Rare and Superb Radium Reverso from 1932

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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