Signed Zenith, CP-2 model, retailed by A. Cairelli, case no. 201’552, circa 1960

Cairelli retailer in Rome is a name synonymous with Italian military watches. In fact, already in the 1950s, Cairelli had placed orders to Universal for pilot’s timepieces. Those watches used a movement manufacture by Martel Watch, a company Zenith bought in 1959. Consequently, in the 1960s Cairelli turned to Zenith to ensure consistency of the supply. Two models are known to have been made, for a total of 2500 watches. One version was for civilian use. The military version instead features either the engraving “AMI” (Areonautica Militare Italian: Italian Air Force) or “MM” (Marina Militare: Navy) followed by the inventory number.

The present example can be considered without a doubt among the most attractive and collectible to ever appear at auction for two reasons. First of all, its condition: absolutely unused and mint, this is a truly new-old-stock timepiece. Second, but not for importance, because of its military markings. As mentioned, these watches would be assigned to either the Marina Militare (the Navy), or the Areonautica (the Air Force). The present example however bears both markings A.M.I. and M.M., most probably because it was originally intended for the Air Force but remained unused, and it was then re-assigned to the Navy. However, by the time of its re-assignment the watch probably had become obsolete, and thus it arguably remained unused for the sheer joy of today’s collectors.