61
Universal
An extremely rare, oversized and important stainless steel fly-back chronograph wristwatch with black dial, rotatable bezel and expandable bracelet, presented with original delivery slip, produced for A. Cairelli.
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 30,000
CHF65,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Universal
- Year
- 1969
- Case No
- 200’718
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 285 P, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Fixoflex expandable bracelet, max. length not expanded 185mm
- Dimensions
- 43mm diameter
- Signed
- Dial and movement signed, caseback engraved “A.M.I. Cronometro Tipo CP-2 M.M. 200718”. Dial further signed “A. Cairelli Roma”
- Accessories
- Accompanied by its original delivery slip, as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch’s date of manufacture during the 1960s.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
There are some military-issued wristwatches that get collectors’ hearts racing. Without any doubt, this oversized and important CP-2 (Cronometro da Polsa Type 2) chronograph manufactured by Universal Genève is such an adored watch, especially for its superb aesthetics.
With its caseback inscribed “AMI CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2 MM 200718”, and its dial signed by the Roman retailer A. Cairelli Roma, this fly-back chronograph wristwatch is a worthy addition to any collection. Designed for mission use, the fly-back complication allows aviators to reset the seconds of the chronograph with one click of the pusher while the chronograph is engaged.
A. Cairelli Roma, one of the finest jewelers in Rome, supplied these CP-2 watches to the Italian Air Force, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI). Initially manufactured to the AMI’s “CP-2” specification by Universal Genève, Zenith would later manufacture their own similarly configured version. Housed in a substantial, 43 mm stainless steel case with a rotating bezel, the large black dial with its luminous numerals provided superb legibility. Accompanied by its original delivery slip and Extract from the Archives, this lot is a rare opportunity for the discerning collector.
With its caseback inscribed “AMI CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2 MM 200718”, and its dial signed by the Roman retailer A. Cairelli Roma, this fly-back chronograph wristwatch is a worthy addition to any collection. Designed for mission use, the fly-back complication allows aviators to reset the seconds of the chronograph with one click of the pusher while the chronograph is engaged.
A. Cairelli Roma, one of the finest jewelers in Rome, supplied these CP-2 watches to the Italian Air Force, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI). Initially manufactured to the AMI’s “CP-2” specification by Universal Genève, Zenith would later manufacture their own similarly configured version. Housed in a substantial, 43 mm stainless steel case with a rotating bezel, the large black dial with its luminous numerals provided superb legibility. Accompanied by its original delivery slip and Extract from the Archives, this lot is a rare opportunity for the discerning collector.
Universal
Swiss | 1894 Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.
Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.
Browse MakerToday, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.