LEONIDAS CP-1 AIR FORCE

Perform a search online and you will learn that these military Leonidas CP-1’s are rather difficult to come by. The ones the do pop up are in most cases the CP-1’s bigger brother, the CP-2. But, the Leonidas we are offering here is one of those rare CP-1 examples! In case you were wondering, the CP refers to the fact that this is a wristwatch (derived from the Italian, Cronometro da Polso) the CP-1s measure a 38.5mm in diameter and are therefor extremely wearable and comfortable on the wrist.

These specific Leonidas Chronograph watches were issued to the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI on the case back) specifically to Italian Air Force and Navy Pilots performing supporting tasks for their military colleagues. This Leonidas CP-1 is a Chronograph with the rather cool, Flyback complication – This means you can use the reset function without the need to first stop the chronograph. Watches equipped with the flyback function were especially watches meant for pilots, it is much friendlier from the point of view of time saving, to instantly restart the chronograph with one push of the button, instead of three pushes – Especially when the wearer of the watch is conducting military operations. This Leonidas has all the military attributes a collector can wish for, with most importantly the AMI and MM military engravings on the case-back. At a glance not all numerals are clearly visible, but with a loupe they are easy to make out. The Mil-Spec black dial with it’s large Arabic numerals and black rotating bezel are perfectly suited for the needs of the pilots during their flight missions and the tasks they needed to perform. The overall great condition of the watch and the matching patina of the Arabic numerals and hands truly make this one of the best vintage MilSpec Chronographs. This CP-1 Leonidas is fitted to it’s original expanding bracelet, but any brown or beige leather strap will make this already beautiful and rare military watch even better, won’t you agree?

All military chronographs were manufactured according to strict military specifications, I love to explain more to you about these amazing and ultimately very rare tool watches, so please don’t hesitate to schedule in an appointment at our HQ in Haarlem – Coffee’s always on!

reference: TIPO CP-1
case number: M.M. 270404
year of production: 1964
case diameter: 38.5 mm
movement: handwound, caliber 222 with Flyback complication
box and papers: No

SOLD