Introducing: The Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback (Live Pics & Pricing)

January 19, 2018

For fans of Zenith and vintage military chronographs in general, this one probably looks very familiar. Just last year, Zenith released a limited edition re-issue of its famous Cairelli chronograph issued to the Italian military in the 1960s, but what we have here is a modern interpretation of that form that brings the watch into the modern Pilot collection and adds a few updates. Most notably, the two watches we have here feature cases in either bronze or aged stainless steel, utilize sapphire casebacks instead of the closed steel back found in the limited edition, and play with the green and grey color schemes found in the other Pilot watches. Why This Watch Matters If you're familiar with the context and history behind this watch, you'll certainly get more out of it, but one of the best things about the new Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback is that it can stand alone and prove itself on its own merits as well. What you're getting is a slightly beefy, vintage-inflected military watch that is powered by a legendary El Primero flyback chronograph movement. I don't know many who would try to argue with that C and even fewer who could do so successfully. This is about as conservative and old-school-cool as a 43mm chronograph can get. Initial Thoughts It's not news to anyone who regularly reads HODINKEE that my taste skews toward smaller watches. However, for something like this, a 38mm case just wouldn't make any historical sense, and Zenith does a great job making the 43mm case comfortable and low-profile here. As far as color goes, I enjoyed both the aged steel and bronze versions, and I think it's purely a matter of taste here. Also, the lack of date window kind of makes this watch for me. Zenith could have given into temptation to add a date with this more commercially focused version of the CP-2, but they didn't, and I think they deserve credit for sticking to the proper design. The Basics Brand: ZenithModel: Pilot Cronometro Tip CP-2 FlybackReference Number: 29.2240.405/18.C801 (bronze), 29.2240.405/21.C773 (aged stainless steel)Diameter: 43mmThickness: 12.85mmCase Material: Bronze or aged stainless steelDial Color: Bronze grained (bronze), slate grey grained (aged stainless steel)Indexes: Arabic numeralsLume: Yes, numerals and handsWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Brown oily nubuck strap (bronze), green oil nubuck strap (aged stainless steel), both with rubber linings and titanium pin buckles Of course this watch houses an El Primero movement, in this case the 405B. The Movement Caliber: El Primero 405BFunctions: Hours, minutes, second, flyback chronograph with 30-minute totalizerDiameter: 30mmThickness: 6.6mmPower Reserve: 50 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vph)Jewels: 31Total Components: 254 The detailing of the case, bezel, and pushers is outstanding on both models. Pricing & Availability Price: $7,600 for both modelsAvailability: By February 2018For more click here. The aged stainless steel version offers a slightly more monotone look.