Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 5740-8000 (1975)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after Lord Marvel 36000 is notable for its historical significance as Seiko's first high-beat watch. Powered by the historic 5740C caliber, it features a beautifully preserved silver dial with a subtle vertical brushed texture, framed by a sharp stainless steel case that retains its well-defined lug geometry. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 565767 Movement: Manual-winding mechanical, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver with vertical brushed finish and applied faceted indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: 36s+40s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The pristine silver dial features a beautiful vertical brushed, linen-like texture that catches the light brilliantly. Crisp printing remains intact with no visible loss, and the surface shows no visible spotting or moisture damage. It is adorned with applied faceted indices featuring distinctive black inserts, all in excellent condition. Clean and sharp dauphine hands, also detailed with black central stripes, show no visible oxidation or corrosion and perfectly complement the dial furniture. Case and Crystal The well-preserved stainless steel case retains crisp factory lines and sharp lug geometry with well-defined edges. It displays light surface scratches consistent with careful wear. The smooth polished bezel shows only light handling marks and no deep dents. An unsigned knurled crown remains in good condition with defined knurling. The caseback engravings are clean and legible. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no major scratches, crazing, or distortion. Movement Inside is Seiko's historic Caliber 5740C, a manual-winding 23-jewel mechanism celebrated as the brand's first 36,000 bph high-beat movement. The plates and bridges are clean, showing no visible corrosion or staining, and the screw heads appear in good condition. Crisp engravings reading SEIKO, 23 JEWELS, 5740C, and JAPAN are clearly visible. The timegrapher records a rate of 36s+40s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and an unsigned buckle. The strap shows light wear. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case is sharp, retaining well-defined lug geometry alongside light surface scratches from careful wear. The silver dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spotting or moisture damage, while the hands and indices remain free of oxidation. The movement is visually clean with no visible corrosion. Supported by the timegrapher results, the movement is running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Lord Marvel 36000 offers a compelling opportunity to acquire Seiko's inaugural high-beat caliber in a highly attractive configuration. The pristine vertical brushed dial and sharp case geometry make this a standout example for discerning collectors. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Marvel 36000 holds a significant place in Seiko's lineage as the first watch from the brand to feature a 36,000 bph high-beat movement. Caliber 5740C paved the way for the high-frequency movements that would later define Grand Seiko and King Seiko. Today, the Lord Marvel remains a collector favourite for its historical importance, elegant proportions, and impressive mechanical engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LMX-0006