For sale we have a 1980s Mappin & Webb two-tone tank watch on its original bamboo/ladder style bracelet. The case is rectangular, with a neat, polished finish and a gold plated bezel surrounding the mineral crystal. The dial is neatly designed with a white base tone, gold tone roman numerals and got dot markers. It has well executed Mappin & Webb signing, with MW insignia above 6 O’clock. The date window is subtly set at 3 O’clock. The bracelet is built into the case with screw links which make this a very stylish wear. Inside is the ETA 956.112 Quartz movement, which is working well. It comes with its original Mappin & Webb box.
 
The dial is a bright white tone with a sheen to the finish. It has an outer graduated rail road track, with raised gold tone dot markers for the hours. The Roman numerals are in a deep gold tone, with thin black outline. They are an exaggerated design with the case seemingly pulling them towards the flow of the shape. There is a simple, small date window at 3 O’clock, with a black outline. The dial is simply signed Mappin & Webb, Quartz. It has a nicely stacked MW insignia above 6 O’clock. The gold tone stick hour and minute hands have a beautiful shine. The central second hand has a tapered design, with a broad counter balance. 
 
The case measures 24mm wide by 28.5mm in length. It is a neat gents wear, with the integrated styling of the bracelet making it a complete package on the wrist. The polished finishing and curved edges of the case make it a smooth and seamless companion. At only 6mm deep, it is incredibly comfortable. The gold-plated bezel follows the flow of the case, holding the mineral crystal securely. To the right, there is a crown guard, which allows the crown to recess and be protected. The snap on case back has a brushed finish and is signed ‘Stainless Steel back’, ‘Swiss Made’, with the reference 768. 
 
It comes on its original, integrated bamboo style bracelet which is of an excellent design and quality. It has a seamless design, with the butterfly deployment hidden. It is stainless steel, with gold plated bands either side of the centre links. 
 
Inside is the ETA 956.112 movement. It is a quartz movement, with 7 jewels and a quickset date function. It displays the hours, minutes and central second. It is keeping accurate time, with a new battery.
 
The watch perfectly encapsulates what we now see as neo-vintage design, with the exuberance of the 1980s, blending into the 1990s quest for classic design. The use of a tank shaped case, with the two-tone finishing, is very reminiscent of Cartier’s design during the period. Add to this, the roman numeral dial, it’s a watch that has a luxurious design, at a lower price point. The use of the integrated Bamboo bracelet makes this watch a joy to wear, with it wearing as a complete design piece on the wrist. A rarely seen model, it is a joy to its owner as well as catching the eye of other admirers. 
 
Mappin & Webb
 
Mappin & Webb are an international jewellery company, who were founded in Sheffield, England, in 1775. They began as a silver workshop before developing into the jewellery design they are respected for today. Their first store was opened in 1860 at 77-78 Oxford Street, London. They also has a premises on Regent Street since 1914, with the Regent Street store becoming HQ in 1956. 
 
The business expanded internationally in the 1890s. Its first overseas store was in Johannesburg, and stores soon followed in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Biarritz, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cairo and Bombay. 
When the family lost control of the business in the 1950s, following a hostile takeover, all international stores closed over the second half of the 20th century. 
 
It has held Royal Warrants to British monarchs since 1897 and the company’s master craftsman, Mark Appleby, is the current Crown Jeweller of the United Kingdom.
 
They have a long and well-established history with watches and watchmaking. The business has always offered both its own watches and have retailed major Swiss brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in very good condition. It has no obvious marking. The signing is good with no signs of wear.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original, in a gold tone. They are in good condition, with no wear.
 
Glass: 
The mineral crystal is original and is in good condition with no marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original, with gold plated finish. There is some pitting to the plating on the face of it. 
 
Case:
The case is chrome plated and is in good original condition. It has a polished finish which is original. There is light surface scratching. The gold-plated bezel has a polished finish, with some light marking but no obvious wear. It has no pitting to the chrome.
 
Caseback:
The snap on case back is formed of steel and is in good condition for the age. It has the original brushed finish, with the original engraving being clear. There is some light surface scratching.
 
Bracelet:
The watch comes on its original bracelet with unusual screw links. It is formed of stainless steel and has a satin finish. It has gold plated sections either side of the centre. It has a butterfly deployment clasp. It has light surface scratching associated with age. It currently fits a 7.5” wrist diameter, with extra links to fit any wrist size.
 
Movement: 
The movement is an ETA 956.112. It is a quartz movement, with 7 jewels and a quickset date function. It displays the hours, minutes and central second. It also displays the date.
It is keeping accurate time, with a new battery.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 24mm
Case width with crown: 25.75mm
Case length: 28.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 34mm
Case Depth: 6mm
Lug width: 18mm