UNIVERSAL GENEVE CAIRELLI CRONOGRAPH SPLIT SECOND 24H

Condition

Manufacturer

Year

Reference No.

Movement No.

Case No.

Model Name

Material

Calibre

Bracelet/Strap

Clasp/Buckle

Dimension

Accessories

Description

8/10 ★

Universal Genève

1950s

22560

2606

22560-41

A. Cairelli Split-Second

Stainless Steel

Calibre 55 VBR, Manual Wind, Split-Second

Leather Strap

Stainless Steel Tang Buckle

44.5 mm

Military documents, spare spring bars

The Universal Genève A. Cairelli Split-Second Chronograph 24H is an extremely rare and historically important military watch, produced in the 1950s for the Italian Air Force (AMI). Sold through the Roman military supplier A. Cairelli, this chronograph features an oversized 44.5 mm stainless steel case—massive for the time and still impressive today. The 24-hour dial was designed specifically for aerial navigation and maximum legibility in cockpit environments.

Powered by the manual-winding calibre 55 VBR with split-seconds functionality, this movement is identical to that found in the legendary Rolex ref. 4113. The caseback is engraved with military markings, including "AMI CHRONOMETRO PER NAVIGAZ. ASTRONOM. TYPE HA," further confirming its use in military aviation. With its combination of technical sophistication, rarity, and provenance, the A. Cairelli Rattrapante remains one of the most coveted military chronographs ever made.