ZenithCronometro Tipo CP2

In the 1960s, Zenith produced a watch with some serious military credentials, which they celebrated with the Tipo CP-2, a faithful modern re-creation, limited to 1000 pieces. The original, code-named the Tipo CP-2 chronograph, was made for pilots of the Italian armed forces. It was also known as the ‘A. Cairelli’, after its Rome-based distributor, whose name is printed on the dial. Prices of these cockpit-appointed chronographs have gone sky-high in the last couple of years – one selling for CHF62,500 at Phillip’s Start-Stop-Reset auction in Geneva.

It’s not inaccurate, then, to say that the demand for a handsome military-inspired chronograph is peaking, and the release of the new Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 was perfectly pitched to delight both vintage and modern-day collectors. Offered as a highly limited edition of just 25 pieces and produced in collaboration with Watches of Switzerland, this iteration of the Chronometro is an updated version of a true classic.

The appeal of the Tipo CP-2 is largely down to the fact that it’s an absolute dead ringer for the original. At 43mm, the stainless-steel case is identical to the original and wears slightly smaller than you would think, thanks to its slender shape and bevelled lugs, all fully polished. Purists can rejoice at the decision not to add a date window to the matte-black dial, and it’s bicompax layout with large white Arabic numerals is well proportioned and easy to read.

The segmented hour and minutes hands, which were typical of ’60s tool watches, remain true to the original and are a feature that proved very appealing to collectors. The bezel is bidirectional and has a fully graduated 60-minute scale that, when combined with the chronograph, can be used to time two events at the same time. Remember, first and foremost, this was, and still is, an all-functioning tool watch.

Behind the solid caseback beats the legendary automatic El Primero 4069 chronograph movement, with a 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 36,000 v/ph. Which means a buttery-smooth sweeping seconds hand capable of measuring 1/10th of a second intervals and a pair of pump pushers that are simply a joy to use.

The Watches of Switzerland (WOS) Limited Edition keeps the same main specifications of the Tipo CP-2 but displays a unique colourway. This Limited Edition is designed with silver/white sub-registers contrasting against a black dial to create a nice reverse-panda dial, accented with red chronograph hands. Even though the term ‘Panda Dial’ has become a buzzword in the watch community, it’s a style that has become increasingly popular, especially after the record-setting auction of Paul Newman’s Panda dial Daytona.

While honouring their heritage, Zenith has listened to the collectors and shown that a tool watch can be functional as well as stylish.

This Zenith Chronometro Tipo CP2 WOS Ltd Ed is presented for sale in mint condition with no perceptible marks to the case, caseback or bezel. The watch is sold with two leather straps, both are pristine and the box set is complete with boxes, papers, accessories and original purchase receipt. A superb full set.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

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