In October 2016, Zenith presented its tribute to one of the most coveted military pieces, the Heritage Cronometro Tipo CP-2, affectionately referred to by collectors as the ‘Cairelli’ watch. It belongs to the exclusive lineage of legendary chronographs that have earned the status of exceptional timepieces in both military and watchmaking history and is one of the historical treasures of the Manufacture in Le Locle. The original piece, a military chronograph created throughout a decade from the mid-1960s on, was commissioned by the Italian Army through the Italian dealership A. Cairelli in Rome. 'CP' stands for cronometro di polso (wrist chronometer). In recent years, the 2,500 units produced by Zenith in the 1960s for the Italian armed forces have fetched sky-high prices on the vintage market.
Today, Zenith launches of its Pilot Tipo CP-2 Flyback, now equipped with the automatic El Primero 405B, a column-wheel chronograph movement with flyback function, beating at 36'000 VPH and offering a 50-hour power reserve.
The 2018 Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback features the imposing 43 mm stature of its illustrious predecessor, along with faceted arrow-shaped hands, Arabic numerals and trademark TIPO CP-2 dial with running seconds and minute counters at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively.
The 2018 Pilot Tipo CP-2 Flyback is available in two versions: The first, echoing its aviation antecedents, is turned out in bronze with a matching bronze grained dial and brown oily nubuck leather strap with protective rubber lining. The second, in aged stainless steel, is designed to appeal to those with an affinity for the world of motorbikes, and sports a sober slate grey grained dial and green oily leather strap with protective rubber lining. Both straps are finished with a titanium pin buckle, while the case backs are with a transparent sapphire crystal enabling the owner to have a look at the beautiful El Primero mechanism.
