71 Universal Genève Attractive and Sophisticated, CP-2 Military Wristwatch in Steel, Made for the Italian Air Force, Retailed by A. Cairelli Rome, With Extract from the Archives and Invoice

Estimate: € 20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Model: Chronometer
Reference: CP-2
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1960's
Movement: Manual
Caliber: UG 285P
Case N°: 200 732
Movement N°: UG 285P
Dimensions: 43 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Invoice

The foundation of Universal Genève dates back to 1894, in the Swiss city of Le Locle and during its long history of over a century it has been able to stand out for the great aesthetic and performative quality of its watches, for the great variety of models offered but above all for being one of the first brands to present wrist chronographs. The lot offered here is part of the most appreciated military wristwatches with its oversized case, chronograph model named CP-2 (Cronometro da Polso Type 2). 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. The case is a perfect example of excellent preservation given its still sharp edges and its buttons of the chronograph almost untouched. The case back has the writing “AMI CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2 MM 200732” for the areonautica militare italiana, CP meaning wrist chronometer, MM for Matrix Military. On the black dial with two counters, the sign in white of the retailer stands out: A. Cairelli Roma. A.Cairelli is one of the finest jewelers in Rome, supplied these CP-2 watches to the Italian Air Force, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI). Accompanied by an Universal Geneve Extract from the Archives and Invoice confirming production of the present watch in steel during the “60s.