Commissioned by the Italian air force, Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) in the 1960s, these watches met their specifications for an oversized chronograph with easy to read dial, arrow head seconds hand, oversized counters, luminous numerals and a rotating bezel for accurate navigation. This watch was supplied through the Roman retailer A. Cairelli
and their signature is noted on the dial near the six o’clock position. While it is known Zenith supplied approximately 2500 pieces to the retailer, other brands such as Breitling, Panerai and Universal Genève manufactured similar watches for the Italian air force with the same specifications, however they rarely appear at public auction and research suggests fewer examples were made.

The present wristwatch is an example of the timepieces produced by Universal Genève.This iconic two button chronograph features the typical case back engraving reading “A. M. I. Cronometro Tipo CP‐2, M. M. 201002”, with the CP standing for “Cronometro da Polso” and the M. M. for “matricola militare”. The watch has remained in a private collection since it was purchased from a Milano retailer in 1998, who purchased the watch directly from the original owner an AMI pilot in the 1970s. Overtime in the 1970s the Italian military canceled the contract for these watches and the remainder were sold to the general public by A. Cairelli, however the case backs on these latter watches were not engraved with the military specifications.

Offered in excellent overall condition and its confirmed manufacture in 1960 by the brand, this Universal Genève A. Cairelli will delight savvy collectors and military enthusiasts.