Zenith Pilot 03.2240.4069/21.C774

Zenith Pilot Cairelli Tipo CP-2 Chronograph 'Italian Military Issued'

Basic Info Listing code : KZNS69 Brand : Zenith Model : Pilot Reference number : 03.2240.4069/21.C774 Movement : Manual winding Case material : Steel Bracelet material : Steel Year of production : 1960 (Approximation) Condition : Used (Good) Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United Kingdom, LONDON Price : 14,900 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Caliber/movement : 146DP Base caliber : 146 Case Case material : Steel Case diameter : 43 mm Water resistance : 10 ATM Bezel material : Steel Crystal : Sapphire crystal Dial : Black Dial numerals : Arabic numerals Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Steel Bracelet color : Steel Clasp : No clasp Functions Chronograph, Tachymeter Little is known about the enigmatic A. Cairelli. Founded in the early 1930s, A. Cairelli served as a subcontractor to the Italian government, providing precision instruments to various military organisations. From split-second chronographs made by Universal Geneve in the 1950s to their own branded chronographs and dive watches in the 1980s and 1990s, the name A. Cairelli is most closely associated with the CP-2 chronograph. In the mid to late 1960s, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (A.M.I.) was supplied with a new wristwatch, the CP-2, superseding the Leonidas CP-1. The CP-2, short for "Cronometro da Polso," came with several updates over its predecessor. Notably, its size increased to 43mm, significantly larger by 4.5mm. Manufactured by Zenith, the CP-2 featured the 146dp manual wound movement. According to Zenith, approximately 2500 examples were produced. The military over-ordered, and the remaining stock was sold as 'Civilian' watches, distinguishable by different casebacks devoid of the A.M.I engraving and MM 'Matricola Militaire' number. This particular watch hails from a prominent private collection in Italy and is in splendid condition. The unpolished case exhibits expected signs of wear, while the dial remains pristine. The hands show slight oxidation, a normal occurrence, with all lume intact. The watch is complemented by a cool 1970s stretch link straight-end bracelet, accommodating a 19cm wrist. Recently serviced, the movement performs exceptionally at -1s/d, 300 degrees of amplitude and a minimal beat error of 1.1. We have also applied for the Extract of Archive. For aficionados of vintage chronographs and military watches, this piece is a rare gem with a rich history.