ZENITH ITALIAN MILITARY CHRONOGRAPH CAIRELLI TYPE CP-2 1970s

Brand

Model

Retailer

Year

Movement

Functions

Case material

Case diameter

Bezel

Crystal

Dial

Military Issue

Caseback

Strap

Condition

Signed

Description

Zenith

Italian Military Chronograph A.M.I. “Cairelli” Type CP-2

A. Cairelli, Rome

Circa 1970

Zenith Cal. 146 DP, manual winding

Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph

Three-piece stainless steel case

43 mm

Bidirectional rotating bezel

Plexiglass

Matte black dial with luminous Arabic numerals

Italian Air Force (A.M.I.)

Military-issued engraving with inventory number

Military-style fabric strap

Excellent overall condition with attractive vintage character

Zenith signed dial and movement, military-issued engraved caseback

The Zenith Cairelli CP-2 is widely regarded as one of the most important and collectible military chronographs ever produced in Europe. Supplied by A. Cairelli of Rome, the historic contractor for the Italian Armed Forces, it was specifically developed for pilots of the Italian Air Force and today stands among the most iconic military watches of the twentieth century.

Produced around 1970, the CP-2 features an imposing 43 mm stainless steel case, exceptionally large for its era and designed to provide maximum legibility during flight operations. Its matte black dial with large luminous Arabic numerals and highly contrasted chronograph registers ensures outstanding readability under all operating conditions.

Powering the watch is the renowned Zenith Caliber 146 DP, a robust and reliable manual-winding chronograph movement derived from the legendary Martel chronograph architecture used in Zenith’s professional instruments. The rotating bezel further enhances the watch’s functionality, allowing pilots to track additional elapsed times during navigation and mission planning.

Out of approximately 2,500 examples produced, genuine military-issued watches are particularly sought after today. This example bears the original A.M.I. (Aeronautica Militare Italiana – Italian Air Force) military engraving followed by its inventory number, confirming its authentic military provenance. The caseback retains the correct military assignment markings.

Combining exceptional wrist presence, historical significance, and increasing rarity, the Zenith Cairelli CP-2 remains one of the most desirable and important vintage military chronographs available to collectors today.