Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Review
Zenith has a rich history of innovation in horology. Not only it received thousands of awards but it also invented one of the first automatic chronometer movements "el-primero".
This famous movement in the past has also powered the Rolex Daytona.
In 2016 Zenith re-lanched the "Cronometro Tipo CP-2" that was produced for the Italian Army in the 1960s and 1970s.
The original CP 2 (that was a military standard) reached the Italian Army through a Rome-based retailer named "Cairelli".
So This is perhaps the quintessential military-style chronometer now powered by the automatic movement El-Primero.
Note: in this review I am wearing my own piece that is from a more limited edition of 50 pieces (vs the 1000 pieces of the Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 available for sale) but the watch look and feel is very similar to the ones available for sale:
One of the questions I always have before buying a watch is if it would fit with the daily CEO uniform: a suit.
This version of the Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 has an even stronger military DNA with the canvas strap (vs. the black leather one)
But in my view it still fits very well with a suit. Sort of military cool, and I am the CEO and I don't care cool ;)
Legibility is simply outstanding.
Not only this is a great aviation inspired cronometro (the Italian word for chronograph) but it is also water resistant up to 100 Meters making it very good for a nice swim at the pool or at the sea too.
Despite the size (43mm) it wear well also in smaller wrists thanks to the short lugs and relatively modest height.
Fits very well under the cuff.
I have seen comments that suggest that the watch, that retails for 7900 Swiss francs is too expensive. I would say that this price point for a chronometer with such a rich history and reliability (the obviously in-house el-primero) is not exorbitant.
If you are looking for a cool, masculine watch that you can wear both with a suit (if you are daring that is) or casual this watch is outstanding. Here are some of the press photos from Zenith
For more information visit the Zenith official Website