Seiko - Lord Marvel 36000 鏡静 (Kyōsei) – Quiet Mirror - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is a truly significant piece of Japanese horological history: the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000. Renowned for being the first Japanese watch to feature a high-beat movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this timepiece offers an mesmerizingly smooth sweeping seconds hand. This particular example stands out further with its desirable and sophisticated "linen" texture dial featuring crisp Arabic numerals, a configuration highly sought after by collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 261279 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 5740C, serviced Dial: Silver linen texture with Arabic numerals Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and sharp case lines. The movement has been recently serviced. Timegrapher testing confirms the movement is running exceptionally well, showing +2 to +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude, indicating a very healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the exquisite silver dial, which features a vertical brushed "linen" texture that catches the light beautifully. Unlike the more common baton marker versions, this dial displays elegant black Arabic numerals, giving it a classic and legible aesthetic. The dial is signed "Lord Marvel 36000" with the Suwa Seikosha logo. The polished dauphine hands are in excellent condition, complementing the overall sharpness of the face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case remains in impressive condition, retaining its original sharp lines and defined lugs. There are light signs of handling and surface wear consistent with careful usage, but no significant dents or damage. The caseback is a screw-down type, clearly engraved with the reference 5740-8000, the Seiko brand, and the serial number. The crystal is clear and presents the dial without obstruction. Movement Powering this watch is the legendary Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual wind movement. This mechanism is famous for its 36,000 beats per hour frequency, twice the speed of standard watches of the era, designed for superior precision. The movement has been recently serviced. Timegrapher testing confirms the movement is running exceptionally well, showing +2 to +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude, indicating a very healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring a geometric scale pattern and contrasting white stitching. It is secured by a silver-tone buckle, providing a sporty yet dressy look that suits the vintage character of the watch perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean, showing virtually no signs of aging or spotting. The case retains its factory geometry with crisp edges. The movement is mechanically sound and operating with high accuracy. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits comfortably and elegantly on the wrist. Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is a milestone watch, bridging the gap between standard production and the ultra-high-end Grand Seiko lines of the era. Finding one with the Arabic numeral linen dial in such well-preserved condition is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of high-beat history that looks as good as it performs. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Caliber 5740C within the Lord Marvel line was Seiko's "marvel" of engineering, serving as the testbed for high-frequency technology that would later be implemented in Grand Seiko V.F.A. models. It represented Seiko's absolute dedication to accuracy and cemented their status as a world-class manufacture capable of challenging Swiss chronometer standards. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0016