movement is decorated with Geneva stripes and blue polished screws, ensuring both performance and aesthetic appeal.

Parmentier Crown:
The case features a so-called Parmentier crown that adds even more character. The Parmentier construction consists of a small winding crown and a large screw-on cap to cover it. This helps make the Sous-Marine water resistant to 200 meters. The screw-on cap features a notched recess on the outside so you can operate the small crown underneath. A practical thing to keep in mind is that the cap comes off the watch as a separate element.

Reference: 524.437B

Strap: Fixoflex Steel Bracelet & Tropic Rubber Strap

Case: 37.5mm x 12,77mm (10,25mm w/o crystal) Thickness x 48.2mm lug to lug - Stainless Steel

Crown: Parmentier Crown Cap System

Water Resistance: 200m (20ATM)

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: Caliber AM5 (La Joux-Perret G100 Base) - Automatic

Hands: Gold Plated

Dial: Glossy black numerals in Super-Luminova® 'Light Old Radium'

Bezel: 120 Click, Full Black PVD Coated, Super Luminova Lume Dot (Light Old Radium)

Date Wheel: Roulette Date Wheel

Functions: HMS, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Double Domed Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5"

New

Airain is a historic French watch brand founded in 1934 that became best known for producing military pilot chronographs for the French armed forces during the 1950s and 1960s. The brand earned its reputation through the legendary Type 20 flyback chronograph, a watch developed to meet strict specifications set by the French Ministry of Defense for military aviators.
The Airain Type 20 became one of the most respected military chronographs of its era thanks to its flyback functionality, rotating bezel, highly legible dial, and rugged reliability. Alongside brands like Breguet and Dodane, Airain helped define the golden age of French aviation watches.

Today, Airain has been revived with faithful modern recreations of its historic Type 20 and Type 21 chronographs. The brand continues to focus on vintage inspired aviation watches that combine mid century military design with modern Swiss manufacturing and mechanical reliability.