The Zenith Cairelli TIPO CP-2 (CP standing for Cronometro da polso: wrist chronograph) is among the most collectible and recognizable military chronograph models from the past century. Distinguished by its very large 43 mm. diameter, black luminous dial and revolving bezel, it was made in about 2500 pieces in the 1960s, and retailed by Rome-based A. Cairelli, the elected retailer for the Italian army. Interestingly, the Army turned to Zenith to ensure continuity of the supply: Universal was the supplier during the 1950s, using movements made by Martel Watch. When Zenith bought the Martel in 1959, the Army followed the new ownership. The model was available in two different versions: a civilian one, with blank case back, and the present military version, whose case back is engraved with the issue number and military designations.

The attractiveness and popularity of the model is testified by the fact the Zenith launched a modern re-edition of the CP-2 last year.