272 Universal Geneve Historically Important and Rare, Military Split-Second Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, 16-Minute Register, Made for the Italian Air Force, Reference 22560, Copy of Military Files and Cufflinks, Directly from the Original Owner's Descendant

Estimate: €25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Military Rattrapante
Reference: 22560
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950's
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 55 VBR
Case N°: 22560-41
Movement N°: 2606
Dimensions: 44.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Pictures of the last military Owner and from the Italian Military State Archives, Military assignment cufflinks
Literature: A similar watch was sold at Phillips “START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs” Geneva Auction, 14th May 2016 as lot 64 for CHF197,000

Consigned by the family of the original owner and making its inaugural appearance at auction, this exceptional Universal split-seconds aviator chronograph, accompanied by remarkable family provenance, stands out as one of the most significant examples known to date. The inception of split-seconds chronograph mechanisms dates back to the late 19th century, initially found in pocket watches and used for intermediate timekeeping events like lap times during horse racing. However, with the evolution of wristwatches and the advent of the pocket watch wrist, single push-button (monopusher) chronographs became available. In a pivotal moment in horological history, Patek Philippe sold the world’s first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch in 1923, setting the stage for subsequent designs. The featured chronograph, boasting a distinctive 24-hour dial, was originally retailed by Rome dealer A. Cairelli. In the mid-1950s, responding to an order from the Italian government, A. Cairelli supplied a series of watches for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI), the Italian Air Force. This included two similar watches, chronographs from Universal Genève and Zenith, delivered in few quantities over the following decade. The oversized 44 mm case, deemed exceptionally large in the 1950s and still considered so today, adds to the watch’s allure. Sharing the same caliber as the Rolex split-second chronograph ref. 4113, also up for auction, this Universal Genève exemplifies the rare and expensive split-seconds technology of the 1940s. The military provenance is proudly displayed on the case back with the clear engraving, “AMI CHRONOMETRO PER NAVIGAZ. ASTRONOM. TYPE HA-1. N.CATEG.19620 MM. 200 073”. This military (MM) inscription uniquely distinguishes the piece, enhancing its desirability. Additionally, copies of photographs from the state archive of the air force depict the original owner, the fighter jet pilot of the Regio Aeronautica Militare. Additionally, the soldier’s assignment pins, affiliated with the 10° Stormo BT “Bombardamento Terrestre”, further enhance the narrative. The historical journey of the 10° Stormo BT, particularly during the Mediterranean and North Africa conflicts, unfolds a compelling chapter. In the initial period preceding the outbreak of the conflict, the wing’s planes were engaged in combat against land objectives in Malta. This necessitated frequent clashes with British air squadrons based on the island. Simultaneously, the wing targeted naval objectives, participating in the numerous convoys passing from Gibraltar to Alexandria, Egypt. In North Africa, the objectives shifted to opposing the English forces resisting Rommel’s Italian-German alliance. Even in this challenging context, the wing faced formidable adversaries in the form of the fearsome English hunters, equipped with more modern aerial technology. For collectors, the current watch stands as the definitive example of the model, undoubtedly earning its status as a “flown” timepiece regularly employed as a navigation tool on fighter aircraft missions.