Zenith is proud to support the Wounded Warrior Project with the release of the Zenith Pilot Cronometro TIPO CP-2 USA Edition. Founded in 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project has been supporting the injured men and women who have served as U.S. military personnel since September 11, 2001, along with their families and caregivers. A popular brand amongst military professionals and aviators alike, Zenith has been in business since 1865, and this version of its popular TIPO CP-2 model has been given the full patriotic treatment, as one would expect for such a celebratory piece.
Specifications
Brand: Zenith
Model: Pilot Cronometro TIPO CP-2 USA Edition
Dimensions: 43mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: In-house El Primero 405B Automatic
Frequency: 36,000vph
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Blue Kudu leather
Price & Availability: Limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Price $8,350
Analysis
Although it is easy to get somewhat jaded with the endless slew of philanthropic releases from major brands, it is hard to criticize the end result of such collaborations, even if you are suspicious of the commercial and reputational motivations behind projects of this nature. The truth seems to be that most watch-lovers don’t much care about the charity behind the timepiece, choosing instead to focus on the watch itself (and often finding themselves annoyed by the gall of any brand attempting to tug at their heartstrings en route to their purse). But as far as congruity goes, this partnership between Zenith and the Wounded Warrior Project is solid.
Zenith is well-known for the fact that its watches, and its watches alone, are allowed to have the word Pilot printed on the dial. Such a distinction has often made Zenith watches the first choice for aviators, especially those serving their country half a century ago. The TIPO CP-2 has its roots in the 1960s, during which time it gained a great reputation in military circles as a robust, readable, and reliable aviation tool. This version’s release has been timed to coincide with Veteran’s Day and has been draped in Old Glory to mark the occasion.
The red, white, and blue colorway is immediately obvious and is an unabashed tribute to the WWP’s homeland. The blue dial, blue aluminum ring surrounding the dial, and the blue bezel (with bright red 12 o’clock indicator) pair handsomely with the blue Kudu leather strap.
Reportedly, although no pictures exist to demonstrate this, the American flag theme is picked up on the rotor weight, which is additionally decorated with Geneva stripes.
Conclusion
The CP in the name stands for Cronometro da Polso, literally meaning “wrist chronograph.” Simple as that designation may be, there’s no need to complicate things whenever the El Primmer movement is responsible for the timekeeping. A classic chronograph movement that has fans from all brands around the globe, the El Primero’s high frequency (36,000vph) operating speed makes using the chronograph a real joy, thanks to the smooth sweep of the chronograph seconds hand. While the El Primero movement is available in a great many Zenith watches (and some vintage examples from other brands), this model does add an interesting (and very bold) color option to the mix that I am sure will be well-received by some, independent of its charitable associations. The Zenith Pilot Cronometro TIPO CP-2 USA Edition (ref. 03.2241.405/51.C915) is limited to 50 pieces. Price is $8,350. Learn more at zenith-watches.com.