Zenith - Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback

Zenith revives its famous 1960s Cairelli model with the Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, presented in a choice of bronze or aged stainless steel.

In October 2016, Zenith presented its tribute to one of the most coveted military pieces, the Heritage Cronometro Tipo CP-2, often referred to by collectors as the ‘Cairelli’ watch (we wrote about it here). 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 Italian). Only 2,500 units were produced by Zenith in the 1960s making this model very rare.

As the name suggest, the new Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback is equipped with a cutting-edge automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with flyback function.

With technical specifications guaranteeing reliability and robustness in every situation, these new Pilot models feature hours and minutes arrow-shaped hands designed to ensure excellent readability, a bezel enabling reliable and accurate handling, and easily accessible and responsive pushers. Running seconds and 30-minute chronograph counters are positioned at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively. Hands and Arabic numerals are coated with Super-LumiNova.

Water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet, the 43 mm case of the Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback comes in two variations. 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 for total security, while the case backs are with a transparent sapphire crystal enabling the owner to have a look at the beautiful El Primero 405B mechanism beating at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) and bringing the convenience of automatic winding with a 50-hour power reserve.

The Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, either in bronze (ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801) or in aged steel (ref. 11.2240.405/21.C773), has a price of Swiss Francs 7,900 / Euro 7,900 / US$ 7,600. zenith-watches.com