Seiko - Lord Marvel - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 stands as a significant milestone in horological history, representing Seiko's successful endeavor into the realm of high-beat movements. Introduced in the late 1960s, this model line was the proving ground for the high-frequency technology that would later define the Grand Seiko and King Seiko ranges. The "36000" designation proudly displays its 10-beat-per-second capability, a technical achievement that offered enhanced accuracy and a famously smooth sweeping seconds hand. This particular example, housed in an elegant gold-plated case, perfectly encapsulates the refined mid-century aesthetic and engineering prowess that elevated Seiko to the global stage. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 371056 Movement: Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, Manual Winding Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, showing light age-consistent spotting Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold-Plated (SGP) Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive presentation Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial presents a classic and elegant face, characterized by applied gold-tone, faceted baton indices with black central inserts that provide excellent legibility. The dial exhibits a fine, even distribution of age-related micro-spotting across its surface, giving it a warm, vintage character without detracting from its overall legibility. The applied "SEIKO" logo is crisp, while the printed "LORD MARVEL" and "36000" text, along with the Suwa factory logo, remain sharp and fully intact. The gold-tone dauphine hands feature matching black inserts and show light oxidation consistent with their age, sweeping smoothly over the dial. Case and Crystal The 35mm gold-plated (SGP) case retains its classic proportions and elegant lug profile. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, with micro-scratches and light softening of the edges, typical for gold-plated watches of this era. The smooth bezel complements the dial perfectly, showing similar signs of gentle use. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial, with only faint surface marks visible under close inspection. The stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5740-8000, serial number 371056, and the Suwa logo, remaining highly legible. The crown is appropriately sized and functional. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-winding movement renowned for its 36,000 bph high-beat frequency. The movement presents cleanly, with the "SEIKO," "23 JEWELS," and "5740C" engravings clearly visible on the main bridge. The finishing on the plates and gears remains bright and well-preserved. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -35 to -41 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap, featuring contrasting yellow/gold stitching that handsomely complements the gold-plated case. The strap is secured with a gold-tone buckle and appears to be in very good condition, offering a comfortable and stylish pairing for this vintage dress watch. Condition This Seiko Lord Marvel is in good vintage condition. The dial shows a pleasant, even patina in the form of fine spotting, while the hands display light oxidation. The gold-plated case exhibits normal vintage wear with some softening, but no major areas of plating loss are immediately apparent. The caseback engravings are sharp. The movement is clean and operational, making this a highly wearable and historically interesting piece for the vintage enthusiast. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is a must-have for any serious collector of vintage Seiko, representing the dawn of their high-beat era. Its combination of understated elegance and significant technical achievement makes it a versatile and historically rich timepiece. This example, with its honest wear and characterful dial, offers a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Seiko's horological legacy. History Introduced in 1967, the Lord Marvel 36000 (Caliber 5740C) was Seiko's first 10-beat (36,000 bph) wristwatch. This high-frequency movement was developed to improve accuracy and stability, directly competing with Swiss chronometers of the time. The success of the 5740C paved the way for the legendary high-beat calibers used in the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. The Lord Marvel remained a prestigious offering, combining this advanced movement with refined, classic styling, solidifying Seiko's reputation as a premier watchmaker capable of producing world-class mechanical movements. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0031