Seiko - Lord Marvel 36000 - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 represents a pivotal moment in the brand's storied horological pursuit of high-frequency precision. As the very first Seiko timepiece to feature a 10-beat-per-second movement, it laid the mechanical foundation for the legendary hi-beat calibers that would soon power the highest echelons of Grand Seiko and King Seiko. Encased in a sharply tailored stainless steel profile, this reference delivers a masterclass in understated mid-century Japanese design, offering collectors a significant piece of watchmaking history that remains incredibly elegant on the wrist today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 922256 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably pristine dial Dial and Hands The silver dial features a radiant sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, showcasing Seiko's dedication to refined textures. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton hour markers that feature a distinct black central stripe, a thoughtful design element intended to maximize legibility. The sharp dauphine hands are similarly detailed with black inserts, creating a cohesive and striking visual contrast against the silver backdrop. The applied "SEIKO" logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while the "LORD MARVEL 36000" text and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol are crisply printed above the six o'clock marker. Upon close inspection, the dial is in exceptionally well-preserved condition, remaining impressively clean and free of moisture marks, spotting, or surface degradation. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's celebrated grammar of design, featuring a sharp, angular lug profile with distinct transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial perfectly under a classic domed acrylic crystal, which remains clear and free of significant distracting scratches. The case exhibits honest, light handling marks and micro-scratches consistent with careful vintage wear, but retains its strong architectural lines without signs of heavy polishing. The snap-on stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the Suwa factory logo, reference number 5740-8000, and the serial number 922256, all remaining highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-winding movement renowned for operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The movement presents beautifully in the images, with clean bridges, bright gears, and crisp factory stampings clearly visible. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show +10 to +15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. It secures to the wrist with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the sharp monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case. Condition This Lord Marvel 36000 is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the absolute standout, having survived the decades with near-flawless preservation. The case remains robust and well-defined, showing only normal, age-appropriate signs of wear. The movement is remarkably clean and running with impressive high-beat precision. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a Lord Marvel 36000 with a dial in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. It is a highly capable and historically important dress watch that bridges the gap between everyday reliability and elite chronometric performance. History Introduced originally in 1958, the Lord Marvel line was conceived as Seiko's premier luxury watch, predating the existence of Grand Seiko. In 1967, the line evolved dramatically with the introduction of the Lord Marvel 36000. By outfitting the watch with the Caliber 5740C, Seiko achieved its very first 36,000 bph movement, a technical triumph that allowed the Japanese manufacture to compete directly with elite Swiss chronometers. This high-beat technology would quickly become a hallmark of Seiko's finest creations, cementing the Lord Marvel 36000 as a true milestone in the evolution of modern mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0049