Rare and Superb Radium Reverso from 1932

8 500 €
Free secure worldwide delivery
Our client's satisfaction is our No. 1 priority
100% Secure Payment by card or wire

This 1932 Reverso is an exceptional watch, the primitive incarnation of a design that since became iconic and a true piece of 20th century watchmaking history.
The first Reverso was launched in 1931. The serial number of our watch indicates production in 1932, making it one of the very first examples to come out of the Jaeger workshops.
Its innovative case, its original cream dial complemented by radium indexes and sword-shaped hands and its perfectly functioning Lisica/Tavannes movement embody the elegance and sportiness of the Art Déco era in which it was born.
A rare opportunity for the discerning collector.

Detailed description

The Reverso was born at the turn of the 1930s, out of a practical necessity encountered on the polo fields of colonial India. The original idea for this watch is attributed to César de Trey, a Swiss businessman who, after observing British officers complaining about the fragility of their watches during polo matches, came up with an ingenious solution: a watch whose dial could be reversed, and thus protected from shocks.

De Trey approached Jacques-David LeCoultre, then head of the LeCoultre & Cie manufacture, to realize this vision. The concept was entrusted to René-Alfred Chauvot, a designer who patented the reversible case in 1931. The result was the Reverso, a watch that combined innovative engineering with aesthetic elegance. The reversible rectangular case immediately became a symbol of refined functionality, meeting the demands of polo players while embodying the Art Déco spirit of the era.

This specific 1932 “pre-Jaeger” steel model has all the distinctive features of the very first Reversos. The cream dial, with its subtle patina, is adorned with radium painted indexes and sword hands, characteristic of watches of this period. This combination of colors and materials gives the watch an elegant look, while maintaining perfect readability, even in low light settings.

The steel case, preserved in excellent condition, is doubly numbered on the back and on the internal chassis, and houses the mechanical hand-wound Lisica/Tavannes calibre 064, signed “L”, numbered 224xxx, adjusted in 4 positions. This movement is renowned for its precision and robustness, two essential qualities for a watch intended to withstand the rigors of polo. Although designed for practical use, the movement of this Reverso is also an example of the watchmaking expertise of the period, offering reliable performance while being housed in an innovative case design.

The new beige-gold pigskin leather strap completes this watch perfectly in our eyes. Pigskin, with its special texture and robustness, was a popular choice in the 1930s and remains a symbol of vintage refinement today.

This 1932 Reverso is more than a watch; it is a piece of watchmaking history, a testament to the successful marriage of technical innovation and elegant design. Its reversible case, patinated dial, and historic movement make this timepiece a sought-after collector’s item, appreciated as much for its beauty as for its heritage.

Condition

This Reverso will soon be 100 years old. It is remarkably well preserved.
The steel case has some surface scratches from use but it rotates perfectly.
The original cream dial has never been restored, and has developed a beautiful warm patina, typical of the 1930s, adding depth and unique character. The luminescent material of the indexes and sword hands (radium base) is very well preserved and reacts perfectly under the UV lamp.
The movement was thoroughly serviced by an experienced watchmaker and runs within the strictest tolerances.
The beige-gold pigskin leather strap is new, in perfect harmony with the vintage style of the Reverso, harmoniously complementing the overall aesthetic of the watch.

The Amplitude Guarantee

All the watches available on our website have been meticulously inspected by our team of experts to guarantee their authenticity and originality.

All our watches are systematically checked for mechanical function and precision, and undergo a complete overhaul if necessary.

Every watch sold is covered by a two-year warranty.

Find out more about The Amplitude Guarantee.

Shipping & Deliveries

We ship all watches ordered on our website free of charge worldwide.

Any customs or import duties/taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Amplitude uses several specialized and secure carriers, depending on the destination of each parcel and its contents (Malca Amit, Ferrari, FedEx, etc.).

We are used to shipping watches all over the world, including to Europe, the United States and Asia. Find out more about Shipping & Deliveries at Amplitude.

Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : QTYM
Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: Reverso
Reference :
Year: Circa 1932
Gender: Men's watch / Unisex
Delivered with: Amplitude Steel Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Glass
Dial color:
Silver
Dial markers: No numerals

Case

Case material: Stainless Steel
Case shape:
Rectangular
Case back: Other
Bezel material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions/Diameter: 24 x 38 mm

Movement

Type: Manual winding
Caliber: Lisica/Tavannes (signed “L”) caliber 064
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2,5 Hz)
Functions:

Bracelet/Strap

Bracelet/Strap: New Amplitude° strap in vintage beige-gold pigskin leather and steel pin buckle
Bracelet/Strap color: Beige
Bracelet/Strap material: Leather
Buckle/Clasp type: Pin buckle
Buckle/Clasp material: Stainless Steel
Lug width: 17mm