A. CAIRELLI
29.
A very rare, oversized and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch made for the Italian Air Force
Manufacturer
Zenith
Year
Circa 1970
Case No.
201’228 (Registration Number) Caseback further engraved “A.M.I. Cronometro Tipo CP-2 M.M.”
Model Name
“A.M.I. Cronometro Tipo CP-2 M.M.”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 146DP, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
43mm Diameter
Signed
Case and dial signed, dial further signed A. Cairelli Roma
Provenance Phillips, Geneva 14 May 2016, Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs, lot 13. Estimate CHF 12,000-24,000 $12,000-24,000 €11,000-22,100 Accessories Accompanied by a copy of Start Stop Reset 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs book, further accompanied by Zenith Extract From The Registers.
Considering that the present Zenith Tipo CP-2 is a military issued timepiece we can only be impressed by its amazing condition.
With its large 43mm. case size, black dial with large Arabic numerals and military background, not to mention its overall good looks, the Zenith “A. Cairelli” Tipo CP-2 (Cronometro da Polsa Tipo 2 meaning wristwatch type 2) has become a highly coveted chronograph. From the 1960s to 1970s the Italian Air Force, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) commissioned Zenith to make a special wristwatch for its members. It is believed that approximately 2,500 examples were made. The Tipo CP-2 were all supplied through A. Cairelli, the prominent Roman retailer of watches, clocks, and mechanical instruments. Designed for AMI’s pilots for mission use, many were not issued due to an abrupt cancellation by the AMI. A. Cairelli sold the remaining stock – all without military issue numbers on their casebacks – privately to civilians. The present watch is therefore a rare military-issued version, illustrated by the engraving on this caseback, reading “AMI CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2 MM 201’228”. Housing a high grade, hand-wound movement – the caliber 146, this historically signifcant chronograph remains in excellent overall condition. Combined with its masculine presence, military provenance, and eyecatching dial, it’s a superb timepiece for any vintage watch enthusiast. In 2016 Zenith reissued a limited edition Cronometro Tipo CP 2 as a tribute to the present watch.