Zenith has created some truly iconic watches over the years, with the El Primero being the most recognizable. But well before the brand ushered in the arrival of the first automatic chronograph, they were already making robust, purpose-built timepieces like the incredible—and incredibly rare—Tipo CP-2 "A. Cairelli."

Created for the Italian Air Force between 1968 and 1972 and delivered through a Roman retailer called A. Cairelli, these were just about as purpose-built as you could get. They were large, highly legible, and featured the cal. 146 DP—the brand's most reliable chronograph movement at the time—beating away inside its nearly bomb-proof case.

This particular CP-2 is in incredible condition considering its age and probable use. It's a piece with serious military prowess and some incredible swagger as well, and considering there were only around 2,500 of these produced in that four-year span, it's a very unique piece of horological history.  

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The large and robust stainless steel case remains in excellent condition, showing honest wear but still retaining its original shape with crisp chamfers present down the long, sharp lugs. The rotating bezel is in good condition, showing minor wear around the edges and light fading, the lume triangle at 12 o'clock remains intact and all the numerals are still highly legible and in great shape. The case retains its original pump pushers and Zenith-signed crown. The case back clearly displays all of the military engravings in deep and crisp condition. The watch will come supplied on a single-pass fabric strap

DIAL & HANDS

The beautiful matte black "A. Cairelli" dial is exceptionally well preserved. The original dial printing remains perfectly intact. The tritium Arabic numerals have aged to a charming sandy-ivory coloration and exhibit no lume degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The chronograph and sub-dial hands are painted white and exhibit minor paint loss which is very common to see in this era.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.