Eilen, a company with a history of supplying military watches to the French army in the 1950s, has announced the "TYPE 20 70 ANS" to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the brand's flagship pilot chronograph, the "Type 20." The Type 20 refers to the pilot watch standard set by the French Ministry of Defense, and chronographs with a flyback function manufactured based on that standard. The new TYPE 20 70 ANS also features a flyback function and boasts a vintage-inspired finish.
Eiren, which supplied pilot chronographs to the French military, has announced a limited edition "Type 20" model.
E.L.E.L. has unveiled the "TYPE 20 70 ANS" to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the birth of the brand's iconic pilot chronograph. Based on the Type 20 manufactured for French military pilots in the 1950s, this model inherits the iconic flyback chronograph mechanism while incorporating a horizon blue dial and a see-through case back.
Eilen is a watch brand founded in 1934 by the Dodane family. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was known for supplying the French military with the "Type 20" pilot chronograph.
Type 20 is not a specific manufacturer's product name, but rather a standard for pilot watches established by the French Ministry of Defense, and a term used for chronographs manufactured based on that standard. Its most distinctive feature is the flyback chronograph function. With a normal chronograph, measurement must be reset and restarted after each measurement. In contrast, with a flyback chronograph, the chronograph hand can be instantly reset to zero and a new measurement can be started immediately by operating a pusher while the chronograph is running. This is a useful mechanism for continuous time measurement during flight and was a feature that symbolized the Type 20, which was designed with aviation use in mind.
After a period of dormancy, Eilen made a comeback in 2020. As the core of its new collection, it revived its former flagship model, the Type 20. Currently, in addition to the Type 20, the brand also offers the Type 21, based on specifications revised by the French Ministry of Defense in 1956, and both models have become iconic to the brand.
Manual winding (Cal. AM2). Power reserve approximately 63 hours. Stainless steel case (39.5mm diameter, 14.97mm thickness). 50m water resistance. 99 yen (tax included).
A 70th anniversary model with a vintage feel.
This model adopts a bicompax design that follows the original Type 20, featuring a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. The dial uses a blue-gray color that Eilen calls "Horizon Blue." It is combined with ivory-colored Arabic numerals and hour and minute hands that give it the aged look characteristic of vintage watches, resulting in a deeply appealing atmosphere. In addition, the surface of the dial has a fine grain finish, giving it the look of a tool watch.
The movement features the Cal.AM2 chronograph movement with flyback function, manufactured by AMT. It boasts a power reserve of approximately 63 hours, and the large bridges and column wheel, adorned with Côtes de Genève decoration, can be admired through the transparent case back.
This model features a rounded, double-domed sapphire crystal for the watch face. Combined with the beige suede-like leather strap, it further enhances the vintage aesthetic.
