Seiko Lord Marvel 5740-8000 (1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This sought-after 1969 Seiko Lord Marvel features the brand's historic 36,000 bph high-beat caliber 5740C, a significant technical achievement in Japanese watchmaking. Paired with a well-preserved silver sunburst dial and crisp case geometry, this third-generation Lord Marvel represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a collector favourite. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 917508 Movement: Manual wind, caliber 5740C, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +50+52s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The well-preserved silver sunburst dial displays crisp black printing, including the proud 36000 designation above six o'clock. Applied baton indices feature distinct black center stripes, perfectly matching the classic dauphine hands. The hands exhibit clean surfaces with minimal oxidation, retaining their black center stripes intact. A touch of minor spotting is visible near the nine o'clock edge, adding a trace of honest character to this highly legible and elegant display. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case retains well-defined lug geometry, displaying honest wear throughout its 35mm profile. Light scratches and handling marks are present on the polished surfaces and the polished bezel, consistent with the watch's age. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, showing no major scratches or crazing. An unsigned knurled crown with defined fluting sits at three o'clock, completing the classic dress watch silhouette. Movement Powering this timepiece is Seiko's celebrated manual-wind caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel mechanism renowned for its 36,000 bph high-beat frequency. The movement presents beautifully, with clean plates and bridges showing no visible corrosion or significant scratches, while the factory engravings remain sharp. Tested on a timegrapher, the watch recorded +50+52s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap appears lightly used and pairs excellently with the silver dial. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial remains highly attractive with only minor spotting near the edge, while the stainless steel case preserves its defined lug geometry alongside expected light scratches. The crystal is clear, and the high-beat movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Lord Marvel stands out for its historically significant 36,000 bph movement and its well-preserved silver sunburst dial. With its sharp dauphine hands and honest vintage character, it is a highly capable and attractive dress watch for the discerning enthusiast. History The Seiko Lord Marvel line occupies a special place in the brand's heritage, initially introduced in the late 1950s as a premium dress watch. The reference 5740-8000 represents the third generation of the Lord Marvel family and holds immense historical significance. It is equipped with the groundbreaking caliber 5740C, which is highly regarded by collectors as Seiko's first true high-beat movement, operating at 36,000 beats per hour. This engineering achievement paved the way for Seiko's future high-frequency calibers and remains a sought-after milestone in Japanese horology. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LMX-0009