Here we have a beautiful original example of a 1924 Mappin & Webb 9ct gold rectangular watch. It is a classic art deco case with the long length of 38.25mm. It is of ‘Banana’ style with its curvature to fit the wrist. The 9ct gold case is a rich and even tone with the hallmarking to the rear of the case. The dial is the silver satin tone with the rectangular railroad minute track. The Arabic hour markers are exaggerated, pulling towards the sides and corners of the dial. Below 12 it is signed with the ‘Mappin’ name. It has the thermally blued plume style hour and minute hands. The dial and hands are protected by the original curved glass, a rare survivor after 100 years. Inside is the AS624 manual wind movement which is keeping time to within 1 minute a day. 
 
The dial is in outstanding condition for the age. It has the silver satin base tone which is fresh and catches the light nicely. Around the outside of the dial is the rectangular railroad track. The hour markers are of the stylised Arabic style and are exaggerated, pulling towards the sides and corners of the dial. This classic expanding dial layout is one of the most enjoyable Art Deco variations. Add to it the Mappin signing in its beautiful font, and you have a rather special piece. 
The hands are of Plume style, with the thermally blued finish. This has a bright shine which catches the eye. The dial and hands are protected by the original cut glass, which is curved to fit the profile of the watch.
 
Without a doubt, these are our favourite style of Art Deco watch. Of course we love a large banana case too, but there is something to be said regarding the class of the thinner variations. The watch still has strong presence on the wrist with its 38mm length, but at just 17mm thick, it sits elegantly on the wrist, flowing into the strap. This match of proportions between case and strap creates a more integrated appearance. 
The case has the polished finish with the rich, even tone of the gold. The top of the case falls away to meet the flat case sides. To the right is the original crown, which is thin and neat, with the coin edge finish. There is also the clear 9ct gold hallmark to the right-hand side. It is a two-piece case design with the rear snapping securely in place with the front. 
The case back is signed with the ‘JW’ makers mark and has hallmarking for 9ct gold dating to 1924 from Glasgow assay office. 
 
Inside is the AS624 manual wind movement. This was the same movement calibre which features in the Harwood ‘Autowrist’ watch. It is a rectangular movement with the cut corners, making it suitable for a slim profile watch. It has a jewel count of 15 and is marked as adjusted to 2 positions. The movement has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to within 1 minute a day and has a strong amplitude of 270 degrees.
 
Mappin & Webb:
Mappin & Webb is an international jewellery company headquartered in England, tracing its origins to a silver workshop, founded in Sheffield in 1775. With a rich history in jewellery and watches, dating back 250 years, they are a true British treasure, known for superior quality and craftmanship. 
 
The company had significant international expansion in the early 1900s, receiving Royal Warrants and commissions from Monarchs. It most well-known watch was the ‘Campaign’ model, aimed at those serving in the first world war.
 
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original with the silver satin finish. It is in very good condition with no discolouration. The signing is good and clear.
 
Hands:
The hands are original with the thermally blued tone. They are in good condition with the bright tone. 
 
Glass:
The cut glass is original. It has some light scratching associated with age. 
 
Case:
The case is formed of 9ct gold and in good condition with the original polished finish. It has only some light marking.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed 9ct gold and is original, snapping into place well. The polished finish is good with only light marking. The hallmarking has slightly rubbed against the wrist but is still visible.
 
Crown:
The crown appears original with the thin profile and coin edge finish. Functions as it should.
 
Strap:
The watch is on a vintage genuine leather strap for fixed bar lugs. It is held in place with metal folding tabs.
 
Movement:
Inside is the AS624 manual wind movement. It has a jewel count of 15 and is marked as adjusted to 2 positions. The movement has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to within 1 minute a day and has a strong amplitude of 270 degrees.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 17mm
Case width with crown: 18.4mm
Case length: 38.25mm
Case length lug to lug: 42mm
Case Depth: 8.25mm
Lug width: 14mm