Airain was originally founded in 1934 by the Dodane family, gaining recognition for reliable and high-quality timepieces. The brand became one of only three select suppliers — alongside Breguet and Dodane — chosen to provide Type 20 pilot chronographs to the French Army during the 1950s and 1960s, a distinction that cemented its place in the history of aviation timekeeping.

During that era, Airain developed two models that would define its legacy: the Type 20/21 flyback chronograph, built to the exacting standards of French military aviation, and the Sous-Marine dive watch. Both models became cornerstones of professional instrument watch design. The brand was subsequently reunited with Lebois & Co — its historic companion from 1934 — under the CDMLEC group, which relaunched Lebois & Co in 2014 before reviving Airain in 2020.

Since its 2020 revival, Airain has re-established its relationship with the French Army Aviation (ALAT), supplying customised Type 20 timepieces to active military units. In 2023 the brand produced 25 bespoke watches to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Escadrille d'Hélicoptères de Reconnaissance et d'Attaque (EHRA) n°3, founded 1 July 1968 — each engraved on the caseback with the individual pilot's flight licence number.

Today, Airain produces its collections to Swiss manufacturing standards, combining the original proportions and functional logic of its historic designs with contemporary materials and finishing. All watches include a two-year global warranty and are sold with duties and import fees included worldwide.