Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1960
    Case No: A. M. I. Cronometro Tipo CP-2, M. M. 201002
    Model Name: Cairelli CP-2
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 285, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Further delivered with Universal Geneve Extract from the Archives confirming its date of production in the 1960's and "A.Cairelli-Roma" on the dial

  • Catalogue Essay

    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.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

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1105

A very rare, oversized and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black matte dial, rotating bezel and luminous Arabic numerals, made for A. Cairelli Roma

1960
43mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
HK$47,000 - 78,000 
€5,400-8,900
$6,000-10,000

Sold for HK$125,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019